In honor of the 30th Anniversary of the Million Man March and the 43rd Anniversary of Anacostia’s UNIFEST, a coalition of faith leaders, community advocates, business owners, educators, professionals, community leaders, members of fraternities, and sororities, as well as civic organizations led by Rev. Dr. Willie F. Wilson, Pastor Emeritus of Union Temple Baptist Church have united to commemorate the spirit and values of these two iconic movements.
Purposed to reflect, reconnect and recommit to the principles of faith, hope, love, atonement, unity and community, the commemoration includes a robust list of activities to honor the convergence of the two iconic legacies in one united commemoration.
Among the leaders and luminaries scheduled to participate in the activities are Rev. Willie Wilson, pastor emeritus of Union Temple Baptist Church, Minister Abdul Khadir Muhammad, Mosque#4, Mayor Muriel Bowser, DC Councilmembers, Rev. Tony Lee, Pastor, Community of Hope A.M.E. Church, Rev. Wanda Thompson, Pastor, Ambassador Baptist Church and Co-Convener, Ward 8 Faith Leaders, Rev. George Gilbert, Vice Chairperson, Social Justice Committee, Progressive National Baptist Convention (PNBC), Adria Muhammad founder and owner of Holidays For Black Folks Ronald Moten, community activist, entrepreneur and founder of the Go-Go Museum & Café, Dr. Josephine Mourning, Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) of Prince George’s County, and other leaders.
WHEN /WHERE: Thursday, October 16, 2025 – 11:30 am Union Temple Baptist Church – 1225 E street, SE
BACKGROUND: The MMM, which took place thirty years ago on October 16, 1995, brought almost 2 million black men to the National Mall in complete harmony and peace. The historic March resulted in increased voter turnout, the establishment of many new business ventures, the creation of renewed hope, pride and family values, a significant decrease in crime and black on black homicide rate significantly, as well as a sense of comraderies and community that lingers in the hearts and minds of many today.
Launched in 1982 in Anacostia, UNIFEST, was a vibrant community celebration that infused pride and community among the residents. It brought thousands from the east coast to Anacostia to celebrate Black excellence, culture, and unity.
“This is more than a commemoration. This is a call to action for our people to stand up and recommit to the values and principles of the Million Man March and UNIFEST,” said Rev. Wilson. “We are honoring the past while building bridges for the future. Reconciliation and responsibility are not just themes—they are practices we must live every day.”
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