by Toure Muhammad Contributing Writer @touremuhammad
CHICAGO—Several hundred people from different faiths, organizations and walks of life gathered in Chicago September 9 to remember, honor, and pay tribute to Eugene Boyd Khaan, an influential entrepreneur, family man and dedicated follower of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan.
During the benediction, Student Minister Ishmael Muhammad echoed the words of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan identifying Eugene as a martyr in the cause of Allah, God. “Eugene was a disciple of Jesus… . Jesus is the greatest example of the life that God desires each of us to live.
He was a disciple of Jesus sowing seeds. Seeds of love. All of the qualities and attributes that you (from the audience during remarks) expressed, those are qualities and attributes of God,” said Min. Ishmael Muhammad. “He is a martyr. That is such an honorable death in the life of a righteous person.” Brother Eugene Khaan was called home on August 22 after being hospitalized, diagnosed with Covid-19.
“Eugene lived a life that touched the lives of so many. We in the Nation of Islam are grateful that such a beautiful man came through our doors. He fed the poor, and every month for the last 13, 14 years straight, at 7351 South Stony Island, Mosque Maryam, those who are hungry, those who need food could come because of this man,” said Min. Ishmael Muhammad, National Assistant to Min. Farrakhan.
Eugene Boyd Khaan was born in Chicago, September 30, 1964. After graduating from Kenwood Academy, he followed in his big sister’s footsteps, Kimberly Boyd, and attended Northern Illinois University (NIU) where he obtained his Bachelor’s degree.
The memorial started with a tribute from roughly 60 members of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. of which Eugene was a proud member. While attending college Eugene joined Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and was very instrumental in their mentoring program. Eugene was also NIU Black Student Union leader. He was responsible for numerous key Black leaders coming to campus to speak, most notably the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan.
Eugene Khaan became a Nation of Islam believer after being introduced to the teachings as a teenager. “As a true man of faith and humble servant of Allah, he will forever serve as an example of what Black men aspire to be,” said the family in the obituary.
Several dozen people, some representing various organizations or schools, paid tribute during the memorial recognizing how supportive, helpful, encouraging that Eugene was to them and how much of an example of manhood, charity and love he displayed to his family and friends.
“You never know the impact you have on a person’s life,” said Alderman Howard Brookins Jr., a college friend of Eugene’s.
In love with entrepreneurism, Eugene Boyd Khaan started his career as a stockbroker before becoming an investment banker, owner of a mortgage company and eventually a real estate investor. He was a gifted businessman who had a strong belief in empowerment, and he constantly shared his wisdom with those interested in pursuing entrepreneurship.
“Brother Eugene truly was a true believer who loved the mosque, the Nation of Islam and the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan. He always could be found helping and when he helped, he always put the Nation first,” said Nation of Islam Student Assistant Supreme Captain and National Trainer Abdul Azziz Muhammad. “He was part of the dojo family and he offered his business knowledge to help me be more business minded.”
A consummate philanthropist, Eugene founded the Khaan Foundation and Muhammad Food Pantry where he shared his blessings with others by organizing and partnering to offer annual coat drives, monthly food distributions and free furniture giveaways.
“He was a busy man who was always busy doing things for other people. He was concerned about his people,” said Sister Azziza Muhammad, affectionally known as “Mama Azziza” in the dojo (martial arts training facility). “Not only did he help the community, but he was a help to my family. His son and my grandson are friends. I’m going to work with his family to make sure that all the projects he started keep going. I’m going to miss him,” she added.
“Eugene Khaan, a Kappa man, a brother, a Muslim, a doer of good, a servant, a leader, an example. May Allah bless us not to enter into trial over his loss, and Oh Allah bless his family, his wife and his offspring and do not deprive us of his reward,” said Bro. Naba’a Muhammad, editor-in-chief of The Final Call newspaper. “He was a gift from You (Allah), let us never forget him and continue to do good in his name and support the Khaan Family Foundation.”
The Khaan Foundation is a nonprofit that has a strong track record of providing resources, opportunities, and services to disadvantaged communities. The Khaan Foundation is a partner of the Greater Chicago Food Depository and has operated a food pantry since 2004.
They are an official partner of Operation Warm, providing free, new coats to children and families in need. The Khaan Foundation is also a partner of the Chicago Furniture Bank which provides beds and other furniture to families in need throughout the Chicagoland area.
Eugene Boyd Khaan is survived by his wife Elneda, children Nia and Elijah, mother Patricia, sister Kimblery, brother Cash, niece Alexus and other family members.
Min. Ishmael Muhammad urged everyone to keep the legacy of Eugene Khaan alive by supporting the Khaan Foundation which operates all his charitable efforts. Anyone who desires to support Eugene Khaan’s work can make a donation at www.thekhaanfoundation.com.
