CHICAGO—At the close of the holy month of Ramadan, the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan donated 2,000 meals to Black neighborhoods throughout Chicago that many people fear even driving past, let alone visiting.
Thinking of those who are less fortunate, on April 22 and 23, Min. Farrakhan, who turns 90 in May decided to do an act of charity specifically for Ramadan as a loving act of service and act of kindness.
The Minister has been unable to fast for several years due to certain health challenges but his dedication and love for humanity continues to grow. During the Islamic month of fasting and prayer, Muslims are also encouraged to engage in community service.
Nation of Islam Student Central Regional F.O.I. Captain Dwayne Muhammad led the brothers in the Nation of Islam (F.O.I., Fruit of Islam) from Chicago and Milwaukee into the field to deliver hot meals and The Final Call newspaper.
This was the second year in a row the Minister has made such a generous donation. Thus, suit and bow-tie-adorned Muslims, hit the streets of Chicago offering meals in areas riddled with crime, violence and poverty.
Those areas included Wentworth Gardens on 39th and Wentworth Ave., 71st and Jeffery Blvd., Parkway Gardens on 63rd and King Dr., 79th and Halsted St., Altgeld Gardens, Tent City on Roosevelt and Dan Ryan, 79th and Cottage Grove Ave., and the West Side.
“The looks on our peoples faces when they saw the F.O.I. walking up in their suits, clean-shaven, shined shoes, with a smile on our faces as we gave to them a gift from the Messiah, the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan; they were sooooo happy and thankful that they began inviting us into their homes, introducing us to their families and throwing their sons at us,” shared Student Minister Jair Muhammad during the Nation of Islam Sunday webcast on April 23.
“Myself and the brothers were in Parkway Gardens known worldwide as “O-Block,” a neighborhood that most people are afraid to drive past because of the crime and violence that goes on in that area,” said Student Minister Jair. The O Block is home to rappers Chief Keef, Lil Durk, Fredo Santana and the late King Von.
“But as the scriptures say ‘Perfect love casteth out fear.’ The F.O.I. was all up in the apartment complexes passing out food and love on behalf of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan,” he continued.
“My father, I, and a few other brothers were at this sister’s door talking to her whole family and her son was just looking at us smiling and she said ‘Please go take my son for a walk.’ Her son, Marquan came with us as we went door to door in the complex and he even gave out a dinner on behalf of the Minister,” shared Student Minister Jair.
The meals consisted of baked chicken, rice and cabbage prepared by two local restaurants owned by restaurateur Sister Carmella Muhammad.
“We prepared 2,000 meals over these two days,” said Sister Carmella who also explained that although she was helping to give, it was more like receiving. “It’s a blessing to be in a position to not only give, but to participate in the act of charity provided by Min. Farrakhan,” she said.
“I thank all the brothers and sisters for helping to give this food out to the community, especially, Muslim women (M.G.T. and G.C.C., Muslim Girls Training and General Civilization Class) and Foodie’s Spot and Let’s Eat to Live employees who prepared and boxed each meal,” she added.
The start and end dates of Ramadan vary each year according to the lunar calendar, with the 2023 dates falling on or around March 23 to April 21. —Toure Muhammad, contributing writer
