by Ralph Muhammad
BOSTON—Believers recently celebrated a “Homecoming, Anniversary, and Rebirth of the Nation of Islam Banquet in Boston.” The celebration, facilitated by Muhammad Mosque No. 11,
Hosted Believers returning to the city from various locales around the country, such as Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Phoenix, Arizona and New York, as well as community members.
Believers began participating in study groups established by the Honorable Minister Farrakhan in 1979 during the early rebuilding of the Nation of Islam after the departure of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad in 1975.
In 1984, the Muslims in Boston acquired a building in Boston’s Heart of Grove Hall section of the city and received the designation of Muhammad Temple No. 11, later to be named Muhammad Mosque No. 11.
This history was spoken of by various speakers during the September 21 event, by many of whom participated in the study groups in 1979 and after.
Those gathered were formally welcomed to the event by Student Minister Randy Muhammad, who stressed the need for those who sacrificed in the Nation of Islam’s early rebuilding efforts to be recognized and to celebrate each other.
The program was emceed by Student Minister Jamil Muhammad, who ensured that the atmosphere was enthusiastic and informative as he bore witness to the rebuilding history of the Nation of Islam.
Sister Dr. Kelmer Muhammad, one of the daughters of Brother Karriem and Sister Karriemah Muhammad, traveled from Phoenix to represent her family. Brother Karriem and Sister Karriemah were the first in Boston that Minister Farrakhan approached to set up a study group.
They opened their home to those desirous of studying the teachings of the Honorable Elijah Muhammad. Sister Dr. Kelmer shared the history of the building and growth of the study group in her home when she was a teenager.
Brother Daryl Muhammad, aka “Chef Daryl,” who now resides in Springfield, Massachusetts, shared his testimony along with his wife, Sister Kim.
Brother Daryl told the gathering he joined the study group as a teenager in 1979 while still in high school and found himself having to leave his home. As a result of his becoming homeless, the Muslim brothers took him in.
He shared that he was fortunate to receive one-on-one counsel from Minister Farrakhan, which enabled him to overcome adversities and made him the successful family and businessman he is today.
Brother Tyrone Muhammad also lives in Springfield, Massachusetts. He shared how he joined Mosque No. 11 as an 18 year old in 1988 while in high school.
Brother Tyrone emphasized the impact the believing community in Boston had on him, affording him the vision and tools to maintain his health, marriage, and service in the Nation of Islam.
Sister Yvette Muhammad spoke on behalf of her father, Minister Don Muhammad, and emphasized “staying the course,” her father’s mantra. However, she asked, “how can we stay on the course if we are not on the course?”
She opened with the iconic phrase of her father by lifting his words, “I no longer believe, I know everything the Honorable Elijah Muhammad said is true! I know there is no God but Allah, I know Farrakhan is the man we need to follow today and every day,” she said.
Boston City Councilor At-Large Julia Mejia attended the event and extended greetings to the gathering, heralding the working relationship she established with Student Minister Randy Muhammad for the city’s betterment.
Recognition and a token of appreciation was bestowed upon Alfreda Harris, a stalwart in the Black community and Greater Boston and a childhood friend of Minister Farrakhan and Mother Khadijah.
With the growth of the study group, Ms. Harris afforded the study group a larger accommodation at the Shelburne Community Center, where she served as a director at that time.
Other honorees and awardees included: Minister Don Muhammad for his efforts on behalf of our Nation; Sister Karreimah Muhammad for her pioneering work efforts in the early rebuilding efforts which was received by her daughter,
Sister Dr. Kelmer Muhammad; Secretary Emeritus Virginia Muhammad for her sacrifice, over 40 years as mosque secretary; and Sister Medinah Muhammad, widow of Brother Abdul Rauf Muhammad and eldest member of Mosque No. 11 for her decades of dedication.
Brother Abdulah Rasul, an entrepreneur, made a special trip to Boston to attend the celebration. “It was a beautiful commemoration and testament to not only the 40 years of work that the Nation put in but the respect they endear from the community,” he said.
Student Minister Randy Muhammad, who has been in the mosque for 36 of the 40 years it has been in Grove Hall, closed the event stating that he has learned so much from those who served before him, including Minister Don Muhammad, Sister Shirley Muhammad, Sister Virginia Muhammad, Brother Abdul Rauf Muhammad, Brother Captain Jabbar Muhammad, and so many others.
Student Minister Randy stated that the event was a celebration and a stepping stone for the great work that must be done to honor and uphold the legacy of those who came before us.
Live musical entertainment was provided by Brother Keith Muhammad and his group, The Kfinger Band, and Brother Charles Muhammad of CC Sounds was the deejay.