CHICAGO—Hundreds of Chicago residents, along with hundreds of supporters who boarded buses from Detroit, Atlanta, Minneapolis, and New York, braved the rain and inclement weather on Aug. 1 to participate in “The National March into Marquette Park.”

The gathering hosted by Chicago-based IMAN (Inner-City Muslim Action Network) in partnership with the Rainbow PUSH Coalition and other community organizations. The march was also in commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the march to Marquette Park led by the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

On August 5, 1966, Dr. King led about 700 peaceful marchers through Chicago’s Southwest Side’s Marquette Park neighborhood, to protest redlining. Redlining is a form of housing discrimination against Black people through designating majority-Black neighborhoods in red on city maps and denying federal investment.

Private banks and the Federal Housing Administration used these maps to refuse backing for mortgages in those areas. This form of discrimination was outlawed in 1968, yet activists argue it continues today in other forms, such as gentrification.

In 1968, demonstrators were confronted by 4,000 rioters who threw bricks, stones, and rocks. Dr. King was hit on the right side of his head, before falling and getting up to continue to march.

Themed, “The Fierce Urgency of Now,” the mission of organizers of this year’s 60th anniversary commemoration was to address modern challenges Black people are still faced with, including voting rights, economic injustice, and systemic criminalization.

The day consisted of speakers and political music interludes from diverse nationalities and faiths, with a message of unity. Domestic and international concerns were addressed by various speakers during the program that took place after the march.

Yusef Jackson, son of civil rights icon Reverend Jesse Jackson Jr., is the president and CEO of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, founded by his late father. He implored those gathered to purchase homes, emphasizing the power and legacy that home ownership can bring to individuals and families.

His brother, Congressman Jonathan Jackson (D-Ill.), emphasized the importance of voting and reminded attendees how events that happen abroad can have an effect and impact everywhere, even in the United States.

He explained that the U.S. oil embargo and sanctions on Cuba and conditions in other countries like Venezuela, create conditions that often lead to people in those countries leaving home, coming to the U.S. and settling in Black and poor areas.

He also raised questions regarding what is happening to Venezuela’s oil revenue. “The Trump administration is selling (Venezuela’s) oil. Those monies are in an account in the (U.S.) Treasury Department. We would like to simply know what disbursements are being made? What leverage does (Venezuelan) President Delcy Rodriqugez have over the funds of the Venezuelan people?” he said to The Final Call.

“When the Trump Administration cut financial assistance from the poorest people, this is what is driving the migration issue all around the world. For the people of Chicago who received over 35,000 Venezuelans, did you know that they had the effects of three Great Depressions? In the last 20 years they (Venezuelans) have been cut off from the financial system,” he said.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and rapper/actor Common were among participants of the anniversary march.

A video message from Ahmed Muin from Gaza was also shown. “I am a musician and music teacher. We are still spreading love and joy and healing children. We have a lot of activities for the children, and I have found a lot of camps that need that activity to help them forget what they suffer.

Three years living in tents, in the rain, and the hot summers, this message is to thank you for standing by us and giving us positive energy that we are not alone,” said Mr. Muin.  

Bernice King, daughter of Dr. King, also addressed attendees. “The trumpet is sounding. It is calling us to rebuild together and to do massive organizing. Across this nation, we must organize our faith like we have done here today. Let us march with our hearts,” she said.

For people who attended, many came away inspired by what they experienced.

Mary Harrison of Chicago appreciated the message of unity and the importance of providing “resources for ourselves.”

“ … I am grateful to be a part of it,” she told The Final Call.

Sedika Ali from Chicago was also impacted. “Has it been 60 years? Everything seems to be almost the same, and I am tearing up because the same things are happening. We need to stand together and make a real change. People of all nationalities need to get together and stand against these tyrants. There is no room for division,” said Ms. Ali.

Kalimah Sharief traveled to the gathering from Detroit. “Everybody deserves justice; religion is supposed to make you grow and join fellow human beings,” she said.

