A longtime international staff writer for The Final Call, whose work carried him from the streets of America to villages across Africa in service to the Nation of Islam and the cause of Black liberation.

Holding obituaries adorned with photographs chronicling his life and service, attendees filled the church pews while family members sat near the front of the sanctuary. The mood was solemn but uplifting as speakers reflected on a man remembered for his journalism, humility, sacrifice and commitment to helping others.

Brother Brian Muhammad, born Dec. 16, 1965, in Brooklyn, New York, made his transition May 31 at age 60. His journey, from a young man searching for purpose in New York City to becoming an international servant and helper of the Nation of Islam and one of The Final Call’s most respected writers, was recounted throughout the afternoon service.

Officiating the service was Student Minister Anthony Muhammad of Muhammad Mosque No. 38 in Columbia, South Carolina, who thanked Rev. Dr. Willie J. Thompson Jr. and Oak Grove Baptist Church for opening its doors to the family and community before offering words of comfort to the family.

“Our prayers are that Allah (God) will lift the burden of sorrow from your hearts,” Student Minister Anthony told mourners. “Funerals are not for the dead. They are for the living,” Student Minister Anthony said. “As we gather here today, we pause for a moment to reflect on the precious and fragile end of life, knowing that we will not be here forever.”

According to the obituary, Brother Brian was introduced to the Teachings of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad while attending Morgan State University, an HBCU in Baltimore, Maryland.

Drawn by the message of self-improvement, justice and liberation, he eventually joined the Nation of Islam under the leadership of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan and became a devoted laborer in the work of resurrection and redemption.

His path led him to Muhammad Mosque No. 7 in Harlem, where he served on the secretarial staff and developed a reputation as a dependable laborer. There, he met Minister Abdul Akbar Muhammad, the International Representative of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan and the Nation of Islam, a relationship that would shape the remainder of his life.

In a recent appearance on the podcast “I Have A Testimony,” hosted by Student Minister Willie Muhammad of Muhammad Mosque No. 46 in New Orleans, Brother Brian reflected on how his international journey began.

“That trip happened to be a very significant trip,” Brother Brian recalled of his first visit to Africa with Minister Abdul Akbar Muhammad. The delegation traveled to Egypt and later to Accra, Ghana. “It had an impact on me,” said Brother Brian.

The experience proved transformative. By 1993, Minister Farrakhan had agreed to hold Saviours’ Day in Accra, Ghana—the first time the Nation of Islam’s annual convention would be held outside the United States.

After Minister Akbar Muhammad helped secure the necessary resources, Brother Brian returned to Ghana in December 1993 and remained there through much of 1994, assisting with preparations for the historic gathering.

“He said, ‘I did not have Africa in my mind. I just wanted to help,’” Student Minister Anthony recalled in his remarks. “That spirit of service would define the rest of his life.”

Student Minister Anthony said Brother Brian devoted most of his adult life to the mission of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad as taught and exemplified by the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan.

“Brother Brian Muhammad has been a great helper to his Nation and to every brother and sister that he came across,” he said. “I think we can all bear witness and say he always kept a smile, being a cheerful worker.”

He described Brother Brian as a “company man,” wholly committed to the work of the Nation of Islam. He was “One who was about the business of the Nation of Islam and striving to make sure things were right,” Student Minister Anthony said.

“One thing that we know about Brother Brian, he was steadfast,” he added. “Even in the midst of health challenges, he never stopped working. He made sure he submitted his articles to The Final Call. He made himself available to the ministry class, and whatever was needed, Brother Brian Muhammad was there,” he continued.

“He did not waver in his work,” Student Minister Anthony added. “He is the embodiment of when we say, ‘My prayers, my sacrifice, my life and my death are all for Allah.’ We can say Brother Brian Muhammad gave it his all.”

Along with written tributes, more meaningful remarks also came from Student Minister Abdul Rasul Muhammad, General Manager for The Final Call.

“I met some of your best representation in the name of Brother Brian E. Muhammad,” he said speaking directly to the family. “He represented every member of the family with dignity and grace.”

Brother Abdul Rasul conveyed the love and condolences of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan, Mother Khadijah Farrakhan and the Farrakhan family, noting that Minister Farrakhan deeply appreciated Brother Brian’s service and enjoyed reading his work.

