The 1997 Million Woman March was truly one of the most profound events in Philadelphia’s and African American history. The 10 year anniversary of The Million Woman March will be a celebration of the largest gathering of women, anywhere. The Million Woman March was assembled through grassroots efforts (there was no corporate sponsorship of this event). Also, it is a little known fact that the City of Philadelphia’s mantra was officially changed to “the City of Brotherly love and Sisterly Affection” as a result of the Million Woman March..
This article is an update from a previously written article regarding the progress of the 2007 Million Woman March directly from the founder and convener of Million Woman March, Empress Chi (Sister Phile’ Chionesu) via an email interview.
Q. What did the Million Woman March in 1997 mean to you?
A. As The Visionary and Architect of the largest gathering in the world of women ever, the historic Million Woman March not only gave me much personal pride and a sense of accomplishment, but also the encouragement to continual the work that had been placed in my care and that was yet to come. The 1997 Million Woman March re-affirmed the fact that Black women have the ability to whatever, even under he greatest of odds and that it was now necessary to begin to really prepare to do what we know must be done. The Million Woman March (MWM) additionally verified (and brought about the manifestation) in an unequivocal tangible (physically and metaphysically) manner many of the beliefs, philosophies, the necessity of adhering to a well grounded mode of discipline, integrity, and honor that was imbedded within me by The Creator of All Creations.
Q. What was your most memorable moment of the Million Woman March?
A. Getting up bright and early the next day and going to the office to begin the net work phase of the in building the M W Movement.
Q. What does the Million Woman March in 2007 mean to you?
A. It would really take too much time to answer this question as in adeptly as I would like to but I can say It means that the Million Woman March 2007 Reunion will certainly be a manifestation of the fact that “The Time Is Now! ” (for Black women to rise up and take their/our rightful places)
Though the last 10 years have been very difficult, (as giving birth tends to be) Million Woman March has persevered, fought many battles (and mostly won), and have not only stayed the course in the true spirit from whence it was conceived, but has also wonderfully grown, has gotten much stronger and more proficient, and is more prepared and readied to do the work that it was designed and committed to do. This gathering is not a MARCH per se. It is a Reunion Assembly. It is the gathering of those who wish to unite, connect bond, and build with other Black women from all over the world. Reconnecting with sisters form 1997 and meeting new ones now to build our global Sisterhood.
We will stand together in preparation to “Take Action” regarding many of the areas on concern. For example, we will make it clear that we will not only say no to the music industry’s and artist’s attempts to degrade us black females) but to let them no that we will boycott their company’s/labels, clothing line, concerts, etc. if they continue to do so.
Additional information can be found on the Official Million Woman March website
Source
Email interview with founder and convener of Million Woman March, Empress Chi (Sister Phile’ Chionesu)