Eric Kittrell from Chicago, stated, “It is a pleasure being here today. The issues that we are fighting for today, we have been fighting for, unfortunately, a long time. There is a serious threat inside the White House to our lives, and we must not lie down. We must stand and fight.”—Shawntell Muhammad, Contributing Writer

(Shawntell Muhammad can be contacted at shawntellmuhammadfcn@gmail.com.)

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“Destination Greatness: Honor the Foundation,” “Carry the Mission-Continue the Legacy,” a NextGen Leaders Division workshop, featured teenagers and young adults who are striving to make a positive impact in their communities through entrepreneurship, community outreach, education, social media content creation, and more. Presenters also included adults who work with and mentor young people.

Co-moderators included Sister Madinah Muhammad and Brother Akbarkhan Muhammad. Panelists included Sister Afrika Porter, Sister Saarah Muhammad, Brother Rashad Muhammad, Sister Tanya Lozano, Sister Sabbath Muhammad, Sister Qaadirah Muhammad.

Brother Leonard Muhammad Jr., Sister Dr. Khalilah T. Muhammad, Sister Fajr Mahdi, Brother Hadi Muhammad, Brother West Muhammad, and Student Minister Ishmael Muhammad, National Assistant to the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan.

Student Minister Ishmael, a son of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad, shared a few words, with the young people who gathered. “I was 7-8 years old when I first took interest in the Teachings of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad, in terms of the study of the Word.

Allah (God), through the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad, put me on the rostrum at Mosque Maryam in Chicago, as an 8-year-old boy. When the Nation of Islam fell, I had no more desire to be a minister.

But when the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan stood up in 1977 to rebuild the Nation of Islam, I still did not have an interest in ministry.”  However, he said Minister Farrakhan continued to nurture him.

“All along, Minister Farrakhan encouraged me and reminded me that is what my father wanted for me,” he continued. Student Min. Ishmael shared some of his experiences as a young person in the Nation of Islam as Minister Farrakhan was working to rebuild it. 

As a teenager, Student Min. Ishmael said he helped in the area of security for the Minister and shared, “I was his driver, I sold the first edition of The Final Call newspaper … we all have been born in the struggle. The Holy Qur’an tells us, ‘struggle is ordained.’”

Youth who attended enjoyed the information presented.

Sister Zakiyah Muhammad, 16, from Atlanta, stated, “I loved this workshop; it was very informative.  Specifically, hearing the struggles of others who were born and raised in the Nation of Islam and are overcoming those struggles.”

Sister Saleena Muhammad,17, from Atlanta, said, “I learned a lot about helping my community, and I have been inspired.”

Another youth workshop included the importance of “doing for self” as taught by the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad. Titled “From Hustle to Ownership: Don’t Just Earn Money, Learn How to Own What Creates It,” the workshop focused on observing the community’s needs and using our natural gifts to provide for our people, as well as building a legacy.

Co-moderators included Sister Hana Muhammad and Brother Zion X and panelists were Sister Sajdah Wendy Muhammad, Brother Yahya Muhammad, Sister Hasana Muhammad, Sister Kacia Muhammad, Sister Safiyyah Muhammad, and Brother Hadi Muhammad.

Brother Yahya and his wife Sister Nataki are founders and owners of  Shawn Michelle’s Homemade Ice Cream. They explained that going into business is not just about making money.  “Doing for self is all about being of service,” Brother Yahya told the youth gathered for the workshop.

“I married into ice cream because Allah (God) gave my husband Yahya the gift of being so passionate about ice cream. It is not just about ice cream; it is the serving in our community, and it is being an example,” said Sister Nataki.

Sister Safiyyah is the owner of a catering business and shared her experience. “I have a catering business, I do food preparation services, and I create cooking content on social media. To me, doing for self means fulfilling your purpose and using it to serve your Nation of Islam, and serve your community.”

Sister Sajdah Wendy is a longtime entrepreneur and businesswoman. “Doing for self to me means you find a way to go beyond your intellectual capacity into a space that requires you to rely on Allah (God). 

It is a faith-building exercise, and it is a way you can truly learn to submit to Allah (God) while building something that allows us the protection and the sovereignty to practice and to live the life that we want to live,” she shared.

