They share the life, light and power contained in these Teachings through The Final Call newspaper. When you see these brothers, know that they are striving to be helpers in a mighty mission. We thank the F.O.I. for their hard work and dedication.

—The Final Call

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“This is not us,” or “This is not who we are.” However, to America, it is quite the opposite: It is exactly who you are. Violence is as “American as apple pie,” especially when it is directed toward Black people.

This country was established on violence—from the killing, torture, genocide, and rape of the Indigenous people who already lived in this land—to the kidnapping, enslavement, and brutal treatment of Black people snatched from Africa and deposited in America for a life of slavery, suffering and death.

For the 470-plus years since Black people have been in this country called the United States of America, the pattern display of violence has been consistent. So, it should come as no surprise to people in a country founded on bloodshed that this pattern continues.

Additionally, since our sojourn in this country, Black people have consistently come out on the losing end of employment, educational opportunities, income, housing, health, and other categories that often measure the progress, or lack of progress, of a people.

The Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad warned, in His book, “Message to the Blackman in America,” in the chapter, “Not Your Brother,” of the consequences of trying to continue to integrate into a country and people who will never see or view us as “equals” with them.

“If you understood that which you are seeking to be accepted into and if you understood the nature of those whom you are seeking to integrate with you would, instead, be seeking your own people’s society or building one of your own on some land or territory separate from the American Whites.

“We need land wherein we can build our own society free from the tension, hatred and violence that have accompanied our race relationship with the White race of America,” the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad wrote.

“When you learn that the White man is not your brother, you will readily begin to see and accept the Divine Plan that Almighty Allah (God) has in the working for our people. Who has been our aggressors and murderers ever since we have been in America? Who, by nature, was made quick to shed blood—even his own?” he added.

The more we seek to integrate into what the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. called “a burning house,” the more we could see an increase in violence and bloodshed aimed at Black people.

The Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad warned us to separate from our open enemy. Our brothers and sisters in the Civil Rights Movement have advocated for integration and have tried mightily for decades to try and win White people over for them to “accept” us.

The Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad warned us that “integration is a hypocritical trick.” In fact, in Point No. 9 of “What The Muslims Believe,” from “The Muslim Program,” printed on the inside back page of The Final Call, He states in part:

“WE BELIEVE that the offer of integration is hypocritical and is made by those who are trying to deceive the black peoples into believing that their 400-year-old open enemies of freedom, justice and equality are, all of a sudden, their ‘friends.’

Furthermore, we believe that such deception is intended to prevent black people from realizing that the time in history has arrived for the separation from the whites of this nation.”

He continues: “If the white people are truthful about their professed friendship toward the so-called Negro, they can prove it by dividing up America with their slaves. We do not believe that America will ever be able to furnish enough jobs for her own millions of unemployed, in addition to jobs for the 20,000,000 black people as well.”

With each passing day in this country, it becomes increasingly clear that fighting for integration is futile.

The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan, National Representative of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad, explained the importance of examining and looking more deeply into “integration,” “segregation,” and “separation.”

“Today, we have to look at the terms ‘Integration,’ ‘Separation’ and ‘Segregation,’ and behind these words discover meaning, and behind the meaning discover the intent of the parties who are advocating either way,” Minister Farrakhan explained in a July 20, 1980, message titled, “Integration and Separation.”

“If the intent of the Government in advocating integration is to trick us into believing that our 400-year-old enemy has now become our ‘friend,’ and that we should forgive and forget and be glad to take part in this great American way of life, then the intent is evil. So, the result of such evil intent can never bring justice to a people who are aggrieved,” Minister Farrakhan said.

Many people misunderstand segregation and separation, a point Minister Farrakhan cleared up masterfully in the same message. “Now, ‘separation’ is a little different from ‘segregation.’

The Honorable Elijah Muhammad has said to us that separation is a voluntary act done by two equals who realize that they cannot get along in peace, so they come to a decision that it is ‘best for us to separate: You go your way, I’ll go mine.’”

Brothers and sisters, we have been aggrieved and continue to be aggrieved. For decades, we have done anything and everything humanly possible to appeal to White people and the U.S. government to treat our people with decency and fairness, but to no avail. Is it not time to consider a different approach and decide what is best for us and our future?

It is separation or death. Which one will you choose?

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The F.O.I. strive to be examples to others as taught by the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad and demonstrated by the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan. Every week, these brothers deliver light, life, and power to people across the country through the truth in the pages of The Final Call newspaper and share the knowledge it contains.

We thank the F.O.I. for all they do in sharing the Teachings of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad under the leadership and example of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan!