“He was our international staff writer,” Brother Abdul Rasul said. “He went after the stories that most people couldn’t tackle if their life depended on it.”

For years, Brother Brian’s reporting appeared prominently throughout The Final Call, often leading the newspaper’s coverage of major national and international events. He had the cover story in The Final Call at the time of his janazah.

“He was about the business of telling the truth,” Brother Abdul Rasul continued. “His name and his legacy will live on forever.”

The bond Brother Brian shared with Minister Akbar Muhammad remained strong until the international representative returned to Allah earlier this year. Following Minister Akbar Muhammad’s March 17 transition, Brother Brian posted a heartfelt tribute reflecting on the impact of the man many considered a mentor.

“A glimpse into the impact of Bro. Student Minister Abdul Akbar Muhammad,” he wrote. “May Allah be pleased with his many contributions and works in this cause. I, like so many, will miss my Brother and mentor who poured so much in us.”

“We will not fall into grief, for grief is for the wicked who receives death with the regret of unfinished, unresolved issues wrought from a life of injustice to one another,” he wrote. “Strive to live right and do right by one another so when the evil accident of time touches one of us, we accept the irrevocable Will of God,” Brother Brian posted of his friend and mentor.

Brother Michael Z. Muhammad, a contributing Final Call writer, offered a personal reflection on Brother Brian.

“Brother Brian is one of those extraordinary brothers that you only meet once in a lifetime,” he said. “Brother was dedicated to his craft, dedicated to the Nation of Islam. Brother was also always warm, friendly and had a massive heart.”

Student Minister Anthony reminded attendees that Brother Brian’s legacy would endure through the thousands of words he left behind.

“We don’t have to guess what Brother Brian Muhammad said. We don’t have to guess what Brother Brian Muhammad’s thoughts were,” he said. “You can look in The Final Call, and there he is.”

Journalism was not Brother Brian’s original path. Through years of work alongside Minister Akbar Muhammad, including assignments connected to the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan’s World Friendship Tours, he developed skills that eventually led him to The Final Call.

Brother Brian began submitting articles as a freelance writer. Later, encouraged by then-Final Call Editor-in-Chief Brother Naba’a (Richard) Muhammad, Brother Brian became one of the newspaper’s most prolific writers, producing front-page stories.

International reports and analysis while contributing to projects such as The Sankofa Experience and Global Peeks. From 2009-2015 he was a contributing writer and later in 2015 he became a staff writer.

Final Call Interim Editor, Sister Starla Muhammad, shared her memories and reflections of her brother, colleague and friend. “Brother Brian was always willing to share his insight and information on various topics.

Especially those impacting our people in Africa, the Middle East, the Caribbean, Latin America and the U.S. He had a love and respect for Black people throughout the diaspora,” she said. He was a definite newsman, she added.

“I will miss our regular, weekly conversations where I would learn so much from him. He was always excited to share stories from his travels with the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan and Minister Akbar and what he learned from them. You could hear the excitement and passion in his voice as he recounted his experiences,” said Sister Starla.

“The entire Final Call Staff and our writing team will miss our dear brother tremendously and may Allah (God) comfort us all, especially his family.”

As the service neared its conclusion, mourners participated in the traditional janazah custom taught by the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad by receiving a peppermint to symbolize the sweetness of a righteous life. Family members approached first, followed by believers, friends and guests who quietly passed by the casket.

Nation of Islam Student Mid-Atlantic Regional Minister Abdul Khadir Muhammad explained that just as the sweetness of the mint lingers after it dissolves, the memory of a righteous person remains after they depart this life.

Mourners then filed past in silence.

Outside, family members embraced one another while friends shared stories about Brother Brian’s impact and the responsibility of carrying forward the work he loved.

Also among those paying their respects was Brother Don Enoch Muhammad, an aide to Minister Farrakhan. “Brother was a soldier in the cause of Islam, and he was a beautiful brother and a dear friend,” said Brother Don Enoch.

“We thank Allah for the service that he gave to his Nation, to the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad, the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan and also to Brother Akbar,” he added.

“We thank Allah for him. We love him,” Brother Abdul Rasul said. “He may be gone physically, but he will never be forgotten because we simply will not let that happen.”

Final Call National Correspondent Charlene Muhammad contributed to this report.

The post Honoring and remembering veteran journalist Brian E. Muhammad appeared first on Final Call News.

