TAMPA, Fla.—Inspired by the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad’s books, “How To Eat To Live,” Book One and Book Two, the Ministry of Health and Human Services of Muhammad Mosque No. 47 in Tampa, Florida, recently hosted an informative community discussion highlighting the importance of health.
The doors opened and the evening started in the spirit of giving. Guests received bowls of bean soup along with gift bags for the first 10 guests that included navy beans from the Muhammad Farms.
Student Minister Chad Muhammad started the evening in prayer and then explained the purpose of the Nation of Islam’s Ministry of Health and Human Services. Sister Imani Muhammad opened the discussion with words from the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan and a presentation explaining a few statistics on health in the Black community.
She also provided information to educate attendees on the navy bean. She explained how the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad teaches that a diet inclusive of the navy bean can help prolong our lives and how it fights off radiation.
›This spirited conversation was facilitated within three circles conducted by panelists based on themes of dietary health, mental and emotional health and physical health.
The dietary health circle was facilitated by Sister Khadijah Muhammad, owner of Dijah Bakes, Sister Tosha X of Sister Tosha X Natural Detox Drinks and Brother Wes X, who has his master’s degree in medical science. This circle discussed the cancer-causing chemicals from processed foods, the navy bean as a protein and its many benefits, how to reverse health challenges in the Black community by eating as prescribed in “How To Eat To Live” and the benefits of fasting.
The mental and emotional health circle was facilitated by Sister Nayyirah Muhammad of Muhammad Mosque No. 95, a life coach, and Catarolyn Glenn, a marriage and family therapist who specializes in mental and emotional health. PheKila Johnson, a licensed mental health counselor and owner of Brown Sugar Wellness, and Sister NaKeysha X, who studied organizational leadership, also participated in the mental and emotional health circle.
Using the scriptural reference, “As a man thinketh in his heart so is he,” the panel discussed why Black, Brown and Indigenous communities struggle with mental health. Participants also expounded on how food impacts mental and emotional health.
The physical health circle was facilitated by Sister Bra’nica Muhammad of Mosque No. 95. She is an author, entrepreneur and health and wellness coach; and Brother Daniel 2X, who is a personal fitness coach, and Shameka Herring, a nurse practitioner. Key points addressed in this circle included the importance of people doing 30 minutes of cardio with an emphasis on walking for exercise.
The night ended with righteous competition in a game of “Kahoot!” based on the information shared during the evening. Brother Tyrone Muhammad, the first-place winner, won a bean pie and a “How To Eat To Live” book, which he gifted to a very excited guest.
Gift bags were given to all the guests, as they expressed gratitude and enthusiasm for all that they learned that evening.
—Submitted by Student Minister Chad Muhammad, Mosque No. 47
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