The Nubian Leadership Circle (NLC) recently held its ninth virtual convening. The theme of the October 14 gathering was “Laying the Foundation For Our Own Black Nation.” Longtime organizer and activist Sadiki Kambon is the convenor of the NLC.
The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan, National Representative of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad and the Nation of Islam, as he has done for several of the summit gatherings, delivered closing remarks. (Read excerpts from the Minister’s message on page 20)
This quarterly event is a crucial platform for the alliance of African/Black local, national and international organizations, leaders, and grassroots activists.
By building and fostering unity (Umoja) among African-centered and Black organizations in the U.S. and throughout the Diaspora, the NLC aims to establish a formidable “power base” that safeguards and advocates for Black rights. Participants include thinkers and voices from around Black America, the Caribbean, Africa, and Europe.
›Josetta Adams, a veterinary student at the University of Pennsylvania, delivered an introduction to the summit, highlighting eight cadres or groups that serve as the working arm of the NLC. These areas are Spiritual Renewal; Health and Education; Land and Food; Economic Development; Arts and Culture; Family Essence; Communication Technology, and International Advocacy.
Ms. Adams expressed her gratitude for being the summit’s student advocate. “I am incredibly honored to be a part of this gathering of leaders and influencers who are dedicated to advancing the mission of the Nubian Leadership Circle,” she said.
“As we gather here today I want to remind everyone of the importance of our shared mission. The Nubian Leadership Circle was founded to empower Black communities and promote positive change and it is up to us to continue this work, especially young people.”
Mr. Kambon shared that a primary objective is to establish nationwide satellite organizations, drawing inspiration from the National African American Leadership Summit convened by Dr. Ben Chavis in the 1990s. Mr. Kambon also encouraged youth to participate actively and contribute their perspectives across all cadres.
“The summit is not to talk about the mission or the vision,” Mr. Kambon told The Final Call in a previous interview. “But to be able to report at the summit, the work that has been done,” he added.
The cadres then split into breakout virtual rooms to facilitate discussions on progress and advance their respective agendas, which were later presented during the summit’s conclusion.
As the cadres reconvened, they enthusiastically shared their progress.
The Family Essence Cadre led the way, headed by Enu Yarbro. He stressed the significance of creative approaches to addressing the challenges faced by some Black families, particularly in nurturing positive role models for male children. Mr. Yarbro discussed reinstating the family dinner to add the needed structure.
The Spiritual Renewal Cadre was led by Nation of Islam Student Minister Rodney Muhammad and his wife, Lisa. They emphasized the importance of community engagement and giving back.
They discussed the significance of mentorship, staple goods distribution, and incarceration services. They also stressed the need for organizational unity across religious and societal boundaries. Lisa Muhammad emphasized seeking common ground rather than focusing on differences.
Kwabena and Mariah Meshae reported from the Arts and Culture Cadre. They discussed their unwavering dedication to ending “murder music” through their impactful “Clear the Airways Campaign.” They highlighted the alarming statistic that homicide is one of the leading causes of death in the Black community and the link that some music may contribute to some violence.
The Health and Education Cadre, spearheaded by Thabiti Umojo and Apryl Sims, highlighted the need for the development of manufacturing entities.
Ms. Sims stressed the need to establish authentic healthcare centers and the importance of Blacks reclaiming control over their destiny.
The Land and Food Cadre report emphasized the need to establish a transparent food distribution platform, the importance of strategically located warehouses and a robust transportation infrastructure to ensure efficient market access. The identification of reliable food producers was another key focus.
Senghor Baye, leading the International Cadre, shed light on the significance of global engagement. With active participation from Nigeria and Rwanda, this cadre advocated for a hands-on approach.
“We must be practical problem solvers and strive for unity,” they emphasized. Senghor Baye showcased the “Be Clean Campaign” from Sierra Leone, which encourages cleansing the mind, body, spirit, and the surrounding environment.
During his message to participants, Minister Farrakhan expressed his full support for the “Be Clean Campaign.” The Minister has supported the work and efforts of the Nubian Leadership Circle and its regular convenings of the National Black Leadership Summit. “I’m very proud of your work,” he told organizers.
The Minister passionately encouraged participants to strive towards being better human beings and utilizing their talents to glorify God. The building of a great Black nation must include a good and solid foundation that includes us all, the Minister explained.
“The Honorable Elijah Muhammad is my teacher, and I am so grateful to Allah (God) that I met this wonderful teacher at the young age of 20. And now as I am 90 years of age I am still teaching what I learned from him that was so instrumental in helping us not only to be better human beings but to be better in the exposition of our gifts, skills and talents that in our work we can glorify The Creator who gave us time, who gave us life and who blessed us with something of Himself in our nature and being,” said Minister Farrakhan.
Minister Farrakhan passionately encouraged the NLC to explore the program of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad, specifically focusing on “What the Muslims Want,” which can be found on the inside back page of The Final Call Newspaper. As a personal request, Minister Farrakhan urged attendees to study this program thoroughly and he delved into a view of the points with participants.
I want each of you to study a Program that Allah (God) gave to the Honorable Elijah Muhammad for all of us. It’s not just for Black, it’s not just for Brown, it’s not just for Muslims. It’s for every human being.”
For more information visit www.nubianleadershipcircle.org. To view Minister Farrakhan’s message in its entirety, visit media.noi.org. Final Call staff contributed to this report.
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