During the weekend, youth also learned the importance of being alert and of service in their communities as well as the importance of self-defense.

“Be Alert, Stay Alive: When Everything Changes in a Moment, Will You Know Your Next Move?” was a session that introduced real-life scenarios and practical application.   

Demonstrators included Sensei Celeritas Muhammad, Sensei Dwayne Muhammad, and Brother Dr. Abdullah Hassan Pratt; Brother Zuri Muhammad and Brother Khaliq Muhammad.

In this life-saving workshop, attendees learned how to stop a bleed from a gunshot wound, and also when and if it is safe to approach someone wounded. Brother Dr. Abdullah, an emergency medicine and emergency room physician, stressed the importance of properly handling a wound, which can determine whether someone bleeds out. 

Sensei Dwayne, who is the Student Central Regional F.O.I. Captain and Sensei Celeritas demonstrated to participants basic martial arts moves, stances and techniques. 

Sister Lisa R. Muhammad coordinated the various workshops and sessions for the youth component during the weekend with the help of young people in the Nation of Islam.

“The youth division is made up of two primary parts: the youth, which comprises children up to age 8; and NextGen, which comprises ages 9 to young adults. Most of the NextGen members started at very young ages and are now in their early 20s,” she explained.

Sister Madinah, 23, daughter of Sister Lisa, has been actively involved in participating, presenting, and coordinating during the International Training Conference since she was very young. “There was a lot of preparation, and we are very pleased with the turnout.

We had many intellectually heavy workshops. However, we found that our community of young people has been engaged (already) with those conversations and were able to contribute. Our youth have something to contribute and want to contribute,” said Sister Madinah.

Brother Kushmir Muhammad, 19, from Memphis, told The Final Call that he “absolutely loved the workshops” calling them “very productive.”

“I definitely encourage everyone to attend the training conference next year,” he said.

(Shawntell Muhammad can be contacted at shawntellmuhammadfcn@gmail.com.)

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Hundreds of community residents, mostly teenagers, attended the June 5 rally and march wearing free blue Peace Takeover shirts, listening to music, patronizing the food truck, and taking in the messages from the church’s steps before taking to the streets to promote an end to gun violence.

“Do not wait for something to happen on your block. Make peace on your block,” Father Pfleger said. “Peace does not just happen. It is made. It is created. It is established. This is not the time to stay in your house; this is not the time to be overwhelmed, to be afraid.

This is the time to get out on your street, your block, your neighborhood and get out to make sure everyone knows you. We are not accepting anyone getting shot in this city.”

The Chicago area, among other cities, has experienced numerous “teen takeovers,” where a large gathering of teenagers and young adults congregate, and many have become disruptive. 

Trevon Bosley, co-founder of St. Sabina’s B.R.A.V.E. Youth Leaders, stated to The Final Call, “I think the teen takeovers are a multitude of many problems, such as the lack of community spaces, lack of engagement of parents with their children.

And also a lack of social interaction among the youth. Possible solutions could be communities coming together to help single parents and overall showing love for one another.”

Memorial Day weekend in Chicago the teen takeovers escalated to violence, resulting in 32 minors being arrested for unlawful weapons possession to battery on police officers.

Committed to making Chicago streets and spaces safe for everyone, Chicago-native, Chance the Rapper, was an invited speaker to reach the youth.

“The entire idea of this event, is to be able to walk with peace, and to show we are still willing to live and experience peace through all the grief,” he said. “We are not just willing to create peace, but to force peace into our spaces.”

And 13-year-old Aliana agreed, acknowledging that peace is attainable but not yet in reach.

“We walk for peace because we don’t have that. We have to come together and thank Jesus, thank God for our lives,” she said.

Shawntell Muhammad can be contacted at shawntellmuhammadfcn@gmail.com.

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Chicago has experienced a fair share of takeovers, prompting parents, school officials, and business owners to take action.

A “parent takeover” was organized in response to a planned teen takeover scheduled for the Hyde Park community in the city on April 14.

