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Organized by Minister Louis Farrakhan of the Nation of Islam (founded in 1930), the Million Man March was held on October 16, 1995 in Washington, DC. Its purpose was to encourage black men to seek atonement and reconciliation, and to take responsibility for their own lives and actions. Estimates of attendance range from 600,000 to 1,000,000 people. Additional "Million Man" related marches include the Million Woman March which was held in Philadelphia on October 25, 1997, the 2000 Million Family March which was held in Washington D.C. on October 16, 2000, and the Tenth Anniversary Millions More Movement March, also held in Washington, on October 16, 2005.

Prior to joining the Nation of Islam (NOI) in 1955, Louis Farrakhan (1933- ) was a well known singer and violinist in the Boston area. It was while visiting Chicago for a musical engagement that he first became aware of the NOI. Upon becoming a Muslim, Farrakhan left show business.

Much of Minister Farrakhan's focus has been upon improving the economic well-being of blacks through self-reliance, character development, and education. However, to many he remains a controversial figure, because of past racist and anti-Semitic comments.