by West Muhammad
NEW YORK—On a recent Saturday, F.O.I. (Fruit of Islam) assembled in the Bronx, New York, for another successful Saviours’ Tour. Brothers from across the Mid-Atlantic Region met at a community center in the Bronx which is notorious for being one of the toughest boroughs in the city and is also praised for being the birthplace of hip hop in the 1970s.
The brothers set out for a remarkable day of soldiering in the streets of New York City. F.O.I. went door-to-door in project buildings and blessed residents with free Final Call newspapers and invitations to hear the Sunday lecture at Muhammad Mosque No. 7. The men also engaged with the community and were accepted and appreciated by their Black and Brown brothers and sisters.
“It warmed my spirit to see that you guys came out here to show the community you’re here for them,” said a resident named Ophelia on behalf of herself and her husband. Young men in the community were also intrigued by the F.O.I.’s presence and exchanged contact information in hopes of learning more about the Nation of Islam. A teenager named TD, said the men’s presence brought peace to his community in the Bronx.
After circling the block, the F.O.I. reconvened at the community center and exchanged experiences with one another. Brother John 17X of Mosque No. 7 shared an eye-opening encounter with a six-year-old. Brother John said the young brother asked for a Final Call newspaper. Brother John said he asked the boy what grade he was in?
The youngster replied that he was in the first grade, which then prompted Brother John to ask him what he wanted to be when he gets older. The young boy then pointed at Brother John.
After recuperation, FOI aided in Da-Neek and Ashe’s music video for a song yet to be released to the public.
During the July 15 Saviours’ Tour, the brothers also conducted a meal giveaway for those in need on 125th St. in Harlem, New York. Recipients, overjoyed by the courteous act found themselves desiring to learn more about the Nation of Islam. “It’s great to see y’all are out here trying to save these Black men. Ya’ll are true soldiers!” said Ms. Mellinda visiting family from Atlanta, Georgia.
The intense yet rewarding day of soldiering in New York City was concluded with the men enjoying dinner and delicious bean pie at Mosque No. 7 prepared by the M.G.T. and G.C.C. The brothers expressed how much they enjoyed the tour.
Damir, 15, from Mosque No. 4 in Washington, D.C., said that it was his first Saviours’ Tour. “I really enjoyed it and speaking with our people. Because the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan teaches us to ignore the worst part of our brothers and sisters but settle on the best part,” said Brother Damir.
Brother Thomas 4X of Mosque No. 7 shared that it was great to see the love from Baltimore, North Carolina, New York, and other cities that participated. Brother Caleb Muhammad shared that the men collected 105 phone numbers from residents to follow up with and invite them to learn more at the mosque. For more information visit @thesaviourstournoi on Instagram.
Brother West Muhammad is a 13-year-old Jr. F.O.I. who attends Mosque No. 6 in Baltimore. He is also a co-host on the weekly program, WHID-FM (What Has Islam Done For Me) which airs Sunday’s at 7:00 p.m. EDT on facebook.com/WHIDFM.
