Wichita community leaders honor ‘Million Man March’ anniversary by uplifting students

WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) – On October 16, 1995, the largest recorded gathering of African American men took place at the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The Million Man March is now remembered as an event promoting unity within the Black community.

On Wednesday morning, Wichita community leaders attempted to do the same by uplifting students on their way to school.

Students received a warm welcome from school and community leaders as they started the school day. The gathering commemorated the 30th anniversary of the historic Million Man March.

“The goal of the Million Man March was to bring black men together for atonement, reconciliation, and responsibility, so we have a responsibility to serve not only our families, but our community,” said Corinthian Kelly of the Wichita Planning Committee.

Kelly is one of many community leaders who gathered at Holy Savior Catholic School to uplift kids on their way into school.

“We were so honored to celebrate, we’re honored to encourage and bring our young people involved in this,” Kelly said.

Students said the festivities were a breath of fresh air.

“It’s something special,” one student said.

“It makes me feel loved,” said another.

Mario Barnes, executive director of Heroes Academy, said these moments are meaningful for both students and community leaders.

“It’s always good to inspire our young people, it’s always good to bring them joy and hope, and having us clap them in, having us just surround them with love and all the good stuff and some good music, they feel inspired to do great things,” Barnes said.

“We want 20-30 years from now for them to be the folks encouraging and clapping-in the next generation, so my heart was so full when I saw young boys and young girls running into a school building, that’s awesome,” he said.

This is just one of many ways the march’s anniversary is being celebrated. The group started on Saturday with a “Books and Breakfast” event, along with a communitywide clean up.

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