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Historical article The 1997 March

Why Was the Million Woman March Organized?

Written by Bambi T. Scott Historical reference contributor
Published Last updated Reading time2 min read Sources listed5

Short answer

The Million Woman March of 1997 brought hundreds of thousands of Black women to Philadelphia in a powerful display of unity and self-determination. Organized independently of the Million Man March, it addressed the specific concerns of Black women, from economic empowerment to criminal justice reform. This article explores the march's origins, goals, controversies, and enduring legacy in American social movements.

Overview

The Million Woman March was a historic mass gathering of predominantly Black women that took place on October 25, 1997, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Organized by a grassroots network of community activists, the march aimed to unite Black women from across the United States to address issues affecting their families and communities, and to celebrate their strength and resilience. Unlike the 1995 Million Man March, which was spearheaded by the Nation of Islam and focused on Black men, the Million Woman March was conceived and led by women, emphasizing self-reliance, healing, and political mobilization. The event drew an estimated 500,000 to 1 million participants, making it one of the largest gatherings of Black women in American history. Its platform encompassed education, economic development, health care, criminal justice reform, and the promotion of positive images of Black womanhood.

The march emerged from a desire to create a space where Black women could define their own agenda, free from the patriarchal structures that often marginalized their voices in both the civil rights and feminist movements. It was a call to action, a celebration of identity, and a declaration of collective power. This article examines the multifaceted reasons behind the organization of the Million Woman March, its historical context, key figures, controversies, and lasting impact.

FAQ

What was the main purpose of the Million Woman March?

The main purpose was to unite Black women to address issues affecting their communities, including economic inequality, education, health care, criminal justice reform, and political empowerment. It also aimed to celebrate Black womanhood and counter negative stereotypes.

How many people attended the Million Woman March?

Attendance estimates vary widely. Organizers claimed over 1 million, while the Philadelphia police estimated 300,000 to 500,000. Most scholars and journalists settle on a range of 500,000 to 750,000. No official count exists.

Who organized the Million Woman March?

The march was co-founded by Phile Chionesu and Asia Coney, two community activists from Philadelphia. It was organized through a decentralized, grassroots network of women's groups, churches, and individuals across the country.

Was the Million Woman March connected to the Million Man March?

While inspired by the Million Man March, the Million Woman March was independently organized and focused specifically on Black women's issues. It was not affiliated with the Nation of Islam or Louis Farrakhan, and some organizers saw it as a corrective to the male-centeredness of the earlier march.

What controversies surrounded the march?

Controversies included the lack of a city permit, questions about financial transparency, internal leadership disputes, and criticism from some LGBTQ+ and secular feminists who felt excluded by the march's religious and heteronormative framing.

Research record

Sources & further reading

  1. White, Deborah Gray. Too Heavy a Load: Black Women in Defense of Themselves, 1894-1994. W.W. Norton, 1999.
  2. Guy-Sheftall, Beverly, editor. Words of Fire: An Anthology of African-American Feminist Thought. The New Press, 1995.
  3. Springer, Kimberly. "The Million Woman March: The Perils of Being a Black Feminist Public Intellectual." Meridians, vol. 2, no. 2, 2002, pp. 244–262.
  4. Philadelphia Inquirer archives, October 1997. Coverage of the Million Woman March, including attendance estimates and interviews with organizers.
  5. Chionesu, Phile, and Asia Coney. "The Million Woman March: A Call to Action." Essence, December 1997, pp. 102–108.

Connected ideas

Black Feminism
A movement that centers the experiences of Black women, recognizing the intersection of race, gender, class, and other forms of oppression. It emerged in response to the exclusion of Black women from both mainstream feminism and the civil rights movement.
Intersectionality
A theoretical framework coined by Kimberlé Crenshaw to describe how overlapping social identities—such as race, gender, and class—create unique systems of discrimination and disadvantage.
Womanism
A social and political perspective rooted in the experiences of Black women, coined by Alice Walker. It emphasizes community, spirituality, and the interconnectedness of all struggles for justice, distinguishing itself from mainstream feminism.
Grassroots Organizing
A bottom-up approach to social change that relies on the collective action of ordinary people at the local level, rather than top-down leadership from established institutions.
Million Man March
A mass gathering of Black men in Washington, D.C., on October 16, 1995, organized by Louis Farrakhan and the Nation of Islam to promote unity, atonement, and responsibility. It inspired the Million Woman March but was criticized for its male-centric focus.

Independent historical publication This article is presented for historical and educational reference. The publication is not affiliated with or endorsed by the original march organizers or related organizations.

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