CHICAGO—A veteran Black educator’s legal fight against Chicago Public Schools is entering a critical phase after a federal judge allowed core discrimination claims to move forward, setting the stage for what could become a broader test of accountability within one of the nation’s largest school systems. The judge made the decision on March 27.

Abdul Muhammad’s federal lawsuit, Muhammad v. Chicago Board of Education, outlines what his attorneys describe as a pattern of obstruction, shifting requirements, and discriminatory treatment that began after he was selected by Lindblom Math and Science Academy’s Local School Council to serve as principal in 2022.

According to the complaint, the school council voted multiple times to select Mr. Muhammad for the permanent principal position, but CPS officials repeatedly delayed or interfered with the process.

The lawsuit alleges that after concerns were raised internally about his faith as a member of the Nation of Islam and his race as a Black man, district officials withheld a four-year contract, placed him on an interim agreement, and later launched investigations that culminated in his removal in March 2023.

The complaint further alleges that false misconduct allegations were compiled into investigative findings used to justify his termination, despite internal evidence later concluding that the most serious allegation—that he failed to report misconduct—was unsubstantiated.

In a significant development, U.S. District Judge Andrea R. Wood ruled that key racial and religious discrimination claims against the Chicago Board of Education could proceed.

In her Memorandum Opinion and Order, Judge Wood wrote that, at the motion-to-dismiss stage, the court must accept the plaintiff’s factual allegations as true and found that Mr. Muhammad had plausibly alleged discrimination under federal law.

While the judge dismissed some claims and certain defendants on procedural grounds, the ruling allows the core discrimination allegations to move into discovery, where attorneys can subpoena records, depose witnesses, and further examine internal CPS communications and decision-making.

With major portions of his case surviving dismissal, Abdul Muhammad is now preparing to advance his claims through discovery and potential trial—seeking to prove that CPS officials engaged in systemic retaliation, racial and religious discrimination, and the concealment of exonerating evidence.

“I was removed based on false allegations,” Mr. Muhammad said, describing what he called a “retaliatory and biased process” that derailed his career and damaged his reputation.

A contested removal and hidden findings

According to court filings and federal complaints, Mr. Muhammad, identified in legal documents as a “Black, male, Muslim member of the Nation of Islam,” was selected by a local school council to serve as principal in 2022 after a competitive process.

But despite that selection, CPS leadership delayed granting him a permanent contract and later removed him from the position in March 2023 following an internal investigation that cited multiple allegations of misconduct.

Central to Mr. Muhammad’s claims is an accusation that CPS knowingly relied on false allegations, particularly that he failed to report alleged misconduct involving a student, while withholding an internal Office of Inspector General report that cleared him.

“That report, a July 25, 2023 Chicago Public Schools Office of Inspector General report identified in complaints as Case #23-01011, concluded that allegations Mr. Muhammad failed to report misconduct were unsubstantiated.

Effectively exonerating him on the central claim, yet was not disclosed to him or federal investigators for nearly two years, according to his complaint to the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Inspector General.”

“Despite this knowledge, CPS withheld the OIG report … and continued to repeat false claims,” Mr. Muhammad stated in a separate complaint filed with the EEOC watchdog office.

Federal complaints and legal developments

Mr. Muhammad has filed complaints with multiple agencies, including the U.S. Department of Justice, the Department of Education, and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, alleging civil rights violations, retaliation, and systemic bias.

His federal lawsuit claims racial and religious discrimination under Title VII and other statutes. In a recent Memorandum Opinion and Order, the court ruled that, while some claims and defendants were dismissed, key discrimination claims against the Chicago Board of Education survived, allowing the case to proceed.

The ruling means the case now moves into the next phase, where evidence can be formally obtained, witnesses deposed, and the factual record more fully developed.

Mr. Muhammad underscored its significance. “She moved forward on discrimination—the biggest thing, racial and religious discrimination,” he said to The Final Call.

The case also includes allegations that internal communications referenced his faith in the Nation of Islam in a negative manner, raising concerns about religious bias.

Allegations of coordinated misconduct

Mr. Muhammad’s filings go beyond individual claims, asserting that senior CPS leadership—including the district’s chief executive—played a role in directing the investigation and subsequent actions taken against him.

He also alleges that multiple officials were involved in disseminating false information and suppressing evidence, and notes that some individuals connected to the case were later disciplined or removed following separate complaints of misconduct and bias.

