Million Woman March facts for kids
The Million Woman March was a very large protest march. It happened on October 25, 1997, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. About half a million people gathered for this important event. A main idea of the march was family unity. It also focused on what it means to be an African American woman in America. The women at the march asked for a few key things. They wanted to heal any pain black women had caused each other. They also aimed to make African American families and communities strong again.
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What Was the Million Woman March?
The Million Woman March was started by Phile Chionesu. She was a grassroots activist and human rights supporter. She owned an African crafts shop. Phile Chionesu was not part of any big national Black organizations. After months of quiet organizing, she asked Asia Coney to join her. Asia Coney became a National Co-Chair.
Goals of the March
The march aimed to help Black communities in the United States. It wanted to bring social and economic power to them. The event also hoped to give hope, strength, unity, and sisterhood. This was for women, men, and children of African descent everywhere. This included people from any country, religion, or financial background.
A main theme of the march was family unity. It also explored what it means to be an African American woman in America. The women marching called for three main things. They wanted to heal pain among black women. They also wanted to restore and strengthen African American families and communities. The march included hours of prayer and many speeches.
The day was full of prayer, music, and inspiring speeches. These events were meant to encourage positive change. The march began at the Liberty Bell. It ended at the steps of the Philadelphia Art Museum. Many important people spoke at the event. These included Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, the ex-wife of Nelson Mandela. Congresswoman Maxine Waters also spoke. Other speakers were Sister Souljah, Jada Pinkett Smith, and Dr. Dorothy Height. Attallah Shabazz and Ilyasah Shabazz, the daughters of Malcolm X, also shared messages. A message from Assata Shakur was read from Cuba.
How the March Was Organized
Many people saw the march as a special event. This was because of its unusual way of organizing. It showed how a "grassroots" approach could work. This means it was organized by ordinary people, not big groups. These women used different ways to share information. They used media helpers, like Stacey Chambers. They also used groups like Alpha Kappa Alpha. Information spread by word of mouth, fliers, and Black-run media. The Internet also played a role. A network of women's organizations helped too. The Million Woman March helped start the first global movement for women and girls of African descent.
How Many People Attended?
The exact number of people at the march is not clear. The Philadelphia police did not give official numbers. But they had prepared for up to 600,000 people. A study from the University of Pennsylvania looked at photos and other information. This study suggested that at least 500,000 people attended. Police sources gave numbers from 300,000 to 1 million. People came even though it was cold and lightly raining.
The organizers of the march thought 2.1 million people attended. Phile Chionesu believed there were more than 2.5 million people. The event brought together women from all over the country. Some wore jeans and sweatshirts. Others wore colorful African clothing.
Why Was the March Important?
The main goal of the Million Woman March was for African American women to be in charge of their own lives. This is called being "self-determined."
The march also wanted to highlight unfair facts about African American women. For example, research showed that 94 out of 1,000 African American teenage girls were victims of violent crime. In 1996, African American men earned more money than African American women each week. Also, African American women were paid less than white women each week. Because of these unfair facts, African American women and their supporters wanted to take a stand. Part of the protest was about these kinds of inequalities.
The Million Woman March has continued its work. The founder and national offices still lead its mission. Since the march, over 50 conferences have taken place. More than 100 forums have been held. There were also online radio broadcasts for 12 years. Many social justice protests for women and African American females have also happened.
