The world of journalism and media shared reflections and sentiments on the remarkable life of Brother Naba’a Muhammad, formerly known as Richard Muhammad, whose profound contributions to truth, community, and storytelling have left an indelible legacy.
Renowned for his integrity, passion, and relentless pursuit of justice, Bro. Naba’a’s impact reached far beyond the newsroom, touching the hearts of colleagues and friends. The former editor-in-chief of The Final Call newspaper and longtime journalist passed away on June 6.
The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan, publisher of The Final Call, expressed deep gratitude for Bro. Naba’a’s contributions to the publication. “The editor of The Final Call newspaper, Brother Naba’a Muhammad, has passed away and returned to Allah, but he has left a legacy of work that cannot die.
For as long as The Final Call newspaper lives, we will be blessed with the memory of this wonderful brother of ours,” Minister Farrakhan said in his official statement on his brother and friend, published in The Final Call, Vol. 44 No. 36.
Bro. Naba’a’s impact on his media and journalism colleagues was an indication of how special and respected he was.
“In Chicago, across the nation, and throughout the world Brother Naba’a Muhammad was a stalwart journalist, defender and representative of the Black Press of America.
Brother Naba’a, as a devoted follower of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan and an active member of the Nation of Islam, embodied what it means to be a freedom-fighting editor and journalist,”
Wrote Dr. Benjamin Chavis, President and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association in an email to its membership. NNPA is a trade association of over 200 Black newspapers, of which The Final Call is a member.
“The Final Call won numerous national awards under the editorship of Brother Naba’a. On behalf of the National Newspaper Publishers Association, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of Naba’a Muhammad,” wrote Dr. Chavis.
From Baltimore, Maryland, to Chicago, Illinois, Bro. Naba’a’s inspiring path led him through pivotal roles that solidified his influence in the media world and beyond. He studied journalism and English at Morgan State University, an HBCU in his hometown of Baltimore, and devoted his life to honing his gifts, skills, and talents for the benefit of Black people.
Described by media and journalism colleagues as an “exceptional journalist” and “remarkable human being,” Bro. Naba’a’s approach to journalism exemplified the highest standards of truth and accuracy.
Former WVON 1690AM radio host Perri Small reflected fondly on her late colleague and friend, saying, “It’s what we were taught as journalists, truth and accuracy.”
But what truly set “Brother Richard (Bro. Naba’a)” apart, she noted, was his unique ability to connect with and understand people without judgment. “He was a brother who figured out that people are people, which is something many journalists don’t realize throughout their careers,” Ms. Small shared.
Beyond his extraordinary grasp of language, characterized by Ms. Small as “just brilliant,” Bro. Naba’a’s personal and professional life radiated devotion. Whether to his family, the Nation of Islam, the principles of journalism, or his mission to mentor and uplift others, his devotion was a defining trait.
Even in his later months, as he battled health challenges, he continued to explore emerging fields in technology dedicated to advancing the broader conversation around journalism and its evolving landscape.
Bro. Naba’a is being remembered for his unwavering commitment to defending the underserved and amplifying the voices of the Black community. He used his platform to shed light on systemic issues, injustices, and stories often overlooked by mainstream media.
Chicago media host Bro. Mandene Muhammad of CROE (the Coalition for the Remembrance of the Elijah Muhammad) highlighted Bro. Naba’a’s dedication to truth and transparency, noting, “Under the Qur’an, it forbids us to lie. If it forbids us to lie, we got to tell the truth,” he said.
This unyielding adherence to honesty encapsulated Bro. Naba’a’s every endeavor, reinforcing his reputation as a fearless champion of justice, he told The Final Call. He was a guest on CROE’s programs several times over the years, discussing The Final Call and the importance of Black-owned media.
Brother Daniel X, known professionally as BJ Murphy, cohosted the Straight Words weekly broadcast with Bro. Naba’a and former Final Call Editor-in-Chief James G. Muhammad. Bro. Daniel echoed similar sentiments, celebrating Bro. Nabaa’s principled and relentless dedication.
Even in the face of illness, he remained a picture of determination, broadcasting at times from his hospital bed with a breathing machine when circumstances demanded it.
