CHICAGO—Founded in 1987 by Brother Munir Muhammad, Brother Halif Muhammad and Brother Shahid Muslim, the Coalition for the Remembrance of Elijah Muhammad (C.R.O.E.) celebrated its 38th Annual Founders’ Day event. More than 100 supporters convened at the group’s headquarters at 2435 W. 71st Street in Chicago on March 9.
C.R.O.E. is an archival library and information center dedicated to preserving the name, ideas and accomplishments of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad. C.R.O.E. houses an extensive collection of radio broadcasts, films, Muhammad Speaks newspapers and other memorabilia. Its headquarters also houses a television studio and broadcasts several shows throughout the week.
Bro. Jamil Muhammad, son of the late Munir Muhammad, stated, “The theme this year: ‘Restoring the Feeling,’ because sometimes when there is longevity, we can become a bit complacent, or you may take things for granted.
We want to go back and restore that newness feeling, that excitement, and those early victories that are going to build confidence. We know now more than ever, it is needed and so we are trying to inspire one another to build.”
Bro. Jamil continued, “We realize that as we get older, there are still many of our people have never heard this message (of the Honorable Elijah Muhammad).
That is what we are trying to do by renewing the spirit and commitment because each year it is about setting new goals. It is not just about saving ourselves but saving our people, and all praise is due to Allah (God), that is what we are doing.”
C.R.O.E. co-founder, Bro. Shahid Muslim, stated, “Being able to celebrate 38 years is great because there are not too many organizations withstanding longevity.
When an organization can provide assistance to the community for 38 years, that is a great thing especially for Black people. I have been a follower of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad for 55 years, and I’m 83 years old.”
The wife of the late Munir Muhammad, Sister Aminah Muhammad, served as a gracious hostess and took time to speak with The Final Call. “I would like to thank everybody for coming out and sharing our 38th Founders’ Day; this is really a blessing,” she said.
“I can remember the Sunday morning when my husband asked me to accompany him to videotape all of the abandoned properties that (were lost) by the Nation of Islam under the leadership of our Messenger, the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad. While videotaping on that day, I did not realize that such a great organization (C.R.O.E.) would still be in existence, 38 years later.”
Sister Aminah continued, “After his transition, the team that he created and the membership of young people that have never seen The Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad, have grown tremendously.” She also thanked the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan, supporters and Chicago politicians for their support of C.R.O.E.
Bro. Mandene T. Muhammad has been a member of C.R.O.E. for 35 years. He joined at the age of 17. “My whole life has been around The Teachings of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad. Currently, I am the office manager and host of the Munir Muhammad Show.
I am greatly honored to be involved with this great work. We have a lot of work to do and I’m going to continue to pray and stay focused,” he said.
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, Chicago City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin, and U.S. Representative Danny Davis were in attendance.
Several members of the Nation of Islam under the guidance and leadership of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan were present during the Founders’ Day event in a show of support, including two members of the Shura Executive Council: Student National Director of Protocol Abdul Ra’uf Muhammad and Student National Secretary Sa’ad Alim Muhammad.
“C.R.O.E. is an absolute pillar in the Black community; you have to give them credit for its name. The Coalition for the Remembrance of Elijah, that is something that is so admirable because they are one of the few who have stood on the name of and Teachings of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad. To that extent, C.R.O.E. is to be perpetually commended just for their name,” said Bro. Sa’ad Muhammad.
Bro. Sa’ad continued, “The work that all of the founders have done, including Brother Munir (May Allah (God) be pleased), to get out into the community, to work with the community, and its impact is evident by the caliber of Black Chicagoans that come and pay their respect during Founders’ Day.”
Sis. Constance Shabazz, co-founder and CEO of Salaam Community Wellness Center, stated, “One of the things we pride ourselves in doing at the Salaam Community Wellness Center is following the legacy of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad.
The Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad coined the phrase, ‘eat to live,’ and he also encouraged Black people to have their own medical facility. The fact that C.R.O.E. has been in existence for 38 years, their whole purpose is not to have the legacy of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad and the Nation of Islam lost.”
Community activist, educator and podcaster Sis. Nurah Muhammad of Camden, N.J., stated, “The importance of C.R.O.E. cannot be overstated. The Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad has influenced many prominent Black leaders that our people have heard from. It is the Messenger who hold the keys to our lives and reality.”
Sis. Imani Muhammad of Imani’s Original Bean Pie told The Final Call that she joined C.R.O.E. in 1995, and that it has been great for her. “It has changed my entire life in every aspect, I implore everyone to stop by and just learn some of the history of the Nation of Islam.”
Author and educator Bro. Dr. Tyrone Powers of Baltimore, stated, “I am a longtime friend of C.R.O.E., at least 25 years. The impact this organization (C.R.O.E.) and the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan (Nation of Islam) has had on the community is phenomenal.”
(Shawntell Muhammad can be contacted at [email protected].)