Hyde Park was overrun weeks ago with hundreds of disruptive teens, causing thousands of dollars in damage to residents’ cars and running through the streets. Chicago police issued citations for curfew violations and a 16-year-old girl was arrested.

Mayor Brandon Johnson issued a statement via social media: “Chicago, there are credible reports of a teen trend forming in Hyde Park later today. Parents, be aware of where your children are going this evening.

DO NOT allow your children to attend one of these gatherings; they are dangerous and can often turn violent. Together we can keep our youth and our communities safe.”

According to a widely circulated social media flyer, the teen takeover was to begin at 5:30 p.m. However, the gathering of parents and concerned residents discouraged any unruly activity and resulted in a peaceful evening.

Sip & Savor coffeehouse, a Black-owned business in Hyde Park, was the meeting point for the parent takeover. “You want to have fun, go to the park, go to the movies. You don’t need to be trashing people’s property or jumping on cars because it’s just not cool,” said Trez Pugh III, founder and CEO of Sip & Savor.

Dr. Glenn T. Miller is a concerned parent and participated in the parent gathering. “Seeing these teen takeovers broke my heart, I started thinking about the resources that were available to me when I was a teenager.

I was having a conversation with my teenage daughter, and she expressed how this trend is giving all teenagers a bad name. I believe that lack of real socialization is a big problem. Most teens have an electronic screen in their faces at all times, so social guidelines are not there,” said Mr. Miller.

Kenwood Academy High School is located in the Hyde Park community, and many of the school’s officials were involved with the parent takeover, including Assistant Principal Joseph Mason. “Our goal is to encourage the teens to be productive by showing our faces, letting them know that we’re here to create a safe space for them,” he said.

Community activist, parent and Hyde Park native Afrika Porter also attended the gathering. “My children are adults now but it makes sense to show up. This way our children will know that we love and care about them. We are out here with a nurturing spirit.”

According to reporting from ABC7Chicago.com, Mr. Pugh has operated his Sip and Savor coffee shop in Hyde Park for the last 14 years, cares about the community, and told the media outlet that what he saw during the last teen takeover “left him feeling more than frustrated.”

“It was heartbreaking, to be honest, man. I mean, it was total chaos. It was no control, no law and order, and I just felt as though something needed to be done,” he said.

“The parent takeover was an idea from businessman and philanthropist Early Walker, who is calling this an amber alert, if you will, for parents, with the mindset it takes a village to respond to problems like this,” he said, reported ABC7Chicago.com.

(Shawntell Muhammad can be contacted at shawntellmuhammadfcn@gmail.com.)

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The news conference was held outside the Student Center located at the school in Chicago. In a news release, CAIR said the students “allegedly faced discriminatory repression based on their identity and anti-genocide advocacy.”

At least 100 supporters and students convened in solidarity, enduring cold temperatures, to express, in unison, their agreement with the discrimination complaint against the university and to demand that the university reinstate the Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) organization.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) is the largest nonprofit Muslim civil rights organization in America, and they are representing the students’ case pro bono.

DePaul University’s chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine was reprimanded or sanctioned in 2024 for allegedly posting “anti-Semitic” content on social media, leading to its suspension through 2027. DePaul is a Catholic university.

Christina Abraham, legal representative lead from CAIR, stated, “We are going to take every legal action that is necessary to hold DePaul University accountable. We are not going to stop until DePaul does the right thing and stops discriminating against Palestinian students.”

During suspension, the chapter is barred from campus operations, including hosting events on or off campus, using official social media, and securing funding.

Palestine Legal is an independent organization exclusively dedicated to supporting the movement for Palestinian rights. The organization consists of attorneys based in major cities while providing legal representation throughout the United States.

The organization, in support of the students, sent a letter to DePaul University’s President, Robert L. Manuel, stating in part, “The ongoing investigation of SJP for their Instagram post on Israel’s theft of Palestinian organs is discriminatory.

On May 2, 2025, the Dean of Students Office sent a letter to SJP regarding a social media post entitled, ‘ISRAEL: THE WORLD’S LARGEST SKIN BANK.’