“No matter what was going on in his life, if he had a deadline, he expected you to meet it because he was going to meet it,” Bro. Daniel X shared in a testament to Bro. Naba’a’s meticulous work ethic and resolve.
His humility and collaboration shone in his relationships with colleagues, setting a gold standard for teamwork and camaraderie in leadership. Tributes poured in from peers across the nation, all painting a picture of a man deeply committed to his people, his faith, and his craft.
“Brother Richard was one of my first and most memorable interactions with the Nation. His impact on my life and work cannot be overstated,” longtime photographer Monica Morgan posted on her Facebook page.
Cheryl Smith, publisher of The Dallas Weekly, reflected on Bro. Naba’a as a “faithful, fearless, and highly ethical” journalist whose bold and authentic storytelling captured the complexities of the Black experience. “He was a soldier without a sword,” Ms. Smith said, honoring his ability to advocate for his community with unparalleled resilience and dedication.
Legendary Philadelphia journalist Linn Washington praised Bro. Naba’a’s work at The Final Call, an outlet he characterized as “often marginalized due to biases against the Nation of Islam.”
“Yet, Muhammad’s mission to document the truth remained steadfast,” he said. “His memorable on-the-ground reporting following the murder of Michael Brown in Ferguson highlighted systemic inequalities, exposing overlooked stories such as discriminatory fines and infrastructure neglect.”
Mr. Washington credited Bro. Naba’a’s fearless coverage with adding depth and clarity to narratives that national outlets failed to address adequately.
Throughout his lengthy tenure at The Final Call, Bro. Naba’a channeled his passion for truth and social justice into every project he undertook. His editorial leadership brought extraordinary meaning to the craft of storytelling, exemplified by his ability to transform complex ideas into empowering narratives.
Bro. James G. Muhammad described his writing as bold and impactful, sharing how he drew inspiration from the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan’s spirited calls for justice and truth.
“He avoided the ‘vanilla’ mainstream tone and wrote with evident conviction,” noted Bro. James G., highlighting his friend and colleague’s unique blend of advocacy and artistry in journalism.
When Bro. James G. was Final Call Editor-in-Chief, Bro. Naba’a served as managing editor. Professionally, he stood for “excellence in the craft,” always striving to uphold the highest standards in journalism.
His motto, “Black. Strong. Unapologetically Pro-Farrakhan,” symbolized his unyielding commitment to his values and his defining approach to storytelling.
Even in the final days of his life Bro. Naba’a remained resolute in his commitment to The Final Call and its mission. Despite battling serious health issues, he produced high-quality work consistently, at times on oxygen from his hospital bed.
He continued to write and submit editorials and his “Straight Words” column to the paper. “My prayer, my sacrifice, my life, and my death are all for Allah,” were the words he embodied daily, capturing the essence of his purpose-driven life. On the day he passed, he was working on multiple projects, a testament to his unrelenting spirit.
As a journalist, mentor, and advocate, Naba’a Muhammad’s enduring influence continues to resonate through the lives he touched, the communities he uplifted, and the words he wrote. His legacy stands as a testament to the power of truth, resilience, and unwavering dedication to justice.
During a recent Final Call Radio fundraiser, Final Call General Manager, Student Minister Abdul Rasul Muhammad, shared a powerful tribute to his dear friend, highlighting his extraordinary resilience and dedication.
Even in 2020, amidst severe illness and a serious hospitalization in Detroit during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, Brother Naba’a returned to his duties with unwavering commitment, he noted.
He had been hospitalized the day after the Nation of Islam’s Saviours’ Day convention. Bro. Abdul Rasul shared how despite just being released, his brother was committed to ensuring The Final Call met its press deadline.
“Shortly after being discharged from the hospital, he found a Starbucks, spending hours working on the paper using their Wi-Fi,” Bro. Abdul Rasul recounted. “That’s the kind of spirit he had.”
Brother Naba’a Muhammad’s example is a testament to perseverance and service. His dedication remains an inspiration to all who knew him. “Long live the spirit of Brother Naba’a Muhammad,” he concluded.