By Ralph Muhammad
BOSTON—Community members, faith leaders, elected officials, family and friends gathered to celebrate the life and legacy of Minister Don Muhammad and his wife, Sister Shirley Muhammad.
Under sun-filled skies, the city of Boston posthumously dedicated a square in honor of Minister Don and Sister Shirley Muhammad, pioneers of the Nation of Islam. Minister Don returned to Allah (God) in 2024 and Sister Shirley in 2021.
A dynamic power couple and followers and laborers of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad and the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan, Minister Don and Sister Shirley were noted servants of the Nation of Islam in the greater Boston community for over six decades.
Efforts to name the square, located in front of Muhammad Mosque No. 11 at the crossroad of Blue Hill Avenue and Washington Street, were initiated by Boston Communities of Color, a group of professionals and practitioners from cross-sector industries and community-based leaders.
The Sept. 12 program, emceed by longtime television host and producer Karen Holmes Ward, welcomed several Boston-based luminaries to the stage to deliver citations and comments. There was also a military drill exhibition delivered by the Fruit of Islam (F.O.I., the men of the Nation of Islam) of Mosque No. 11.
Mayor Michelle Wu warmly prefaced her remarks with the Muslim greeting of “As-Salaam Alaikum! (Peace be unto you)” and heralded the legacy of Minister Don and Sister Shirley Muhammad.
Remarks were also offered by Bishop John M. Borders, III of Morningstar Baptist Church; Sister Yvette Muhammad, daughter of Min. Don and Sis. Shirley; retired Boston Police Detective Larry Ellison; and Student Minister Randy Muhammad of Mosque No. 11. U.S. Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.);
Boston City Councilor Reverend Miniard Culpepper; State Senator Liz Miranda; City Councilor Brian Worrell; Boston City Councilor Ruthzee Louijeune; and State Senator Christopher Worrell also delivered citations and remarks.
A common theme among those who spoke was that, while acknowledging Minister Don being on the front line and always taking the vanguard position, it was always a team effort, with Sister Shirley by his side or in support.
D.A. Kevin Harden stated, “This is a historic day. The whole time I’m standing here I’m looking at the billboard behind me saying ‘You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free.’
And the truth is that Minister Don Muhammad and Shirley Muhammad built this area, built this lot and it is so fitting and appropriate that we named it after them. It’s a wonderful thing God bless you all, God bless our communities.”
Alfreda Harris concurred, “As a longtime friend of the great Minister Louis Farrakhan, Brother Don Muhammad has been involved in this community as long as I can remember. Well deserved for him and Sister Shirley Muhammad. Two folks we can always be proud of and two folks the community dearly loved and appreciated. This is a great day for Roxbury.”
Imam Taalib Mahdee stated, “It’s an honor to be here at the naming ceremony for Don and his wife Shirley. It’s a blessed day, but not only that, I think it’s historical like many of these people have said.
This couple will be remembered not only now but in the future and I think that’s important to have role models that people can go back to and see their worth and be inspired for the betterment of the community.”
Minister Don’s and Sister Shirley’s eldest daughter, Sister Yvette, shared quotes that her parents often echoed. Her father often said, “Talk a little, work a lot” and “Stay the course!”
Her mother often quoted Holy Qur’an 61:14 which says in part, “Who are my helpers in the cause of Allah?” and before she became nonverbal, she would say, “You cannot always win, but you can always try.”
Among the community in the audience to witness, pay tribute, and lend their support to the naming ceremony were a host of Minister Don’s and Sister Shirley’s children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; the former Boston Mayor and U.S. Ambassador, Raymond Flynn, and his wife, Cathy, along with their son, City Councilor Ed Flynn;
Imam Taalib Mahdee of Masjid Al Quran; Suffolk District Attorney Kevin Hayden; Dr. Keith Motley, Chancellor Emeritus of UMass University; Alfreda Harris, a longtime community member, and Reverend Eugene Rivers, to name a few.
Attorney Joseph Feaster also attended the ceremony. “I’m here because of my deep regard and respect for Minister Don and his wife for all the times I worked with him on issues in the city of Boston over the years.
He was here for involvement with the Massachusetts Miracle that took place. He has protected people here in Grove Hall and the city of Boston. It is an honor to see that this dedication is held in his honor because it is due and right for that to occur,” he said.
“This is a day that Roxbury, Dorchester needed to see because of the seeds that were sewn by Minister Don Muhammad. … So, because of the greatness he brought to this community, it’s still here.
We continue to lift up his legacy for the great thing that he did not just in Roxbury, Grove Hall, but all over the state of Massachusetts. Thank God for Minister Don for all of the lives that he touched and saved,” said Councilman Rev. Culpepper of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church.
Minister Randy Muhammad of Muhammad Mosque No. 11 thanked the mayor and the city of Boston for recognizing the tremendous contributions of Minister Don and Sister Shirley Muhammad. He shared a personal reflection on first visiting the mosque as a teenager, hearing the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan, and a week later hearing Minister Don.
As a result, he joined the Nation of Islam. Minister Randy shared how Minister Don became a father figure to him, demonstrating what a positive Black man could be: a good husband, a good father, a servant of the people, and a great leader.
“May we never forget the memory of Minister Don and Sister Shirley Muhammad. May we never forget their work, their sacrifice, and their service to this community. May Minister Don and Sister Shirley Muhammad Square stand as a lasting reminder of two people who dedicated their lives to help build, strengthen, and uplift this community,” he said.
The program closed with Minister Don and Sister Shirley’s daughter, Sister Cheryl Straughter, who thanked the speakers, city officials, and all involved with bringing the name of the square to fruition. She encouraged those in attendance to be unafraid and become engaged in the community.