This social media post by SJP was aimed at bringing attention to the research concerning the Israeli government’s systematic theft of Palestinian organs, including skin, for the purpose of using them for medical procedures in Israel.

Nowhere in the post did SJP target anyone on the basis of a protected identity—instead the post expressed criticism of Israeli policies that harm Palestinians.”

Media reports on the claims made in the SJP social media post have been published. In 2009 the UK-based The Guardian in the article, “Doctor admits Israeli pathologists harvested organs without consent,” reported that Dr. Yehuda Hiss.

The former director of Israel’s Abu Kabir Forensic Institute, admitted in a 2000 interview that, during the 1990s, he and his team harvested organs such as corneas, skin, heart valves, and bones from deceased individuals without obtaining consent from their families.

Similar stories have been widely reported in various outlets, including a statement issued by the International Organization for the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.

A non-governmental organization to the United Nations in 2010, which raised concerns about organ theft and sought sanctions on Israel for “violation of its obligations” under the Fourth Geneva Convention.

The Palestinian students at DePaul also allege that the school has been slow to respond to complaints of harassment from other students against Palestinian, Arab, Muslim and students associated with them who have engaged in Palestine solidarity activism.

There are some reports that students have filed complaints with the university as many as three times and received little to no follow-up from the administration.

Father Michael Pfleger of St. Sabina Church attended the news conference to show support for the students. DePaul is a Catholic school. “Live up to your Vincentian mission or take the name ‘Vincentian’ and take the name ‘Catholic’ off your identity,” he said.

According to aspects of Catholicism, key aspects of that mission are advocating for people who live in marginalization, poverty, “inspired by the charism of St. Vincent de Paul.”

“The university should be encouraging free speech and the right to stand up in this country is for everyone. As a Catholic priest, I’m ashamed at the actions of DePaul,” stated Father Pfleger to The Final Call.

“We have filed discrimination complaints with the Illinois Department of Human Rights. It is why we are committed to pushing for transparency, accountability and justice. Because this moment is more than one campus,” said Estrella Vazquez, district director for  Illinois State Representative Lilian Jimenez.

Abdulrahman Akhras is a Palestinian student and the former president of the SJP chapter. “Injustice at DePaul University is a threat to justice at every university around the globe.

I have lived experiences of being discriminated against for my identity, targeted for siding with justice and aiding the oppressed, and silenced for speaking my truth,” he said.

Another student, Tesamy Abulaban, stated, “I am someone who has experienced discrimination in a place that was promised to be a home for learning, growth, and opportunity. When Palestinian students speak, organize, or advocate, we are not met with dignity; we are met with surveillance, discipline, and silence.”

Other speakers at the news conference included U.S. Representative Delia Ramirez of Illinois’ 3rd District and Rabbi Brant Rosen, who has voiced his support for Palestine.

After the press conference, protesters chanted, “Free Palestine!” while marching around several blocks of the university, escorted by Chicago police.

(Shawntell Muhammad can be contacted at shawntellmuhammadfcn@gmail.com.)

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On March 25, Mayor Johnson held a news conference at Let’s Eat to Live restaurant, located at 621 E. 67th Street, where he vetoed a recent City Council measure to reverse the phasing out of the subminimum wage for tipped workers. He overturned the vote that would have halted an increase in the minimum wage that restaurants must pay tipped workers.

Chicago’s standard hourly minimum wage is $16.60 for employers with four or more employees, while tipped workers are paid $12.62 per hour. The Chicago One Fair Wage Ordinance, passed in October 2023, is a phased five-year plan to eliminate the subminimum wage for tipped workers. Each year, wages for tipped workers increase by 8% until they meet the standard minimum wage plus tips. 

At the news conference, Mayor Johnson was joined by activists, tip workers and local elected officials as he signed the formal veto.

Mayor Johnson started by thanking Nahla (Carmella) Muhammad, owner of Let’s Eat to Live, for being a shining example of what it means to be a responsible business owner.

