BALTIMORE--Black men came to the Million Man March on Washington from different backgrounds, ages, and classes. Anthony Carpenter, 32, a Baltimore bank manager, was one of those diverse men at the Million Man March who has made good on a pledge taken by men at the march to go back and do something for their community.
Mr. Carpenter was so inspired by the march that he went back home and started an organization called REACH (Reach, Education, Attitude, Confidence, Hope), dedicated to Black youth who are lost and need the assistance of Black men.
"Our group is comprised of African-American males who are trying to make a difference ... as a result of the Million Man March," Mr. Carpenter told The Final Call. "We were very inspired by the march and felt that we needed to start taking action because a lot of times we sit back and talk about things we want to do and don't put the wheels into motion."
"Our mission statement is to reach those Black youth who do not have that family structure in their lives which we see as essential because if Black children don't have the proper rearing a lot of the problems that we see today will continue," Mr. Carpenter explained.
He recalled how shortly after the march 15-20 Black men who participated met in his basement and discussed and reflected on the historic event. "We went back and discussed what the march meant to each one of us and what we were going to do as a result of it," he said.
The men decided to form REACH, elected officers, collected dues and talked about the new groups' mission and agenda.
REACH, he said, is still in the embryo stage and is appealing to businesses and foundations for financial assistance. The men plan to offer youth in the program scholarships, speakers, buy uniforms for sports teams and sponsor recreational outings. At least one bank, Mr. Carpenter said, has given REACH a "verbal commitment" for monetary assistance.
One
Year Later
FCN
Online