CHICAGO—The Coalition for the Remembrance of the Honorable Elijah Muhammad (C.R.O.E.) recently celebrated its 36th Annual Founders’ Day event. Over 100 supporters from across the country convened at the group’s headquarters at 2435 W. 71st Street in Chicago, and paid tribute to the Honorable Elijah Muhammad, the Eternal Leader of the Nation of Islam. Elected officials, activists and business owners showed up to demonstrate their support and appreciation for C.R.O.E. and its commitment to community.
Founded in 1987 by Munir Muhammad, Halif Muhammad and Shahid Muslim, the organization is an archival library and information center dedicated to preserving the name, ideas and accomplishments of the Honorable Elijah Muhammad. C.R.O.E. houses an extensive collection of radio broadcasts, films, Muhammad Speaks newspapers and other memorabilia. Its headquarters also houses a television studio and broadcasts several shows throughout the week.
Co-founders Halif Muhammad and Shahid Muslim were gracious hosts to their guests, who were eager to hear and share their experiences about personal and community transformation. The intimate gathering included a buffet-style dinner.
Jamil Muhammad is the son of the late Munir Muhammad. “In the early days of Founders’ Day, the event was mostly comprised of C.R.O.E. members. However, over the years it has expanded so much more based on our relationship and people have come to understand the Honorable Elijah Muhammad’s value, but may not necessarily be Muslim,” he said.
›“C.R.O.E. is a coalition of people with different religious backgrounds who are seeking understanding,” said Jamil Muhammad. “We know that all of our people are Muslim by nature, and they may not know it,” he added. Munir Muhammad passed away in 2019.
Long-time C.R.O.E. supporter and actor Harry Lennix attended the March 12 Founders’ Day event. “The Honorable Elijah Muhammad taught about doing for self, instead of asking somebody to do for you what you can do for yourself. That has always stuck with me. The Honorable Elijah Muhammad provided that example. We can see his fruit today,” the Chicago native said.
“I’ve always had an entrepreneurial mindset and spirit at a very young age, but coming to C.R.O.E., and learning the Teachings and getting knowledge of self, definitely catapulted me business-wise,” stated Thomas Amal, an entrepreneur.
Halif Muhammad spoke on the significance of the organization. “The Honorable Elijah Muhammad’s name was being written out of history, so that played a big part with starting C.R.O.E. There were and are people that steal his ideas but do not give him credit,” he said.
Mandene Muhammad has been a member of C.R.O.E. since he was 17. The businessman serves as program director for the various television programs at C.R.O.E. “We’re very honored to be celebrating our 36th year, being steadfast in remembering the name, work, and accomplishments of the Honorable Elijah Muhammad; All Praise is Due to Allah (God),” he said.
Several members of the Nation of Islam under the guidance and leadership of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan attended Founders’ Day in a show of support, including two members of the Executive Shura Council: Student National Secretary Sa’ad Alim Muhammad and Student National Director of Protocol Abdul Rauf Muhammad.
Businesswoman Sajdah Wendy Muhammad, who is restoring and renovating the former home of the Honorable Elijah Muhammad in Hyde Park, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and author Tyrone Powers were also on hand to celebrate the evening.
Alderman David Moore of the 17th Ward told The Final Call, “Our leader, Munir Muhammad, his vision he had for the community but also having our own television and radio so that we can get our message out, is what attracted me to joining C.R.O.E.”
Co-founder Shahid Muslim has been a member of the Nation of Islam for over 50 years. “We want the people to remember the Honorable Elijah Muhammad. We want to teach people about his work and the people he saved, and I’m one of the people he saved.”
For more information on C.R.O.E, visit www.croe.org or call (773) 925-1600.
(Shawntell Muhammad can be contacted at [email protected].)
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