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Also, on that historic day 31 years ago, the men agreed to accept a request from the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan to take a pledge to change and improve their lives, their families, their communities, and the world.

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Three decades later, the historic Million Man March and Holy Day of Atonement still resonates with Black people around the world. This year’s commemoration of that special, miraculous day was held in the city affectionately known as “Black Mecca”—Atlanta, Georgia.

Muslims from around the country convened in the city from October 9-11 for a weekend of reflection, bonding with family and community and continuing the principles of the Million Man March theme of “Atonement, Reconciliation and Responsibility.”

The state of Georgia is also significant for another reason, it is the birthplace of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad, Eternal Leader of the Nation of Islam.

His son, Student Minister Ishmael R. Muhammad, National Assistant to the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan, delivered the keynote message from Minister Farrakhan on Sunday, October 11 in front of thousands at the Georgia World Congress Center.

Student Minister Ishmael expressed gratitude to the city of Atlanta for welcoming the Nation of Islam and expressed humility at being tasked with delivering the keynote message.

“Trust me when I say that I am not worthy to speak on behalf of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan, but it gives me great pleasure to serve this great man, serve in the cause and serve our people.

And I pray that Allah will guide me to deliver the word with his spirit from his mind, from his heart, to all of us today because we are meeting at a very critical time in world history.

And we’re living in the time of the transition of one world, one civilization, one order of things to a brand new world,” said Student Min. Ishmael Muhammad.

He called Atlanta a great city that takes pride in its legacy of Black excellence and referred to its other moniker, “Black Mecca” due to its foundation in areas of Black entrepreneurship, civil rights and political power. “It is a historic center of Black culture, religion, business and entertainment.”

He went on to name some of the great luminaries that hailed from Atlanta or other parts of Georgia including, his father, the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Rep. John Lewis, Ray Charles and Jackie Robinson to name just a few.

“So it is fitting, it is proper and right for us to hold this special Holy Day of Service in this great city. And from this city to the Nation and the world that is on the brink of a pit of fire. We honor all those who came from this city and state.”

The keynote message was streamed live via internet and to view it its entirety, visit media.noi.org and to order this message, visit store.finalcall.com. See pages 4 and 5 for more coverage and stay tuned for additional coverage from the 31st Anniversary of the Million Man March and Holy Day of Atonement in an upcoming issue of The Final Call.

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ST. LOUIS—An elegant evening of faith, unity, service and community was held Saturday, October 3, as Muhammad Mosque No. 28 in St. Louis hosted its 32nd Annual Saviours’ Day Banquet.

The banquet brought together religious leaders, business owners, educators, community servants, families and supporters from across the St. Louis area. The evening was more than a formal dinner. It was a time to honor people who have worked to improve their communities and to remind guests of the importance of faith, unity and preparation.

The evening began with a special V.I.P. meet-and-greet. Guests had the opportunity to meet Student Minister Ishmael Muhammad, National Assistant to the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan.

Student Minister Ishmael Muhammad a son of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad and a member of the Nation of Islam Shura Executive Council, greeted business leaders, clergy and community leaders. He shared the following words with those who gathered:

“Time and circumstances cause us to come together—we must come together,” he said. He also spoke about changing times and the importance of recognizing what is happening around the world. “The prophecy of Daniel is being fulfilled regarding signs of the times,” he stated.

Student Min. Ishmael further explained that the prophets of Allah (God) would have a role in bringing people together because they all faced the same enemy. “All of the prophets would be working together because they all struggled working against Satan,” he said.

As guests entered the banquet area, the atmosphere felt celebratory and full of fellowship.

The program opened with a Muslim prayer delivered by Student Assistant Minister Edwin Muhammad of Mosque No. 28. A Christian prayer followed, delivered by Bishop Oliver Williams of Kingdom Living Ministries of St. Louis.

As soft violin music filled the room, guests began enjoying their delicious meals. Belle Darris of St. Louis performed the music. While guests dined, attention turned to honoring people who have made a difference in the St. Louis community. Several individuals received awards for their service and work.

Brother Cornelius X and Brother Charles Abdul-Wali Muhammad (this writer), both of Mosque No. 28, received the Community Service Award. Farrakhan Shegog, founder of Black Wall Street 314, also received the Community Service Award. The Community Change Award was presented to Sister Precious Jones, founder of the Breaking Generational Poverty Foundation.

Brother Amir Brandy, founder of RealSTLNews, received the Al Haqqah, or The Sure Truth, Award. The Community Legacy Award was presented to Brother Talibden El-Amin, publisher of the Argus Newspaper. Dr. Latonia Collins-Smith, president of Harris-Stowe State University in St. Louis, received the Community Empowerment Award.

