Born Kings: Brotherhood in Action, Reflecting the Spirit of the Million Man March

Birmingham, Alabama, recently became the site of a transformative gathering at the Born Kings event, hosted by Brother Amir Tracey Muhammad, founder of Supreme Leadership Youth Academy. This nonprofit assists young Black males. The Born Kings’ celebration of love, brotherhood, bonding, and betterment brought together men from various walks of life. They came together in a shared spirit of joy and fellowship, embodying the message of collective upliftment through unity. The event’s tone echoed the spirit of the Million Man March as its 29th anniversary approaches this October.

The Million Man March, held on October 16, 1995, was pivotal in American history. The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan organized the March, which brought over a million Black men to Washington, D.C., to address the need for Black unity, atonement, and social justice. The emphasis was on self-improvement, responsibility, and community empowerment, much like the message resonating throughout the Born Kings event.

The atmosphere was filled with camaraderie when attendees arrived at the Born Kings gathering. Strangers greeted one another like lifelong friends, and the warmth in the room spoke to the deeper bond between these men. This event was not just a conference or a forum to address issues; it was a celebration of Black manhood and leadership, an opportunity to recharge through the joy of brotherhood.

Brother Amir Tracey Muhammad, a former student captain in the Nation of Islam, explained the inspiration behind the event, saying, “Allah (God) gave me four key ideas for putting this program together: bring Black men together, connect with barbers, honor them for their contributions to the community, and involve women on the perimeter levels of the event.” He continued, “I support women-only meetings and conferences, and I believe in Black men coming together to address important issues. But for this event, I didn’t want a typical conference. I wanted a space where brothers could appreciate each other’s company — a night dedicated to showing love and support.”

The event featured speeches, conversations, and personal reflections. The host honored local barbers for their contributions, not only in grooming but also in mentoring and building relationships within their communities. Brother Amir’s decision to highlight barbers as pillars of the community underscored how everyday professions serve as gateways for guidance and empowerment.

I had the privilege of interviewing three critical participants from the event: Brother Carl Hasan Muhammad, an 80-year-old community activist and barber; Quincy Moore, a Jefferson County Barber Inspector; and the host himself, Brother Amir. Brothers Carl Hasan and Quincy Moore both received the Born Kings Humanitarian Awards. While no women were physically present, they played significant roles as prayer warriors and sponsors, contributing to the success of the evening by supporting and uplifting the men who gathered.

Brother Carl Hasan Muhammad (Pictured to the right with Brother Amir) spoke passionately about the importance of mentorship, particularly for the younger generation. “Our youth are looking for examples of strength and integrity. We have to be those examples, guiding them through challenges and showing them there is always a path forward,” he shared. Brother Carl emphasized that the unity at the Born Kings event was profoundly compared to the spirit he felt during the Million Man March. He added, “And that’s exactly what it was: an aura of peace, unity, and love between the brotherhood. It was Christian, Hebrews, and the Nation of Islam. We all were here.”

An entrepreneur and mentor, Quincy Moore resounded the call for self-reliance and personal responsibility. “We can’t wait for others to create opportunities for us. We have to build them ourselves,” he urged. Moore’s message of self-determination and economic empowerment was applauded as his words resonated deeply with the audience. He also reflected on the joy of connecting with other men at the event, recounting how sharing a meal with barbers and other professionals created an environment of mutual respect. “You sat at tables with people you didn’t know, but you had a conversation and made friends. It’s not often you find men clapping for other men in this city, and that’s why this event is so important. We need this every year.”

The efforts of the Fruit of Islam (FOI), who handled security for the evening, further underscored the spirit of camaraderie and brotherhood. Brother Carl praised their professionalism and leadership in ensuring the evening went smoothly, reminiscent of the organized efforts during the Million Man March.

Brother Amir closed the event with a powerful message of legacy. ‘We are kings,’ he declared. ‘But we must act like kings — treating each other with love, respect, and understanding. We must lift one another because we all rise when one of us rises.’ His words resonated with the spirit of collective accountability that Minister Louis Farrakhan emphasized nearly 29 years ago at the Million Man March. In a final act of unity and harmony, Brother Amir led the men in reciting the Atonement Pledge, the same pledge recited on the Mall of Washington, D.C., solidifying their commitment to upliftment and responsibility before they departed.

The Born Kings event was not just an evening of speeches and bonding. It was a call to action. Just as the Million Man March encouraged Black men to return to their communities with a renewed sense of purpose and responsibility, the men who attended “Born Kings” left inspired to continue the work of personal and communal upliftment.

(Quincy Moore pictured on the right receiving the Supreme Humanitarian Award with Brother Amir)

In today’s divisive climate, where disunity and isolation often overshadow connection, events like Born Kings serve as vital reminders of the power of brotherhood. As we approach the anniversary of the Million Man March, this event stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of that historic moment, emphasizing that unity, love, and collective betterment are not just aspirations but imperatives for building a stronger, more resilient community.

Reflecting on the evening, I am reminded that authentic leadership begins with service. It starts with looking out for one another and recognizing that we all play a part in the upliftment of our community. The Born Kings event was a beautiful demonstration of brotherhood in action, and its impact will surely be felt far beyond the walls of the Epic Center.

As we are on the cusp of commemorating the 29th anniversary of the Million Man March, we celebrate the victory of a vision realized. Almost two million men stood together in Washington, united in love, responsibility, and collective upliftment, setting a legacy that endures in motion. The strength and empowerment born on that day are evident in gatherings like Born Kings, where the spirit of unity and progress continues to flourish.

Dr. Dedra Muhammad is an educator, counselor, and author from Madison, Alabama, dedicated to uplifting the community through mentorship and leadership.