50 Black Man March and voter rally is Oct. 31 at Ely Square

The 50 Black Man March get out to vote” rally celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Million Man March on Washington, D.C., will take place from noon to 2 p.m., Oct. 31, at Ely Square in downtown Elyria.

This rally will serve as a public service announcement to energize undecided and first-time voters to get out to the polls, according to a news release.

Invited guests and political candidates will speak to rally goers about current issues that affect the community and the importance of voting in the Nov. 3 election.

The 50 Black Man March will feature a roster of wellknown leaders, activists, organizers and entertainers in a candid conversation about recent events, the state of the country and community, and what is at stake during the upcoming elections, according to the release.

Cleveland’s 7th Ward Councilman Basheer Jones is the keynote speaker at the rally.

The 50 Black Man March also will include remarks from J.D. Tomlinson, Democratic candidate for Lorain County prosecutor, Imam Paul Hassan and Minister Obalafia Lee Johnson.

Other community leaders scheduled to speak are Pastor Ray Robinson from Living Word Church in Lorain, who will administer the opening prayer.

Master of Ceremony will be Brothers Steve Bush and

Randy Smith.

Trumpet artist Daniel Spearman and violinist Pablo NeNo Oquendo will provide entertainment during the rally and at intermissions between speakers.

The Elyria/Lorain YWCA, with support of the League Of Women Voters, will provide transportation service to and from the Lorain County Board of Elections during this event so that voters will have a chance to vote ahead of Tuesday’s election, according to the release.

This event will commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Million Man March on Washington, D.C., which took place in October 1995.

Organizers are asking 50 Black Men to march in 10 rows of five men. This march will start and end at Ely Square.

Each participant will wear identical black shirts with the names of African Americans murdered by gun violence and police brutality on the back of each shirt, according to the release.

This historical event also will serve as an engagement campaign to re-engage infrequent African American voters for the Nov. 3 general election, the release said.

There will be free Halloween candy for attending children and families.

Families are encouraged to bring their children to fill up their trick or treat bags of candy.