CHICAGO—The Nation of Islam launched its 2023 Saviours’ Day convention in the McCormick Place Grand Ballroom, commemorating the birth anniversary of Allah (God) in Person, Master Fard Muhammad the Great Mahdi. Elevated Places, the popular Blog Talk radio program kicked off the weekend with a live broadcast honoring its founder and star, Student Minister Dr. Ava Muhammad.
The uplifting program featuring an array of panelists tackled two pressing issues: COVID-19 and separation—topics handled in a manner befitting Student Minister Ava’s legacy as a stalwart student and defender of the Teaching of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad under the leadership of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan.
Attendees left feeling invigorated by their participation in such a memorable event.Student Imam Abdul Salaam Muhammad of Mosque No. 6 in Baltimore and Final Call National Correspondent Sister Charlene Muhammad hosted the live broadcast.
Sister Diana Muhammad began the program by sharing poignant words and reflections of the legacy of Sister Ava. Paying homage, she celebrated her immense legacy within the Nation of Islam as a Student Minister and also serving as the National Spokesperson of Minister Farrakhan.
Brother Darius Muhammad, devoted husband, protector and friend to Sister Ava and their daughters Sister Sasha and Sister Cherelle, were also in attendance.
COVID-19 has had a devastating effect worldwide, particularly among underprivileged people who suffer from underlying health conditions. During an enlightening panel discussion on the U.S. policy of depopulation in response to the pandemic. Dr. Christina Parks offered insight into maintaining good health with fasting practices and controlled diets that emphasize crucial ingredients such as navy bean soup, bearing witness to the dietary law prescribed in the books,
“How To Eat To Live,” by the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad. Dr. Parks noted the virus was an “opportunist” that feeds on people in poor health.
As a critical care nurse, Tamara Muhammad emphasized to the audience, “We have been given the answers to achieve optimal well-being; our tools are “How to Eat to Live”—one meal a day—and we must take responsibility for ourselves so we can awaken others within our wider community amidst this crisis.
Dr. Parks challenged the audience to rise above fearmongering by positively reframing their outlook with “the highest thoughts.” She reminded them that resetting their minds is the key to overcoming toxic emotions and uncertainty permeating current events which is also a contributing factor to physical ailments.
This two-hour program featured an enlightening discussion on the necessity of Black land acquisition. A panel including Brother Cardia X, Brother Marquis Muhammad, Sister LaDonna Muhammad, and Sister Aneesa Muhammad, along with Dr. Ridgely Muhammad, shed light on this powerful issue.
It was cited that from 1865 until 1910, Black people owned 16 million acres of land. Sister LaDonna pointed out the two most important things are land ownership and health. “Wealth is not found in money; rather, it’s found in family and healthy relationships. We have to become tired and want the kingdom of God in truth,” she said.
Despite being enslaved, Dr. Ridgely, who is the farm manager of the Nation of Islam’s farm in Georgia, noted that Black people never lost their deep connection to the land they occupied—even when it seemed like nothing was left for them after emancipation. Drawing from inner strength and resilience, Black people could thrive in any environment by creating something out of seemingly nothing, he explained.
This spirit of determination enabled Blacks to survive and “build a Wakanda in the face of adversity, proving once again our capacity for greatness no matter what obstacles we encounter along our journey!” he said.
Sister LaDonna presented her inspiring dream for Alhambra as a majority Black municipality. Brother Marquis made a passionate appeal for Black people to take control of educating their children and he emphasized the damaging effect of contemporary music culture.
After a thorough and insightful dialogue, Brother Cardia X summed up the discussion with his conclusion: “To ensure the success of any endeavor, attending to people’s needs is essential. By offering guidance in areas where support is essential, progress can be achieved and sustained. Identify areas of need and go to the people with guidance. If we do such, the separation process will come to fruition,” he said.
Attendees of the broadcast were inspired by what was presented.
Sister Golda X from Mosque No. 15 in Atlanta, Ga., shared her thoughts on the power of physical separation as a tool for self-preservation and sustainability. She expressed that this concept is essential when considering areas such as education, media representation, and modest clothing and also looking at ways to attain land ownership. All of these significantly impact community development efforts, she explained to The Final Call.
Brother Justin Nazeer from Charlotte, N.C., expressed his enthusiasm to discover the influential stance of Student Minister Ava Muhammad on the COVID “vaccine.” Sister Ava served as the section editor for the Covid Depopulation Section in The Final Call newspaper. Brother Justin revealed that The Final Call provided invaluable knowledge and understanding, which he deems essential for successfully educating people especially when engaging people in the community.
“It’s important that when we go out into the streets as F.O.I., we have good information to give our people, and it’s in The Final Call. That way, they can be well-informed,” he said.
Student Imam Abdul Salaam Muhammad, told The Final Call how deeply meaningful it was to carry on Elevated Places this Saviours’ Day despite Minister Ava’s absence. He shared that her spirit was present and guided them through their goal of honoring her memory. “We felt her spirit, and it was clear she would be proud to see our Saviours’ Day kickoff,” he shared.
