NEWARK�With less than two months to go, the state is getting ready for the Million Family March, gathering the support of local activists, residents and politicians, members of the New Jersey State Organizing Committee recently reported.

"I have promised the Hon. Minister Louis Farrakhan that we would surpass the 20,000 men that attended the Million Man March from New Jersey," said Larry Hamm, state-organizing chairman.

Mr. Hamm�s enthusiasm was indicative of the spirit of those in attendance at the Aug. 30 news conference.

The Women in Support of the Million Man March Mansion at 53 Lincoln Park was full to capacity with people from Newark, Plainfield, Patterson, Elizabeth/Linden, Jersey City, the Oranges and Staten Island, New York. All offered support for what Min. Michael Muhammad of Mosque No. 25 in Newark, called "The event which will probably set a precedent for the new millennium."

He was, of course, speaking of the Million Family March called for October 16, 2000, in Washington, D.C.

Min. Michael illustrated the importance and some results of the Million Man March. "Crime is down because of the resolve of a million men," he said. Work to continue on the path of change by putting God in the center of our family life is needed, Min. Michael added.

"God-centered families must become the righteous sword that we all pick up," offered Newark Councilman Corey A. Booker. People have the power to make changes in society, but for some reason have not used it, he said.

"The light of universal love and unity must come from all servants of God�all creeds, all colors," said the youthful councilman, who pledged a bus for the march while noting more pledges are needed.

Min. Mustapha Muhammad, of Mosque No. 80 and Local Organizing Committee chairman for Plainfield, N.J., read from a resolution by the city council of Plainfield supporting an upcoming walk-a-thon and the Million Family March.

"Whereas, Plainfield�s own September 16th Walk-A-Thon will help support the October 16th National Million Family March through the accumulation of dedication and resources to the ideals of the 21st Century Family," states the resolution, which was signed by Harold W. Mitchell, city council president, and Laddie Wyatt, who is municipal clerk.

Min. Mustapha said the resolution was indicative of the kind of support that the Million Family March has in the state of New Jersey.

Also in attendance were Frederica Bey, executive director of the Women In Support of the Million Man March, Inc., and the Rev. Carolyn Pobanz, vice regional director of the Family Federation.