DETROIT—The Nation of Islam’s Secretary College held their Elevation Ceremony on Feb. 22 as part of the kickoff activities of the Saviours’ Day Convention at the Huntington Place convention center.
Students of the 2024 class filed into the room to the traditional graduation song, “Pomp and Circumstance, March No. 1 in D,” adorned with cords and gold sashes as friends, family members and fellow Muslim colleagues cheered them on.
Administrative Team Member Sis. Naja Muhammad of Detroit, Michigan, explained the Elevation Ceremony was to recognize the students moving from one stage of development to another stage on the path to graduation, over the last eight months. Seventy-eight students were awarded certificates of progress.
The N.O.I. Secretary College was initiated by Student National Secretary Sa’ad Alim Muhammad for the purpose of standardizing the training of student secretaries and staff throughout the Nation of Islam.
“This ceremony represents just one step more beyond where you currently are to learn a little more. So, the word “elevate” is defined as to move or raise to a higher place or position. So, whatever we know right now, there is a higher place or position awaiting us,” he said in his brief keynote remarks.
Student National Secretary Sa’ad Alim Muhammad went on to give an analogy of the work of a people within a Nation to the human body.
“No organ is more important than any other part. Every last one of us has a role to play, that when we perform our function to the best ability, the body lives; the body thrives,” he said.
Sis. Tiffany X of Birmingham, Alabama, felt that she did experience an elevation of her learning and her growth in the Nation. “This is my third year in the Nation and to advance this far, even in my studies, it means a lot to me. It lets me know I am growing and I am elevating in my spirituality.”
Despite the fact that Sis. Tiffany homeschools two children, owns her own business, as well as being an administrator for her husband’s business and found it hard at times to balance her life and coursework she said she went after it, because it was really something she wanted.
“I came into the Nation wanting to learn and wanting to learn a lot at one time, and where I have found it the most is the Secretary Department, so it was welcomed even though it was a little stressful.”
The program also included awards for the Student Secretary of the Year for each region. Awardees included: Bro. Ozzi Shaheer (Central Region); Sis. Stacy Muhammad (Delaware Valley); Bro. Rabb Muhammad (Eastern Region); Bro. Stanley Muhammad (Mid-Atlantic Region); Sis. Nicole Muhammad (Southern Region);
Bro. Phillip Muhammad (Southwest Region); and Sis. April 3X (Western Region). Special Pioneer Awards were also presented to Sister Virginia Muhammad of Boston; Sis. Maryam Ali; Bro. Anthony Muhammad and Bro. Ansar Muhammad.
