ON THE STREET

This week the Southeast Missourian asked, "What do you think the Million Man March in Washington D.C. accomplished?"

Bill Cole, Cape Girardeau

"I have a feeling that it kind of helped black men get back to their basics. There is a lot of black females heading black families. I thought it put emphasis on that. My son was up to St. Louis yesterday, and he went out in the park and he said the attitude is not hostile. It seemed to me like it had the effect of bringing the black community together again."

Jack Ellis, Cape Girardeau

"I think it kind of gave the speaker (Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan) an opportunity to give his message. I don't think it did him too much good. I'm surprised that that many turned out."

Roberta Carmickle, Alton, Ill.

"I think it accomplished a lot of people coming together to show there is more than crime and corruption with the black people."

Karen Sides, Cape Girardeau

"Unity, togetherness. A lot of people had doubt that they could make it happen, but they showed them. It did happen. For the simple doubt that they didn't think that they would do it, the black males can come together as one."

Mike Eakin, Bell City

"I think it drew attention to the growing division between our races as much as anything. I don't know if that was their goal or not, but I think it did that. I think that some of the things Farrakhan had to say to his people were good points. But what it actually accomplished -- nothing. I think it was a gesture, and I really don't think that much of anything will come from it."