Then came a special surprise. Student Minister Donald Muhammad, Minister of Mosque No. 28, was surprised when he and his wife, Sister Helen, were honored. Student Minister Donald Muhammad received the Foundation Award, while Sister Helen received the Cornerstone Award.

After the awards were presented, Student Minister Donald introduced Student Minister Ishmael, who delivered the keynote address. Student Minister Ishmael began by thanking the staff of Mosque No. 28 for inviting him and expressed appreciation to everyone who came to support the banquet.

He then pointed to two important dates: October 7 and October 16. October 7 marks the birth of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad, while October 16 marks the anniversary of the historic Million Man March held in Washington, D.C., called by the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan.

Student Minister Ishmael asked an important question: What did we learn, and what was the message 31 years ago?

He reminded the audience that the Million Man March was held on a Monday in Washington, D.C. Minister Farrakhan called on one million men to come together, and nearly two million showed up.

Student Minister Ishmael explained that the lesson remains important today.

He then turned toward what he described as “Mystery Babylon,” as referred to in the Bible. He explained that while America may not be named directly in certain prophetic passages, the characteristics described appear in America today.

The message then moved to the story of Prophet Job. Student Minister Ishmael explained how Job experienced great suffering and loss. Satan challenged God, saying that if the protection around Job was removed, Job would turn against Him. God allowed Satan to test Job but instructed Satan not to harm Job. The story became a lesson about faith during difficult times.

“The real test of faith is, we can praise God when we have, but we don’t give Him praise when we don’t have… see, that’s the real test of faith,” Student Minister Ishmael said.

The audience responded with applause, smiles and laughter throughout the evening. At different points, shouts of “Takbir!” (saying the Arabic phrase “Allahu Akbar,” meaning “God is greater” or “God is the greatest”) and “That’s right!” rang out across the room.

Student Minister Ishmael also stressed the need for people to unite around what they have in common instead of allowing religious differences to divide them. He called for cooperation and understanding among people of different faiths.

Student Minister Ishmael Muhammad closed by saying that as the U.S. prepares for the November midterm elections, he cautioned the audience to be ready for whatever political outcome takes place. The House and Senate could “flip or flop,” he said, but the people must remain prepared. He encouraged the audience to speak truth to power and have courage.

The evening ended with another important message: preparation. Student Minister Ishmael encouraged families to prepare their homes for natural disasters and other emergencies. He reminded the audience that being prepared can help protect families when unexpected events happen.

Banquet attendees enjoyed the evening. Carla M. of St. Louis said, “I’m glad I came to hear his message. We should be more together, but we have to get out of our own way in order to see any progress.” David W. of Florissant, Mo., said, “Leadership is the key, and right now we don’t have enough of it.

The message was clear, and we should all have our marching orders!” Stacy R. of Blackjack, Mo., said, “The message was clear and direct. Now the choice is on us to make the follow-through. He gave a good message this evening.”

The 32nd Annual Saviours’ Day Banquet was therefore more than an evening of dinner and awards. It became a night of remembrance, recognition, faith and a call for unity. For Muhammad Mosque No. 28, the celebration honored those who are serving today while reminding the community that the work must continue tomorrow.

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These “little messengers” share the Teachings of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad, under the leadership, example and guidance of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan.

We thank the F.O.I. for their commitment and service as helpers in the cause of Islam and for taking the light, life, and power of the Teachings to cities and towns around the country. May Allah (God) continue to bless our dear brothers.

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The effort led by Student F.O.I. Captain Sharrieff Muhammad, included an afternoon of bonding, training, conversation, food,
and fun, and was held at a local park on Aug. 8. Student Minister Troy Muhammad of Mosque No. 1 enjoyed the outing and
expressed his sentiments via social media, touting the “extreme” value of the outing.

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Our Dear and Beloved Sister
by Student National M.G.T. and G.C.C. Captain Naeemah Muhammad

As I reflect on the life and work of Sister Betsy Jean Farrakhan, I cannot help but think of the words of Jesus in John 15:13, which says, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” She was the embodiment of a profound love that translated into profound duty, which led to profound works. Coupled with her warrior spirit, this made her an unstoppable force in whatever she set out to do. It was more than an honor to work with her and learn from her. It wouldn’t take long for us to realize that we were cut from the same cloth.

Sister Betsy Jean and I shared a bond and a love that we affectionately called “Crazy Love.” We shared that Crazy Love for Allah, the Christ and the Messiah, and a Crazy Love for each other and the sisterhood. This is the kind of love that produced a deep and immensely profound duty to the Messiah and to the people that He was sent to raise.

