By Ameenah Johnson
Special to the Ledger
Most people aren’t aware of the monumental event that took place this past weekend. The Justice or Else March took place on Oct. 10 in Washington, D.C. [The event] commemorated the 20th anniversary of the Million Man March that took place in 1995. The March marked one of the most life-changing experiences in the 21st century for all people of color. The original Million Man March was demanding rights for black men. This march changed the total dynamic of looking at one racial segment of society being discriminated against to looking at justice and equality for all races and ethnicities.
Upon attending this event, I was a little apprehensive, but not because I thought people attending this event would be disruptive. I was apprehensive because there were alleged threats from American extremists with a terroristic mindset to claim their country and take back what is theirs. However, when I arrived at the event, it was one of the most peaceful and beautiful sights I had ever seen in my life. There was such a diverse group of people that attended this event. I was in a living juxtaposition. It was a modern version of the civil rights events that took place during that era, except, it was full of fearless [adults] amongst the youth. I was standing next to [a wide variety of people], such as Native American tribes, Latinas and Latinos, Nuwapians, Moors, Nation of Islam, Asians, Indians, Africans, Sunni Muslims, Shia Muslims, Sheiks, Hindus and Buddhists. This was an event that I wish everyone could have attended and one that will remain in my thoughts for many years to come.
All photos taken by Ameenah Johnson, Special to the Ledger