“For generations, women in the labor movement have been devalued and looked down upon, in particular Black and Brown women. Today, women in America earn just 81 cents for every dollar earned by a man, at the same job. The majority of tipped workers in Chicago are Black and Brown women,” he said.

“Chicago has a responsibility to lead by example by supporting local businesses, and paying workers fair wages can go hand in hand. The Chicago restaurant industry is not shrinking, it is thriving,” the mayor continued.

According to Blockclubchicago.org and other local reporting, “while the legislation has been embraced by some workers and advocacy groups, the change has also garnered pushback in recent years from restaurant owners and other workers, who have said it’s contributed to higher menu prices, staffing cuts and even the closure of some businesses.”

According to Mayor Johnson, the ordinance has not led to decreased hiring, and argued that more Chicagoans are working in hospitality jobs than before the wage increases were won in 2024.

“So, at a time when the federal government is cutting taxes for the ultra-wealthy, giving them the largest tax break in the history of America, the rich literally got richer with a stroke of a pen. And with a stroke of a pen, I’m going to make sure that working people get paid in our city,” Mayor Johnson said.

Ms. Muhammad is willing to sacrifice to help her employees. “I support increasing wages for tipped workers even if it means a greater burden on my business. Being able to pay my employees a living wage will allow us to make our community a decent, clean, and safe place to live. We are being charged to taking care of our people. People before profit, because without people, there is no profit,” she said.

Cheryl Taylor works as a tip-worker. “I have been a tipped worker for over 15 years, and tipped workers deserve stability. The wage freeze is a step backward, especially when the cost of living is rising; families cannot move forward if wages are stuck in the past.”

Candace Calhoun is also a tip worker. “The wages must meet the cost of living, including being able to pay the babysitter and be able to treat your children sometimes,” she said.

Alderman William Hall represents the city’s 6th Ward. “Today we are saying that wages for all workers matter. The voice of those who are never at the table are being heard,” said Ald. Hall.

Alderperson Jessie Fuentes of the 26th Ward also attended the news conference and supports the mayor’s veto. “I am grateful for the mayor in being able to exercise his power to veto an ordinance that is seeking to freeze the phasing out the subminimum wage in the city of Chicago.

Tip workers deserve to live in a city that they can afford. In a moment where affordability is the conversation not just in Chicago but nationwide; talking about freezing people’s wages is not right,” said Ald. Fuentes.

“Rent is going up, property taxes are going up, food prices are going up, gas prices are going up … and in this moment tip workers are being told that they don’t deserve a raise. Under our watch, it will not happen.”

(Shawntell Muhammad can be contacted at shawntellmuhammadfcn@gmail.com.)

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Supporters, including Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, gathered to celebrate the 39th Annual Founders’ Day celebration at the group’s headquarters at 2435 W. 71st Street on March 8.

CROE is an archival library and information center dedicated to preserving the name, ideas and accomplishments of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad, the Eternal Leader of the Nation of Islam.

Its headquarters houses a television studio and broadcasts several shows throughout the week. It also includes an extensive collection of radio broadcasts, films, Muhammad Speaks newspapers, and other memorabilia.

“I hope that today becomes a reminder of how important it is for us to tell our own stories,” Mayor Johnson said at the event. “The Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad laid the groundwork and the foundation for all of us and for those who would come after us.

It’s one thing to disagree at the family table and it’s another thing when folks on the outside tell us what we should disagree on,” he said.

Sister Aminah Muhammad, wife of the late Munir Muhammad, said: “I would like to thank Allah (God) for blessing us to have these years, and I would like to thank the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan and the Nation of Islam for their support.”

Brother Halif Muhammad, CROE co-founder, reminded attendees of whom the celebration was all about. “This is our 39th anniversary,” he said, “and every day, day and night, is all about the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad.”

Brother Shahid Muslim, CROE co-founder, shared a bit of his own history. “I became a registered Muslim in the Nation of Islam in 1967 in Chicago,” he said. “I’m 84 years old now, and I am proud of being part of C.R.O.E.”

