FARRAKHAN EYES THE BALLOT

Bringing together hundreds of thousands black men for one day apparently was just the beginning for Louis Farrakhan. Now, the controversial Nation of Islam leader says his organization intends to be a "force' in next year's elections by registering millions of black voters. "This means, without question, that Farrakhan is going to have an elevated status in black community affairs," says TIME's Sylvester Monroe. "But it does not mean he is the preeminent black leader. He is not. The black people who stood next to him in Washington will not necessarily follow him to the mosque or into the voting booth. If they perceive that the issues important to them will be addressed standing next to Farrakhan, then they will stand next to him. If not, then they will vote their interests." Officials at the Million Man March said that as many as 150,000 voter registration cards were filled out. Farrakhan -- who indicated that his group will offer an agenda, not form a political party -- says he will personally never seek office.