CHICAGO—The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan has described business as “the activity of life.” That expression was set in motion at the Mosque Maryam Business Expo that was recently held in Chicago on the grounds of The National Center.
The event was organized and hosted by the office of the Central Regional Fruit of Islam (F.O.I.) Captain. The July 7 expo featured entrepreneurs selling and marketing products ranging from skincare items, books, shoes, jewelry, pies, cookies, and stuffed animals.
Business owners also offered services from eco-friendly heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), photography, modest attire, mobile phlebotomy services, and personalized greeting cards.
Nation of Islam Student Central Regional F.O.I. Captain Dwayne Muhammad explained that the concept for the expo came from an experience he had several years ago.
He reflected on a trip to China when he accompanied and secured a delegation of M.G.T. and Student National M.G.T. Captain Naeemah Muhammad. While there, the delegation visited a factory where sewing machines are produced.
“From that China trip, I have watched a lot of ideas come out of the thoughts of Nation of Islam members from Chicago and other locations,” he said, referring to ideas related to business and entrepreneurship.
Brother Dwayne also desires to tap into his talents to open up a business and he encourages young people to do the same. He also explained the importance of Black people engaging in business and supporting one another.
“The Black dollar stays in the Black community for six hours, while the dollar circulates in the Jewish community from days to months and years. The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan said, ‘business is the activity of life.’
The business expo is a very small glimpse of what the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad has envisioned for us if we would grasp the Teachings of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad,” he said.
The Mosque Maryam Business Expo included a start-up business pitch competition where entrepreneurs presented their business ideas and plans to a panel of judges. The winner received a cash prize.
Sister Fatimah Muhammad of Mosque No. 1 in Detroit is the founder of At My Sister’s House. Sister Fatimah was the winner of the competition. At My Sister’s House is dedicated to the empowerment of Black women.
“We utilize our books and our talk show to reach sisters around the world to share words of encouragement, self-esteem, and self-value,” explained Sister Fatimah.
Some of the books she offers include a 52-week Guided Journal for Black Women’s Self-Empowerment. “We just started workshops where Black businesswomen teach other Black businesswomen how to improve their business and take it to the next level,” she said.
Brianna Henderson of Chicago is the owner and operator of Vital Flow Vitality, a mobile phlebotomy service. She also participated in the expo. “I provide services such as DNA and paternity tests, cholesterol labs, iron levels, and more. Our services can be conducted in the privacy of your home, dorm room, and office,” said Sister Brianna.
The youngest competitor for the business start-up pitch was 11-year-old Skylar. She started a company called Nepo which designs and sells stuffed dinosaurs. “I wanted to make a product that would inspire young people and so I could have a product of my own.
Some products look cute, but they turn out to be not good at all. Also, some of my favorite animals such as dinosaurs are not really represented in the plush industry. When I searched for dinosaur plushies they all looked creepy, so I designed my own.”
Marcia Muhammad of Chicago purchased a stuffed dinosaur from Skylar. “We have to support our youth and their business. I am enjoying this business expo wholeheartedly and I cannot wait to see everybody’s products mass-produced,” said Sister Marcia.
Sister Brittany Muhammad from Milwaukee is the founder of the Unity Market. It is a marketplace for Black-owned businesses, held once a month in the city. “We help Black businesses network and grow their businesses. We keep the Black dollar circulating in our community. The Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad taught us to do for self,” said Sister Brittany.
Participants and customers enjoyed the afternoon. As a young person, Saffiyyah Muhammad, 16, from Benton Harbor, Michigan understands the value of Black business. “I think we should support Black businesses to give back to our own people because when you are supporting the White man, you are making him rich and making yourself poor.”
Shawntell Muhammad can be contacted at [email protected].
