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Union Temple Baptist Church Spurs Million Man March Anniversary, Unifest Events

October 22, 2025

Two major community events in Washington D.C. recently brought people together during a time of national division: the 30th anniversary of the Million Man March and the revival of Unifest after an 18-year hiatus. Both events, facilitated by the Rev. Willie Wilson of Union Temple Baptist Church, emphasized community unity, faith, and responsibility.

Who is affected

  • African American residents of Washington D.C., particularly in Ward 8 and Anacostia
  • Members of Union Temple Baptist Church
  • Youth participants from KIPP charter school and the Kappa League
  • Community members who historically attended Unifest celebrations
  • District residents dealing with the federal government shutdown
  • Families and descendants of those who participated in the original 1995 Million Man March
  • Vendors and local businesses who participated in the Unifest festival

What action is being taken

  • Union Temple Baptist Church is hosting community celebrations and commemorative events
  • Marchers are conducting symbolic processions with lanterns across the Anacostia River
  • Youth actors are portraying key historical figures as part of educational programming
  • Community leaders are delivering speeches emphasizing unity and self-determination
  • Rev. Wilson is facilitating discussions about developing educational curriculum to teach Black history
  • Local vendors and organizations are participating in community festival activities
  • Community members are working on the church's community garden

Why it matters

  • The events provide unity during a time of government shutdown and national division
  • They preserve and celebrate cultural and historical legacy in the Black community
  • The Million Man March anniversary honors a significant historical gathering that drew an estimated 1.5 million African American men in 1995
  • Unifest returns as a historically important community festival after an 18-year absence
  • The events emphasize self-reliance and community action rather than government solutions
  • They connect younger generations to important historical movements and cultural traditions
  • The celebrations reinforce the importance of community gathering spaces in Ward 8

What's next

  • Rev. Wilson plans to develop a curriculum about Black history that can be shared with churches and organizations
  • The pastor of Union Temple Baptist Church will determine whether Unifest will continue as a regular event
  • Community leaders are advocating for a national Black holiday commemorating the Million Man March
  • The next generation of community leaders are being encouraged to continue these traditions

Read full article from source: The Washington Informer