CHICAGO—Sister Sondra Muham-mad of Chicago is co-founder of Parents United to Build a Future for Our Children. The group’s name was inspired after hearing those words spoken during a lecture by the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan.
Together with her sister, a co-founder of the organization, the idea for a panel of youth to discuss issues with Covid-19 and vaccines related to the virus was put into action. Sis. Sondra stated, “A lot of times adults don’t let the youth speak on anything; the adults just make decisions. But the youth have minds too. And because they have a mind, we need to hear them express their opinions.”
On March 27, the organization hosted a virtual Youth Panel Discussion and Art Showcase on Covid-19, which also included music provided by Chicago’s DJ Chip.
Sister Sondra gave opening remarks after being introduced by event host Student Minister Abdul Muhammad.
Sis. Kasima Muhammad, lead Science instructor at the Muhammad University of Islam in Chicago, gave an informative and educational presentation on what viruses are and how they function.
The experimental vaccines for COVID-19 are being offered and heavily promoted to the public as safe and effective ways to stop the spread of the virus. Moderator Azeez Muhammad, 24, posed the question directly: “Do you believe that the COVID-19 vaccine is safe to take?”
The young panelists disagreed.
Nyah Tsai, 18, stated, “No, I do not believe that the vaccine is safe to take. Some common ingredients found in vaccines are aluminum and formaldehyde. Personally, I don’t want these harmful ingredients injected into my body. Meanwhile, the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan advised us not to take this vaccine, so I will not be taking it.”
Chicago rap artist Qadir Hakim, aka Goalden Chyld, stated he believes it is odd how a vaccine is being heavily pushed for a virus that has a fairly high survival and recovery rate.
“If they believed that this vaccine was safe, the vaccine would be approved, it would not be classified as emergency use authorization,” added researcher-activist Rizza Islam.
“No, I do not believe that the vaccine is safe or effective. This vaccine is experimental. The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan told us not to take the vaccine. The Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad told his followers not to take the polio vaccine. We would be wise to listen to that advice,” stated Sis. Anisah Muhammad.
The National Representative to the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan, Student Minister Ishmael Muhammad, provided the audience with eye opening facts regarding the intentions and the reasons why the vaccine was created, and the detrimental effects to those receiving the vaccine.
“What Black Chicago Be Like” creator Korporate spoke on certain people contacting him to promote the vaccine on his platforms. Korporate is not taking the vaccine and will not encourage others to take the vaccine.
The discussion ended with an arts showcase and contest. The youth presented poetry, singing, a monologue, dance, and rap. The winner was Sis. Aminah Muhammad of Atlanta, Ga., who showcased a dance routine. As the winner, Sis. Aminah received $300, while the others received $150.
Sis. Sondra Muhammad thanks everyone who helped put the dialogue together, along with the participants. (Shawntell Muhammad is a Chicago-based freelance journalist. She can be reached at [email protected].)
