NEW YORK—The Fedayeen Youth Team of Muhammad Mosque No. 7 in New York City collaborated with Youth 1st Foundation, Inc., and Triple Double Leadership to host a dynamic three-hour basketball clinic at the Yes We Can Community Center in Westbury, Long Island on March 9.
Hosted by Brother Kazeem Oladimeji-Muhammad, an F.O.I. from Mosque No. 7, and NBA coach and professional basketball trainer Irving Roland, the clinic provided invaluable training and life coaching while providing a safe haven for wholesome community engagement opportunities.
Youth 1st Foundation Inc. was formed and founded by Brother Elijah (Chin) Muhammad and Brother Kazeem Oladimeji-Muhammad. Youth 1st Foundation, Inc.
has brought its vision of community engagement and empowerment to the forefront with youth events and trips, manhood training and mentorship for young boys and its sports division “Nassau Ballaz Basketball,”
›Which further implements its ideology and mission of strong community building, financial literacy, youth empowerment and achieving academic excellence for young people.
The Triple Double Leadership, which was founded by Brother Tariq Muhammad and Brother Alton Muhammad, also F.O.I. from the historic Mosque No. 7, contributed their expertise and life skills in leadership and team building.
Together, these organizations united their skills and talents to create a successful event aimed at cultivating leadership skills and fostering unity among young Black and Brown participants, from ages eight to 17 years old, within the counties of Long Island.
Guided by Coach Roland, whose expertise extends across several NBA teams including the New Orleans Hornets, Phoenix Suns, Houston Rockets, and Utah Jazz, the clinic reached new heights of excellence. Mr. Roland’s impressive resume boasts training sessions with basketball luminaries such as LeBron James, James Harden, Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, Devin Booker, Trae Young, and PJ Tucker.
Currently serving as the director of community relations for Kyrie Irving, Mr. Roland brought unparalleled insight and expertise to the event, inspiring and empowering young athletes to reach their full potential on and off the court.
The event received invaluable support from the community with more than 40 children signing up and participating. Community leader Khaleef Shabazz provided the event with “Yor Water” brand, a Black-owned company poised to revolutionize the water industry with its elegant and distinctive brand.
As a proud sponsor, “Yor Water” exemplifies excellence and community engagement, aligning perfectly with the values of the Fedayeen Team and its commitment to fostering positive change and empowerment within the community.
Approximately 35-40 enthusiastic middle school children filled the Yes We Can Center, eager to learn and engage. Under the guidance of Mr. Roland and Brother Kazeem Oladimeji-Muhammad, participants honed their basketball skills and absorbed essential leadership principles expertly imparted by Brother Alton Muhammad’s talk on “mastering your craft.”
Sister Amanda Dorce from Uniondale, N.Y., and Brother Sadat Muhammad from Mosque No. 7C in Brooklyn, both skillfully captured the spirit of the occasion through photography; while Brother Tariq Muhammad ensured that video footage and additional photos captured the impactful moments displayed.
Their combined efforts further enhanced the sense of community and joy permeating the atmosphere in the center.
The strategic coordination of Brother Elijah (Chin) Muhammad ensured a seamless and impactful event, which reflected the Teachings of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad and the leadership principles championed by the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan. —Submitted by Elijah (Chin) Muhammad
