“I pledge that from this day forward I will never engage in the abuse of children, little boys or little girls, for sexual gratification. For I will let them grow in peace to be strong men and women for the future of our people.”
Min. Loius Farrakhanople.
The Million Man March
October 16th, 1995.
I was sent an email the other day, and this quote was included. It was a part of a pledge that Minister Louis Farrakhanople asked each Black man to raise his right hand and swear to at the Million Man March in October of 1995.
I looked up the actual text of the pledge, and found writing that easily crosses race, gender, continents. With very few ammendments, EVERY man AND woman, regardless of race, should make this pledge. The text of the pledge is below, ammendments in bold. Let’s spread it around. Let’s use it.
The violence has to end. The abuse has to end. The hate has to end. It has to start with us.
I – say your name- pledge that from this day forward, I will strive to love my fellow human being as I love myself.
I – say your name – from this day forward will strive to improve myself spiritually, morally, mentally, socially, politically and economically for the benefit of myself, my family and my people.
I – say your name – pledge that I will strive to build business, build houses, build hospitals, build factories and enter into international trade for the good of myself, my family and my people.
I – say your name – pledge that from this day forward I will never raise my hand with a knife or a gun to beat, cut or shoot any member of my family or any human being except in self defense.
I – say your name – pledge from this day forward, I will never abuse my wife by striking her, disrespecting her, for she is the mother of my children and the producer of my future.
I – say your name – pledge that from this day forward, I will never engage in the abuse of children, little boys or little girls, for sexual gratification. But I will let them grow in peace to be strong men and women for the future of our people.
I – say your name – will never again use the “b” word to describe any female.
I – say your name – pledge that from this day forward that I will not poison my body with drugs or that which is destructive to my health and my well-being.
I – say your name – pledge from this day forward that I will support and honor those who support and honor others. I will support artists who clean up their acts and show respect for themselves and respect for their people and respect for the heirs of the human family.
I – say your name – will do all of this, so help me - your higher power -.
Thank you to Frances Murphy of the AFRO staff for posting the text of this pledge.
