CHICAGO—In a season defined by family gatherings and gift-giving, a powerful tradition continued at the Juvenile Temporary Detention Center on the city’s West Side.
The annual “Adopt-a-Pod” program, led by Student Minister Abdul Muhammad of the Nation of Islam, returned December 16 to provide hope, joy and inspiration to approximately 60 detained youth—primarily young Black males.
“This is our yearly Adopt-a-Pod program, where we come into the juvenile detention center with our incarcerated young people from all over the city,” said Student Min. Abdul. “We bring food from various restaurants. We bring gifts. We bring in some of our Chicago celebrities, and we just let them know—we love you.”
The initiative, which began in response to the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan’s 1995 call at the Million Man March, to “adopt an inmate,” has expanded to serve entire housing units, or pods, inside the facility.
With food catered by Jerk 48 and Let’s Eat to Live, youth were offered not only a hot meal, but also emotional and spiritual nourishment. They heard heartfelt messages from artists such as LaRoyce Hawkins, Korporate and Big Twan, educators and activists—many of whom had walked similar paths.
Chicago-based content creator Korporate, a favorite among young audiences, brought gifts for the youth to give to their loved ones—allowing them to be givers despite their incarceration. “It’s deeper than presents,” he said. “These young brothers needed a chance to feel like they could still give something. That reminded them they still have value.”
Reflecting on what he saw in their eyes, Korporate added, “Man, I saw pain, but also potential. They just needed someone to look at them and see more than a case number.”
He also shared his own story of resilience, reminding them he once slept on couches and struggled to survive. “You can fulfill your dreams if you stay committed,” he said. “You just gotta want it and work harder than anyone else.”
Others echoed the importance of being present. “When I looked into the eyes of the youth upstairs, I saw hunger to be understood,” said Andre Lake of the Unity Movement. “I saw gratitude for someone actually showing they care.”
Judas Charles, founder of Elite Athletes Performance, said the smallest gestures made an impact. “Just seeing the smiles on their faces when they got the food—it was dope,” he said. “They talked about what they were going to do when they get out. They were ready to be better and do better.”
Sister Ardella Muhammad of Mosque Maryam, who shared her own background with the youth, noted their surprise that she could relate. “They started asking questions, wanting to know more. That’s the beginning of change,” she said.
The event was about more than inspiration—it was about consistency.
“Year after year, we show the youth that they are not forgotten,” said community advocate Shawn Redwell. “This isn’t about fame or celebrity; it’s about our obligation as adults to give back and make sure we watch over our youth by any means necessary.”
The spirit of mentorship was also reinforced by Big Twan, a respected content creator in Chicago. “They need to see people who look like them, talk like them, been through the same things—and made it,” he said.
Longtime prison educator Sister Marilyn Muhammad reflected on the weight of the moment. “Most of those boys are younger than my grandchild,” she said. “They’re just misguided. But today, they felt seen. They felt valued.”
“This work doesn’t make headlines,” Student Min. Abdul said, “but it changes lives. And that’s why we keep coming back—until they know they are loved, and start to love themselves.”