Afterward, Clarence Muhammad of Richmond, Va., says that he heeds this ancient call to prayer every morning. But instead of doing so as usual in his own home, on this day he was drawn to be at the Mall. And we need to be strong. His wife and young son sit quietly nearby, concentrating on a speech. The sky turns a light peach color.
Joggers trot down the gravel pathways.
Here and there, lights dot nearby office buildings. Roderick Muhammad listens to the morning's speakers from his wheelchair. He left Memphis, Tenn., by bus at 9 p.m. Sunday to arrive here at this hour, to take in everything. It's important to show support for the family. The smell of incense wafts from smoldering sticks poking up from the ground.