Million Man Follow Up Struggles for Unity

[MountainLaurel]

In the face of its leader's misogyny and homophobia. . .

The spirit of unity surrounding the upcoming Millions More Movement, celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Million Man March, suffered a setback last week as two groups largely excluded a decade ago -- gays and women -- questioned whether they're really welcome.

The reason is that the Rev. Willie F. Wilson, the national executive director for the gathering, said in a July 3 sermon at his Southeast Washington church that lesbians were about to take over and that black women who earn more than men are partly to blame for breaking up families -- notions widely criticized as divisive and wrong.

snippity

After Wilson's comments, one church canceled a planned organizing meeting and several gay and lesbian groups called for Wilson's ouster. But there has been no mass exodus of support. Williams, through a spokesman, condemned the statements but said he would not "let impressions about one individual derail a movement."

snippity-do

Marion Barry, former mayor and current D.C. Council member, said he sought out Wilson, a friend and spiritual adviser, to tell him he ought to apologize. Wilson has not. Barry has counted himself as a friend of the gay, lesbian and transgender community since he was a young revolutionary in the 1970s. Last week, as he tried to mediate the dispute, the old warrior was called a traitor because he said the Millions More Movement "is bigger than any of us."

Pannell, who organized the meeting at a favorite Ward 8 haunt, Players Lounge, was incensed. "Just tell them it's their march," he yelled at Barry. "You're saying that we don't count. You are telling them they can engage in homophobic bigotry and you will allow it."

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/07/23/AR2005072300943_2.html

[Smarmie Doofus]

1. That's original. Got a problem? Blame lesbians. Also....

who is "Williams" in paragraph 3. There doesn't appear to be an antecedent.

[MountainLaurel]

2. Result of the snipping

If you had read the article, you'd see that the Williams in question is Anthony, mayor of the District of Columbia.

[Smarmie Doofus]

3. In other words, the identity of "Williams" is not specified...

in your post OR in the link.

Thank you.

[noamnety]

4. It's on page one of the article

The link takes you directly to page 2 of 2, but if you go to page 1, you'll see it in the 6th paragraph.

[Smarmie Doofus]

5. I do not want to register with Washington Post .Com.; is there...

a way, other than by registering, by which I can see page one of the article?

[noamnety]

6. Some people use bugmenot

http://bugmenot.com/