Thousands Gather for Farrakhan’s ‘Atonement’ Rally Outside U.N.

Thousands of people gathered Wednesday in the streets near the United Nations for a rally called by Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan, who demanded that the U.N. take action against the United States for “genocide” of blacks and Native Americans.

The “Day of Atonement” rally, which organizers said was being broadcast by satellite across the country and around the world, was intended to commemorate the first anniversary of last year’s “Million Man March.”

But unlike the historic march in Washington, which brought together hundreds of thousands of African American men, Wednesday’s rally drew much smaller crowds, enjoyed little support from national black leaders and featured an agenda crafted almost exclusively by Farrakhan.

In a 2 1/2-hour speech that many in the crowd at Dag Hammarskjold Plaza watched on two scoreboard-sized television monitors, Farrakhan called on the United States to acknowledge and take steps to repair the damage done by its past transgressions, including slavery and covert efforts to destabilize foreign governments.

Farrakhan also challenged the United Nations to “stand up” to the United States, which he said exerts undue influence on the world body, leading it to endorse “unjust” policies, such as sanctions against Iraq and Libya.

Farrakhan’s visits to those two countries, and his efforts to win U.S. government approval for a $1-billion gift from Libya, have generated controversy.

The Nation of Islam leader also called on the United States to lift the Cuban embargo.

Many in the crowd applauded Farrakhan’s speech and celebrated appearances by Winnie Mandela, the former wife of South African President Nelson Mandela, and recording star Stephanie Mills, who were among the few celebrities on the program.

But the audience seemed less concerned with Farrakhan’s foreign policy agenda than in attempting to recapture the spirit of the “Million Man March.”