Prince Horahliel Ben Yehuda of the African Hebrew Israelites in Jerusalem also attended the event. “Brother Munir Muhammad was a longtime friend of the head of our community, Prince Ben Ammi, and I met Brother Munir years ago when he visited our community in Israel,” he said. “Over the years, we’ve had a complementary relationship, and I arrived a day ago from Israel, and I could not miss this celebration.”

Others shared how grateful they were to be invited to the event.

“I would like to express my gratitude to have been invited to such an honorable event,” Dr. Ansel T. Johnson said. “The Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad is someone more of our people need to embrace. It is a blessing to see the caliber of people in attendance embracing the message of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad.”

Entrepreneur Bro. Mandene T. Muhammad has been a member of CROE since age 17. He is the office manager and host of the Munir Muhammad Show. “We are celebrating 39 years of archiving the history of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad, and I am honored to be a part of this operation,” he said.

Doris Lewis, community activist and longtime supporter, also attended the celebration. “I am very thankful to be here with the CROE family, and may Allah (God) continue to bless everyone involved with keeping the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad’s name alive since the passing of Munir Muhammad,” she said.

Wholesome food was provided, including bean pie from Imani’s Original Bean Pie. The owner, Imani Muhammad, said: “I have been a member of CROE since 1995, and my company was birthed out of the love for the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad.”

A theme of gratefulness resonated with attendees.

“It is always an honor to continue to celebrate the hard work of the Coalition for the Remembrance of Elijah Muhammad,” said Sister Dr. Aginah M. Muhammad, daughter of Brother Munir.

“I cannot express enough gratitude for my beloved father, the late Munir Muhammad, for having the foresight and the wisdom and the commitment to ensuring that the name, ideas, and accomplishments of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad are remembered during the time the Messenger was written out of history.”

—Shawntell Muhammad can be contacted at shawntellmuhammadfcn@gmail.com

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Panelists included Sister Dr. Darnita Muhammad, Sister Dr. Safiyya Shabazz, and Brother Dr. Jabril Muhammad. Student Minister Amin Muhammad of Mosque Maryam in Chicago, moderated the workshop.

Sis. Dr. Darnita is an Alabama-based doctor of family medicine and an osteopathic physician with over 30 years of experience. Currently, she offers telehealth consultations for mostly chronic illnesses, particularly cancer.

Her presentation, “The Impact of Fasting on Cancer and Other Illnesses,” illustrated how fasting can lower the chances of developing cancer. “If we become a fasting community, we can eliminate for certain, many illnesses.

If we have cancer or something else, you have to use different methods. We’re talking about fasting, changing the diet; however, you have to change your thinking sometimes,” stated Sis. Dr. Darnita.

Sis. Dr. Safiyya Shabazz, presented on “Fasting: The Sacred Science of Healing.” She stated, “It’s been shown that you can totally regenerate the stem cells of your immune system so that you get a greater amount of vitality, less risk of disease, including terrible diseases like cancer.

There are a number of things happening in our bodies when we fast, signaling pathways, activated in the body that can mediate or moderate cancer cells and cancer growth.”

She added, “When you fast, you reduce inflammation. Chronic inflammation is a source of disease and a source of cancer.”

Bro. Dr. Jabril Muhammad, a human molecular geneticist and assistant professor at Morehouse School of Medicine, spoke about “Vitamin D Deficiency: The Crisis in Our Community.”

He delved into the connection between Vitamin D deficiency and cancer, particularly among Black people. Living in the northern latitude such as North America with less exposure to sunlight-derived ultraviolet rays, can increase prostate, colon, and breast cancer mortality, he said.

“At least 76-93 percent of Black men and women in northern United States cities are Vitamin D deficient compared to any racial group,” stated Bro. Dr. Jabril. “Vitamin D deficiency is associated with dysregulation in the brain, blood pressure, bone issues, muscle problems, and aggressive cancer.”

Every presenter was engaging while sharing pertinent information and staying directly in accordance with the principles of “How to Eat to Live.” The audience was captivated, so much so that they did not want the workshop to conclude.

