After months of mobilizing and fund-raising, throngs of women plan to pour into Philadelphia for a Million Woman March and daylong rally they hope will revitalize black families and communities. The event has lacked the fanfare of the Million Man March two years ago in Washington, but regional coordinators report growing interest as publicity has increased and the network of planners has jelled. Winnie Mandela, former wife of South African President Nelson Mandela, has agreed to be the keynote speaker, organizers said. The participants will use the rally to promote development of independent black schools, mentoring centers for teen-age black girls and programs to help black women leaving prison and others entering business or politics. Men and women of all races are we lcome.
Organizers plan to carry out the goals over the next three years through community activities.
Minnesota Women on a Mission, a group formed for the march, held garage sales and car washes to help pay for the trip.