Sister Betsy Jean loved to sit at His feet, feed on His Word, and reveled in the work of making that Word flesh. Whatever He instructed her to do, she was found carrying it out with no hesitation. Wherever He said go, she didn’t just go; she was found swiftly running there. His Word was Her Bond and her Life, and she would give her Life before her word to Him would fail.

Watching her in motion, locking step with her father, the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan, and moving in strict obedience to his guidance and instructions inspired me to strive to do the same. In her life and work that was born from love, I saw both myself and the woman I desire to pattern myself after in her complete devotion to Allah, the Mahdi, the Messiah, and the Cause of Islam. To witness her in motion was amazing to behold. She was strong yet feminine, disciplined yet compassionate; a warrior with a loving heart who was willing to sacrifice for her father, her people, and the Nation of Islam.

That love is woven into everything I write here because mere words are far too inadequate to express the indelible mark that Sister Betsy Jean Farrakhan left on the Nation of Islam and the Believers, but perhaps most deeply on the women and girls she loved, taught, and trained. She carried the tremendous responsibility of serving as the first National M.G.T. and G.C.C. Captain under the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan. Therefore, if it were not for her, I would not be. Her leadership set the standard for every Student National M.G.T. Captain who came after her. Under the guidance and direction of her father, the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan, Sister Betsey Jean helped lay a firm foundation for the Muslim Girls Training and General Civilization Class. More than a superwoman, she was able to accomplish this while also being a devoted wife and mother who loved her people mightily. Wherever Allah placed her hands, she worked. Wherever duty called, she answered. She just could not help herself because she was driven and compelled by that “Crazy Love.”

She was a sister and a soldier, a captain and a farmer, a daughter and a friend. She was dearly loved and will be truly missed. And I will carry our Crazy Love for the Three, the sisterhood, and for each other with me always. Her life and work have inspired me to follow in her footsteps to press on in the work and the mission in strict obedience to the Messiah as a helper in the cause of Islam.

We thank Allah for the life of our dear and beloved Sister Betsy Jean Farrakhan and for her tremendous service and sacrifice to this Nation. Though she is no longer physically among us, her work continues through the lives she touched, the seeds she sowed, the women she trained, and the standard she established. May Allah forever be pleased with our dear Sister Betsy Jean, and may He bring peace and comfort to the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan, the entire Farrakhan Family, and the Believers during this time.

Sister Naeemah Muhammad is the Student National M.G.T. and G.C.C. Captain and was appointed in 2010. She is also a member of the N.O.I. Shura Executive Council.

In Honor of Our Beloved Sister Betsy Jean Farrakhan
by A’ishah Muhammad

“The Messenger believes in what has been revealed to him from his Lord, and (so do) the believers. They all believe in Allah and His angels and His Books and His messengers.” —Holy Quran Surah 2:285

Steadfast and fierce, incomparable and legendary! Sister Captain Emeritus Betsy Jean Farrakhan proved to the very end that she was in fact a Believer in Allah, Who Came in the Person of Master Fard Muhammad.

Even as she was facing her eventual return to Allah, she leaned on Him; she called on Him and she never forsook Allah with disappointment, anger or acrimony. Our beloved sister lived by her oath stated in the Holy Qur’an, “My life and my death are all for Allah!” She made no associate with Allah, and she fully submitted her will.

Her stalwart example reminded me of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan, her beloved father, when in his decades-ago “death bed” confession he thanked Allah (God) for allowing him to be a part of His Creation. He did not beg for more time as he put his complete and unwavering faith and trust in Allah with great strength and humility.

As the first-born child of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan and Mother Khadijah Farrakhan, Sister Betsy Jean was a great helper to the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan in the rebuilding of the Nation of Islam. A faithful follower of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad, under the leadership of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan, Sister Betsy Jean represented her father and mother excellently as a true example of a Muslim woman; a woman of grace, dignity and unquestionable strength.

I had the honor and privilege of serving under and alongside Sister Emeritus Captain Betsy Jean Farrakhan since the 1980s and have enjoyed a beautiful relationship through the years. I have many memories of the first Muslim Girls Training and General Civilization Class (M.G.T. and G.C.C.) national curriculum developed under her tenure as I served as the National M.G.T. Vanguard Captain and Sister Donna Farrakhan, the National Vanguard Directress. Sister Betsy Jean modeled what a National Captain was while at the same time being an attentive wife and adoring mother who not only taught the 7-Training Units, but she also lived them!

