Starting today (October 16) Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan is marking the 13th anniversary of the historic Million Man March with a series of community outreach events.The first initiative has Minister Farrakhan speaking extensively with inmates of Chicago’s Cook County jail. His remarks there will focus on challenging the incarcerated men to take the pledge of self-improvement given to the Million Man March attendees in Washington, DC on October 16, 1995.On Sunday October 19, Farrakhan will oversee the rededication of the Nation of Islam’s Mosque Maryam, located on 7351 S. Stony Island Avenue in Chicago.The event is also marked as the group’s Holy Day of Atonement 2008, and is expected to feature a keynote address (“A New Beginning”) focusing on the importance of different faith communities building bridges through common elements and values.“Many have desired to know and gain a better understanding of the Teachings of the Honorable Elijah Muhammad, the founder of the Nation of Islam, and a better understanding of the religion that has captured the attention of the world, the religion of Islam,” Minister Farrakhan explained to AllHipHop.com. “We have restored Mosque Maryam completely, and we will dedicate it to the universal message of Islam, and the universal aspect of the Teachings of the Honorable Elijah Muhammad. It represents for the Nation of Islam, a new beginning.”On hand for the ceremony and representing Hip-Hop culture will be mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs and celebrated Queens lyricist Nas. Diddy previously participated in the original Million Man March, advocating support for greater funding in public schools. This year, Nas paid tribute to the minister on the track “Louis Farrakhan,” off of his acclaimed Untitled album.The rededication and address will commence October 19 at 2PM, with doors opening at noon. The entire event is free to the public.For those outside of the Chicago area, a webcast will be available through http://www.NOI.org
