With cries of "Amandala!," Sis. Winnie Mandela accepted an invitation from the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan to be a keynote speaker at next year's Million Family March.

The South African freedom-fighter visited the East Coast Regional Headquarters of the Nation of Islam December 19, as part of a three-day business trip.

In a speech that was frequently interrupted by thunderous applause from the capacity crowd, Ms. Mandela warned: "Let us not let the Million Man March be a memory. It cannot be a memory. We have to actualize it, we have to do it again. If it be, we have to do it year in and year out because we are bringing back the pride of the Black man."

Scheduled for October 16, 2000, The Million Family March will mark the fifth anniversary of the Million Man March. National Director of the March and East Coast Regional Representative of the Nation of Islam, Benjamin F. Muhammad, introduced Ms. Mandela, a leader in the African National Congress party, as "a woman that helped to change the 20th century and is changing the 21st century."

"There are those who thought that Queen Mother Mandela would never be free and that the shackles of apartheid would always be rigidly down on our people ... sister has had a heck of a struggle, this road to freedom has not been easy," he said.

In her precisely-worded, 10-minute address, Ms. Mandela also thanked Min. Farrakhan for elevating the role of women in the struggle for the liberation of Black people.

"One of the greatest things my brother has done is the recognition of the role of women in our struggle for liberation and the emancipation of the woman throughout the world," said the regal-looking Ms. Mandela.

Visitors and guests were in high spirits after hearing her words. Her ability to impact many lives after overcoming astronomical odds was exemplified by Alphonso Muhammad, who said, "It was very enlightening to meet a woman who has been in the forefront of the struggle for liberation of Black people, not only in South Africa but here in America and throughout the world."

Before departing, Ms. Mandela greeted and kissed every child in attendance.

"I never dreamed I would meet her in person here in America. A woman free and strong and the embodiment of the hope of South Africa. It was truly a blessing to be in her presence," said Samiyyah Muhammad.