Every other Saturday has a special meaning for Brother Talib Muhammad of Mosque No. 28 in St. Louis, Mo. He nourishes his soul and feeds the bodies and spirits of those on the streets of St. Louis, two shelters in St. Louis and one shelter in East St. Louis, Illinois, which is about 20 minutes away, just across a bridge. It’s been his mission for the last 14 years. “I feed them the way I want to eat brother, everybody gets a plate,” he said.
His crew of doers-of-good includes Sister Alva Muhammad, who has assisted by taking food to the women’s shelter for the last three years. Charron Muhammad and other M.G.T., women in the Nation of Islam, have also assisted in feeding and helping those who need help.
“East St. Louis was ranked the worst place to live in among all the cities in Illinois, according to a 24/7 Wall St. analysis examining communities where households have the most difficulties pursuing happiness and fulfillment.
With a population of 26,647, East St. Louis recorded a median home value of $52,200. The community’s poverty rate was pegged at 37.8 percent, and its five-year annual jobless rate came in at 17.4 percent, the analysis found,” said The Center Square in 2020.
›“Do you live in St. Louis? If so, according to a new report from 24/7 Wall St., you live in the worst city in Missouri and the third worst nationwide. Only two cities ranked below St. Louis on the list: Flint, Michigan, and Detroit,” observed Patch.com in a 2018 article. “The report ranked cities in eight categories, including crime, economy, education, environment, health, housing, infrastructure and leisure.
According to the report’s finding, violent crime in St. Louis is five times the national rate and the third highest rate of any U.S. city. What’s more, almost a quarter of St. Louisans live below the poverty line. That’s about 10 points higher than the national poverty rate.”
None of the challenges detract from the innate beauty and value of the people in these locales and having the opportunity to serve those in need is a very fulfilling mission, a passion and life calling, says Brother Talib.
He cooks the food himself and gets major support from Sharrieff Muhammad, Student Minister Ralph Muhammad of East St. Louis, Brother Rafiq Muhammad, Brother Ricardo Muhammad, Brother Bobby, Brother Kimloa Muhammad and Student F.O.I. Captain Abel Muhammad of East St. Louis.
Brother Talib was given his Holy Name by the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan in 2003. During Ramadan, he gets the support of the Pakistani community in St. Louis to feed the less fortunate. His work never stops and not even some personal health setbacks have derailed the effort. To contact Brother Talib, call 314-280-8016.
—The Final Call
›