THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, October 18, 1995 TAG: 9510180372
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B2 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY DENISE WATSON, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 74 lines
It's true that it might take years to see tangible results of the Million Man March - a closing of the economic gap between black and white Americans, a decrease in the number of black children living in poverty.
But Joyce Davis, a Virginia Beach woman who volunteered to help with march preparations, said she's hearing and feeling some remarkable influences already.
``I was listening to the radio today and a man called in and said, `I used to use the B-word and I'm not going to use that word anymore,' '' Davis said.
``I really believe a lot of souls and hearts were touched with the march. And that's positive.''
Monday's march, one of the nation's largest demonstrations of social activism, will be written in history books as a day 400,000 African-American men converged in Washington to celebrate black manhood and personal responsibility. The day will be remembered as a unifying, reverent event.
The premise of the march was to bring black men together to atone for neglecting family and community responsibilities and to develop ways to tackle issues of high unemployment, poverty and crime that disproportionately affect black communities.
But many marchers and march-watchers said the event produced a spiritual uplifting just as valuable as any written agenda.
``I believe the effects are almost more emotional and psychological,'' Kenneth Spencer, a 23-year-old Virginia Beach resident who participated in the march.
``There's a sense of positivity and empowerment. . . . That no matter what kinds of barriers that you have, there isn't anything you can't overcome. Just that vibe you got from people, it was something.''
Davis said there was a special cohesiveness among the volunteers and men arriving early for the march. She said the experience has helped her see black men in a different light.
``I think at times we're just as guilty of stereotyping our men, and this has opened up the sisters to say, `You're not like those stereotypes. You're a brother and you deserve respect,' '' Davis said.
``I saw a brother yesterday, and I just grabbed him and hugged him and said, `You're my brother and I'm behind you.' There was no sexual connotation to it at all. It was beautiful to do that.''
Candace Blanchard of Chesapeake, who watched the march on television, said it has made her re-evaluate her attitudes as well.
``I saw a young man today and couldn't help going up to him and asking him how his day was going,'' the 23-year-old said. ``And he looked surprised that someone had cared to ask.
``I promise from now on to be more aware of how I approach black men. Do I not talk to some because they might not wear really nice clothes? Do I walk by and not say `Hello' because I feel I don't have enough time? There have been times when I have, and I won't do it again.''
Shawn Perry, a senior at Norfolk State University, said attending the Million Man March rededicated him to a lifelong goal he had shelved some time ago.
Growing up in Miami, Perry worked at a recreation center that provided a social outlet for neighborhood kids and paid him $84 every two weeks to help there.
``It wasn't a lot of money, but it was something,'' Perry said.
Government budget cuts eliminated the jobs years ago and the centers are now only opened on a limited basis, even though the kids need the programs, Perry said.
``I want to go back home now and help some of those less fortunate than I,'' Perry said. ``Open up those rec centers for children, opening up youth activities. I'll try to get someone to sponsor and help me.
``The march didn't give me the idea, but it helped me not to give up on that idea, to keep on going with it.'' by CNB