TAMPA, Fla.—Believers fromMuhammad Mosque No. 47 and community leaders held two local events to bring attention to violence that impacts the city and its residents. Sister Patricia Brown and other community leaders hosted “Stop the Violence Family Day.” Not only did this May 21 event create a safe place for children and adults to commune, but it served to further galvanize relationships and trust.
An example of this taking shape was the focused and detailed-oriented conversations on how to make our communities safe and decent places to live. Conversations took place between grassroots leaders, Officer Calvin Johnson, other members of Tampa’s Police Department and Student Minister Chad Muhammad of Mosque No. 47.
In another community event held earlier in the year, Rise Up For Peace sponsored a “Stop the Gun Violence Community Block Party.” This event was well attended by members from several organizations including local grassroots leader Spirit Mike, founder of New World Growers; Tampa Police Chief Mary E. O’Conner; educator, Dr. Debra Thower of St. Leo’s University, and many more.
Various Black-owned vendors promoted their products at the block party. Children played many games and bounced in the bouncy house for hours, enjoying the great Florida weather in an environment free from violence. Included in the vending section were Fruit of Islam (FOI) of Mosque 47 promoting the life-giving Teachings of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad and the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan.
›The Brothers had available: “How to Eat to Live,” Books 1 and 2, “Message to the Blackman in America,”, “The Fall of America,” “Our Savior Has Arrived,” “A Torchlight for America,” The Final Call newspaper and many more books, pamphlets, CDs and videos.
Student Minister Chad Muhammad shared words at the gathering. The themes that resonated throughout his speech were: non-violence, unity, and supporting our communities. “We have to look to each other as organizations, to work together to make it (our communities) safe,” he explained in part.
Both community events also included a public drill demonstration by the FOI.
—Submitted by Lawrence X and Wanda Muhammad
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