While we live in a time when it appears that most people do not live by the principles of the lives of the prophets that we claim to follow, Sister Betsy Jean did not just talk about it, she walked it with quiet authority and a commanding presence! Sister Besty Jean compelled admiration and deep respect by the undeniable and unshakable inmost conviction of her being.

She will be sorely missed but we will carry her wherever we go because like her her Beautiful Mother Khadijah Farrakhan,, our First Lady of the Nation of Islam, we will continue to carry them both with us through their words, their wise counsel, and deep love for Allah’s people, wherever we go. We cannot thank Almighty (God) Allah enough for the gift of these two precious women that we are still coming to learn more of.

Alhamdullilah (All Praise is due to Allah)!!! May Allah strengthen and comfort the entire Farrakhan family.

Sister A’ishah Muhammad served as Chicago M.G.T. and G.C.C. Captain 1986-1988 and National M.G.T. and G.C.C. Captain 1996-2010. She is currently the National Auditing Supervisor and a member of the Nation of Islam Shura Executive Council.

A Diamond Among Women
by Charlene Muhammad

A Captain’s Captain. A warrior in the cause of Islam. A force of nature. A kind, gentle soul. A defender of women. These words help describe Sister Betsy Jean Farrakhan, the first-born child of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan and Mother Khadijah Farrakhan.

Sister Betsy Jean Farrakhan was appointed by the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan in 1988 to serve as the first National M.G.T. and G.C.C. Captain of the Nation of Islam. She set the standard and the bar for all National M.G.T. Captains that have served in the post after her.

Sister Betsy Jean loved her father. Everything she did for the M.G.T. and G.C.C. was on behalf of her father. She was so much like her father that when I became the National M.G.T. Captain after her it seemed to me they were one in the same. Most of the words I would hear her say often were, “My father wants the sisters to be treated well.”

She didn’t want any sisters who were over sisters to mistreat or mishandle the sisters.

Sister Captain Betsy Jean loved the M.G T and G.C.C. and was like “mother hen” over her chicks wanting them to be the best and be taught the best. She wanted them to soar to the heights of grace, elegance, and style. She also didn’t want M.G.T. to be cowards in the face of danger and if we were cowards or had weak knees, she made us into warriors.

When I look back on our time together, she had the awesome and unenviable responsibility of putting order to the M.G.T. classes not only in Chicago but all across the country. She set up the Regional M.G.T. Captains in Los Angeles; Atlanta; Washington, D.C. and Houston, something that we never had under this dispensation. At that time, we didn’t have a Central Regional M.G.T. Captain. Sister Betsy Jean was local, Central and National M.G.T. Captain all in one.

She wanted all the classes to be uniform, meaning what was taught in Chicago would be taught across the country. She made sure that we all had our white M.G.T. uniforms with our white gloves, white shoes and white pocketbooks/purses. She said you were not a well-dressed M.G.T. unless you had all three, including your M.G.T. bar pin.

Sister Betsy Jean crisscrossed the country setting up M.G.T. classes, sometimes with her security, Sister Victoria Muhammad, and sometimes with me. Sometimes she would show up unannounced. She said that if she was announced the sisters would put on a show, and she wanted to see the class in its actuality. She said, “how can you correct something if you can’t see the defects.”

There were many facets to Sister Betsy Jean. I did not know the gentle side until years later when we were no longer in the post. She allowed me to see her “farmer” side. I heard the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan say at a meeting that they had found a way to grow food that was 98 percent toxin free. I was very interested in this, so I called the National House to get more information. The secretary wrote down my message, and a few hours later Sister Betsy Jean called me to invite me to the Michigan Farm to learn the process. She told me don’t come dressy, wear your coveralls and boots.

I rode up with one of the cooks of Minister Farrakhan and spent the day learning about the process. I learned about red wrigglers (worms) who eat organic waste and turn it into nutrient rich fertilizers. Sister Betsy Jean loved those red wrigglers and took good care of them. She did all of this out of love for her father so that his food would not have the toxicity of chemicals and fertilizers that can cause illnesses in the body.

After a long day, we went to eat and we laughed and joked until I had to leave to go back to the farm to go home.

I recently saw her and we spent the day reminiscing about our days together.

May Allah (God) bless this standard of Womanhood, Defender of the Faith of Islam, Exemplar of Divine Elegance and Grace. A sparkling diamond, like unto a star.

She had stopped calling me Charlene and called me “Sha Sha.” Her last words she ever spoke to me were “I love you, Sha Sha.”

I love you too, Sister Captain Betsy Jean. You are my Captain, my sister and my friend.

May Allah grant you Jannah (paradise).

Sister Charlene Muhammad served as National M.G.T. & G.C.C. Captain from 1993-1996.

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