CHICAGO—The Nation of Islam’s National Center recently hosted hundreds of youth for a day of spirituality, education, and righteous entertainment held at Mosque Maryam and Muhammad University of Islam. Sister Sondra Muhammad and Brother Frank Muhammad, who attend Mosque Maryam, were organizers.
Sister Sondra and her organization, Parents United To Build A Future For Our Children, Bro. Frank Muhammad and volunteers have hosted several “Family, Youth and Community Day” events at The National Center over the years. The Dec. 7 gathering was themed, “The Power of Self-Love.”
The day began with Student Minister Jeffrey Muhammad sharing a powerful message with the audience at Mosque Maryam titled, “The Power of Self-Love,” based on the Teachings of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad as taught by the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan. He spoke on the importance and urgency of accepting oneself and loving oneself, especially in today’s climate.
After the mosque meeting concluded, guests went next door to Muhammad University of Islam, where food, entertainment, which included a live DJ, and information on community resources were available. Information on felony record expungement, disaster preparedness, construction, health care and EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) industries was also available for youth and adults who were interested.
Sis. Sondra explained the importance of providing outlets and resources for Black and underserved youth. “My husband and I started having events for the youth in the 1990s. Every year we strive to make each one better and this is why I love speaking with our youth. They really want to have a good life.”
She continued, “The main objective of the event was to help bring resources to our community, and there were many young people there specifically for the resources. I asked three young girls about their goals in life, and they told me they want to be successful. Instead of bringing in the National Guard, bringing in trade schools will be more beneficial.”
Event co-organizer, Bro. Frank Muhammad also finds the efforts rewarding. “I have worked with Sister Sondra with these youth events for 15 years, and today’s event was extraordinary, that can and should be replicated every year,” he said.
Bro. Tyre Hakim assisted with inviting guests to the event and was also a co-host. “The event was wonderful and there are hundreds of youth in attendance today,” he said. Bro. Tyre thanked Allah (God) for the success of the event.
Sister Lisa R. Muhammad mobilized the youth of Mosque Maryam to help organize the event as well. “Young people were instrumental in making this happen. The youth of Mosque Maryam were not just passive participants; they worked directly and diligently with me in planning logistics, set-up, break-down, promotions, productions, and helping to coordinate the artists. They were fully engaged in every aspect of the event’s development and implementation. Seeing the joy on the faces of all our guests, all generations, and witnessing how the message of self-love resonated with them, was truly inspiring,” she said.
“Our goal is always to serve and uplift, and I am grateful for the guidance of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan and his family,” she added.
Brother Abnar Farrakhan Jr. is the grandson of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan. He is a member of the Black Fire Brigade, an organization that trains and provides opportunities for Black youth to become medical technicians and firefighters. The group was on hand to share valuable information with the youth in attendance.
“We are here to help future EMTs (Emergency Medical Technicians), paramedics, and firefighters on their journey to becoming that. We need to be able to save lives in our own communities; to be able to stop the bleed and perform CPR. These are the fundamentals we need to learn,” said Bro. Abnar.
Guests also enjoyed entertainment, which started with an amazing performance by the Martin Luther King Jr. College Preparatory marching band. There was also a talent show that showcased hip hop artists, singers, dance teams and other entertainment.
Attendees came from near and far; for some, this spirit-filled day was their first time attending a Nation of Islam event. A group of 40 guests traveled from Milwaukee to attend event.
Porche Nesh of Chicago stated, “This is my first time attending the mosque and this event. The lecture was phenomenal and the event is wonderful. I am grateful to be here.”
Lyn Isbell is the founder and director of the Michigan City Soul Steppers Drill Team in Michigan City, Indiana, which performed. “We travel all over the country performing in parades and community events. Today is our third time performing for the Nation of Islam and we love it,” she said.
