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.
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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."
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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
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