Bro. Wendell Muhammad from Atlanta, stated, “This workshop on fasting and ‘How to Eat to Live’ was very informative. A program from the Nation of Islam based on ‘How to Eat to Live’ for the community is a practical approach. Our people are dying from chronic diseases, and we have the answer in ‘How to Eat to Live.’”

Sis. Shayla Muhammad from Boston, stated, “This workshop was absolutely amazing and should be shared in every mosque. ‘How to Eat to Live’ is a prescription and we must educate ourselves and our people.”

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On December 18, Brother Timothy joined international youth performers who dazzled spectators with brilliantly executed classical musical performances.

Parents Nadiyah and Timothy Muhammad Sr. primarily homeschool their son, and music is a huge component of their curriculum.

“Timothy plays two instruments,” Sister Nadiyah said. “He primarily plays the piano, however, he started with the violin. He’s been playing the piano for three years and the violin for six years.

He is a member of the Nation of Islam’s Musical Ensemble, and on tour, he plays both instruments. While performing with the Ensemble, he plays the violin; as a soloist, he plays his primary instrument, the piano.”

Brother Timothy Sr. said: “My wife stated to me before we had children, that she wanted a classical musical family.”

Sister Nadiyah shared that her 11-year-old son carries a mature demeanor and when it comes to music, he is very self-disciplined. Brother Timothy II takes it upon himself to devote time and effort to perfecting his craft.

“He entered an international competition that his piano instructor suggested for a chance to perform at Carnegie Hall, and won,” she said.

The Grand Prize Virtuoso, an international virtual music competition based in Europe, is the contest Brother Timothy II was encouraged to enter. The competition had many participants across all age groups.

According to its website, “The International Music Competition ‘Grand Prize Virtuoso’ is open to all nationalities and ages in strings, piano, wind, vocal and chamber music, each discipline is divided into different age categories.”

Participants were required to submit video/audio recording materials for the audition. The final selections of winners were based solely on the same recordings submitted. Multiple winners were chosen in each age category.

Winners who received an invitation to play at the winners’ concert, and decided to decline the invitation and not travel, will receive their prize diploma and a 3D sculpted medal by mail (for free). “Our competition wants to encourage young musicians to perform and grow.

We believe that our competition can offer many benefits to our participants, and help to build their confidence and realize their dreams,” the website states.

Dr. Seungwha Baek, piano instructor at The Merit School of Music in Chicago, and Reverend Claire Kim, private music instructor, both commented to The Final Call regarding the progress made by Brother Timothy II.

He’s been playing the piano for three years, and in his first year, he won the Illinois Music Association competition. In his second year of playing the piano, he won the Chicago Area Music Teacher Association competition.

Brother Timothy II, said, “Classical music competitions have mostly White people and Asian people, and not that many Black people.”

Sister Nadiyah expressed gratitude for the Nation of Islam’s National Student Secretary and member of the Shura Executive Council Sa’ad Alim Muhammad, Student Minister Arthur Muhammad of Mosque No. 7 in New York, and many other New York Muslims, attending the performance in support of Brother Timothy II.

“The only reason why I was in New York, was to support Brother Timothy. The entire show was phenomenal and young Timothy absolutely more than held his own among these stellar young performers,” Student Secretary Sa’ad Muhammad said.

According to its website: “The International Music Competition ‘Grand Prize Virtuoso’ attracted applicants from all over the world (71 countries): Albania, Anguilla, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, China, Cyprus, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lebanon, Luxembourg, Macau, Macedonia, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Mongolia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, United Kingdom, United States and Vietnam.”

“I would encourage parents to put their young children in the arts, and obviously some children will gravitate to the arts and some will not.

However, it is really on the parents to make it available to the children to see if Allah (God) has buried a gift in their child to be uncovered and discovered if they were exposed to the arts,” Student National Secretary Sa’ad Muhammad said.

Brother Timothy Sr. emphasized supporting his son’s gift: “Performing on the piano is my son’s assignment, his worldwide mission, and God has sent people to get him ready. There is no plan B.”

Shawntell Muhammad can be contacted at shawntellmuhammadfcn@gmail.com.

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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.

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