Between the Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial, the scene Oct. 16 looked like a massive family reunion�blankets were spread out, folding chairs set-up, umbrellas unfolded and coolers open.

However the predominantly Black, but ethnically diverse crowd, had come not for a single family reunion but as participants in the Million Family March. They enjoyed a day devoted to celebrating family and heeded a call for greater commitment and organization to promote behavior and public policy that help families.

Surrounded by his wife LaShelle, their two children, and his parents, Dwight Franklin surveyed the crowd and beamed with pride. "My dad and I attended the Million Man March and wanted to come back to show our support as an entire family. We hope to take the message from the Million Family March back to our community," said Mr. Franklin.

For many, the march was a chance to find rejuvenation and stand with others determined to overcome the daily economic and social pressures families face.

"My family has gone through a lot of problems and we wanted, and needed, to be here for some direction. We want our family to stick together to work things. I know my family will make it," said Donna Campana, who journeyed to the National Mall from the Bronx, N.Y., with her two sons.

"My husband and I came to the march because of the inclusiveness of all religions and races surrounding family values. The break-up of families has brought about the problems that currently exist in America. In order for a family to be strong, God must be the foundation and parents should be role models for their children," commented Vany Glielfi, who lives in Maryland and is a member of the Unification Church.

New Jersey resident George Kazakos heard about the march through the media and decided to participate. He brought his wife, two children and a family friend as an extension of his belief that family is the key to success. "I believe that there is no government program or funding that can do what a family can do. We create all these ridiculous government programs and are taxed for them, creating a huge bureaucracy," he argued.

"When I heard this message for all families to come together, I wanted to support that because we are all one family. You can say you believe something but until you support it, take action and try to live it, that doesn�t mean anything," said Mr. Kazakos.

The day�s consensus of opinion was strong families are vital and government policy needs to help, not hurt, families.

Bilal Sunni-Ali felt the march was about another important issue: justice for Imam Jamil Al-Amin, formerly known as H. Rap Brown. The imam is accused of murdering a sheriff�s deputy and is awaiting trial in the controversial case in Georgia.

Mr. Sunni-Ali handed out information on Imam Al-Amin�s case, saying the respected Islamic leader is a political prisoner. "We wanted to give out literature about his case to the mass crowd because part of the platform of the Million Family March is political prisoners," he explained. Mr. Sunni-Ali, who was awaiting the birth of his eighth grandchild and has been married for 25 years, sees his fight for Imam Al-Amin as part of his commitment to his extended family and his duty as head of his family.

When Jason Muhammad attended the Million Man March in 1995, he was single. He returned to Washington, D.C., a father of two and married. "When I look around and see the different types of people, only the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan has the appeal that breaks down every single barrier and wall to an event that is God centered," said Bro. Jason with wife Kadara. The family lives in Rochester, N.Y.

New York resident Eddie Feaster had looked forward to the Million Family March since Min. Farrakhan announced it at the 1995 Million Man March. "My wife attended the Million Woman March and we brought our daughter today. We�ve had a wonderful day and enjoyed hearing and seeing those from all races and walks of life. We have gotten a lot of information and know now that we are all one family and hopefully move on as one family," Mr. Feaster said.

Joined by her fianc�e and his son, Philadelphian Michelle Rice saw more than just a one day celebration. "The Million Family March is spearheading a family unity movement. Our family has learned to strengthen, love, support and encourage each other. Those are the fundamental things needed for families to unite, stay together and stay strong," she said.

(Nisa Islam Muhammad contributed to this article.)