c. 1996 Religion News Service

(Samuel K. Atchison is an ordained minister and has worked as a policy analyst and social worker to the homeless. He currently is a prison chaplain in Trenton, N.J.)

(RNS)-“Long live the spirit of the Million Man March!” The chant was heard in urban centers throughout the nation as hundreds of thousands of black men, their sins atoned and their souls challenged, returned to their communities after last October’s march in Washington, D.C., with a renewed sense of purpose.

The magnitude of the Million Man March and the subsequent activities of its two chief organizers, the Rev. Ben Chavis and Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan, have set the stage for a new style of leadership and governance within the African-American community.

But where will this movement go, and who will follow?

The Million Man March touched a nerve at the very core of black America. The need for atonement, as expressed by Farrakhan, was keenly felt by virtually all black men. Regardless of whether or not a man was gainfully employed, had served time in prison or was a dead-beat dad, the desire for reconciliation and renewal resonated within us all.

Nor was there a sense, at the end of the march, that all was resolved. Rather, as Farrakhan stated, the work had just begun.

The Million Man March has sparked a number of follow-up events-some independent and others under the aegis of Chavis’ National African-American Leadership Summit-to promote good works in communities around the country. And while Farrakhan himself did not participate in many of these activities, his representatives were always there.

In Charleston, S.C., community activists began cleaning up the debris in financially depressed neighborhoods. In Denver, a rally was held championing the themes of reconciliation and atonement. In my hometown of Trenton, N.J., 7,000 African-Americans recently marched on the state capitol promoting the slogan,”Family, Community, People: United for Progress.” These local events provide ample evidence of serious political organizing by Chavis’ Washington-based National African-American Leadership Summit, a coalition of African-American organizations that includes Farrakhan’s group.

According to NAALS spokesman Lou Andrews, a series of meetings is being planned to bring local organizing committees formed in the wake of the March under the group’s umbrella.

Simultaneously, a plan is in the works to hold a political convention this summer to develop what Andrews termed a”black agenda,”highlighting issues of concern to African-Americans. The agenda, referred to by Farrakhan in his keynote speech at the Million Man March, will be ratified at the convention by local delegates, and will then be presented to the major political parties and their nominees in advance of November’s presidential election.

Thus it appears likely that a critical mass of African-Americans may soon be united under Farrakhan’s political banner. Such a prospect should give us pause for reflection.

Charismatic though he may be, Farrakhan remains a divisive figure within the black community. For all of his accomplishments, many remain leery of the way Farrakhan presents himself in virtually messianic terms. Though some African-Americans would follow Farrakhan to the ends of the earth, others would not follow him across the street.

How important is Farrakhan to the future of black America? Is he, as he has said, our worst nightmare or a dream come true? It’s too soon to tell.

But one way or another, he disturbs my sleep.

LJB END ATCHISON