“These actions were not isolated,” his Justice Department complaint states, but part of a broader “pattern of racially and politically motivated investigations.”

CPS has not publicly responded in detail to the allegations outlined in the complaints.

Historical echoes and ongoing struggle

Advocates point out that Mr. Muhammad’s case must also be viewed in a larger historical context—one shaped by decades of systemic inequities in education, employment, and public institutions affecting Black Americans.

From redlining and school segregation to modern disparities in discipline and hiring, the struggle for fairness in education systems remains ongoing.

Conclusion: Court ruling sets stage for next chapter

Legal experts note that such rulings are pivotal: they do not determine guilt or innocence but open the door for deeper scrutiny through discovery and, potentially, trial. For Mr. Muhammad, the next move is clear—press forward, compel disclosure of evidence, and seek accountability in court.

For the broader community, the case represents something larger: a continued demand that institutions entrusted with educating Black children operate with fairness, transparency, and justice—principles many say are long overdue.

The post Chicago educator’s federal case moves forward appeared first on Final Call News.

CHICAGO—On street corners across Black America, young men in suits sold The Final Call newspaper while boom boxes blasted Public Enemy, Ice Cube and Brand Nubian.

Bean pies sat beside cassette tapes in HBCU dormitories throughout the South. Conversations about survival, spiritual structure and Black empowerment flowed from barbershops to bus stops to rap lyrics.

Long before hip-hop became a billion-dollar industry fueled by corporate sponsorships, streaming platforms and luxury brand partnerships, the voice of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan and the teachings of the Nation of Islam became woven into the soundtrack of a generation searching for identity, purpose and direction.

From Bronx sidewalks to lowriders cruising through South Central Los Angeles, references to Minister Farrakhan echoed through rap lyrics, concert stages and album intros. Sometimes artists quoted him directly.

Other times, they sampled his speeches, invoked his name as a symbol of Black leadership, or mirrored themes of self-determination, accountability, and political awakening central to the Nation’s teachings. Minister Farrakhan has embraced the hip-hop community since its inception.

For many young Black listeners during the crack cocaine era, in the early 80s, the rise of mass incarceration and the post-Civil Rights Movement, Minister Farrakhan represented one of the few national and international Black voices consistently speaking about economic independence, discipline.

Community responsibility and cultural identity. Hip-hop artists absorbed those ideas alongside the realities of street violence, aggressive policing and urban neglect.

In hip-hop’s Golden Era of the late 1980s and early 1990s, politically conscious rap emerged as both cultural expression and protest music. Public Enemy brought unapologetic Black political commentary into mainstream music during a period marked by racial tension and heightened public scrutiny of Black leadership.

On “Bring the Noise,” Chuck D declared, “Farrakhan’s a prophet that I think you ought to listen to …” a lyric that became one of the clearest acknowledgments of the Minister’s influence within mainstream rap culture.

The line later resurfaced in the group’s collaboration with Anthrax on “Bring tha Noise,” helping introduce politically charged hip-hop themes to wider audiences across racial and musical lines.

That sentiment stretched from the East Coast to the West Coast. Following his departure from N.W.A., Ice Cube embraced a more politically charged direction in his music.  He reinforced Minister Farrakhan’s standing among artists seeking ideological grounding during an era marked by gang violence, economic struggle and social unrest.

The influence extended far beyond direct references.

Groups such as X-Clan and Poor Righteous Teachers infused their music with themes of self-knowledge, spiritual awakening, economic independence and Black pride.

Big Daddy Kane also incorporated Nation of Islam imagery and Minister Farrakhan samples into his music. On “Young, Gifted and Black,” Kane opened with a Farrakhan sample, reflecting the growing intersection between hip-hop and Black political consciousness during the era.

While some artists drew from the Five Percent Nation and other traditions, many listeners associated the broader movement of conscious rap with the Nation of Islam’s emphasis on study, discipline and community uplift.

As hip-hop evolved through the 1990s, references to Minister Farrakhan became more layered and symbolic. Artists such as Nas and Tupac frequently explored themes of systemic oppression, Black leadership and resistance, even when not directly naming the Minister in their lyrics.

Tupac’s “I Ain’t Mad at Cha” reflected another side of the spiritual and cultural conversations taking place within hip-hop during the 1990s. In the song’s video, one of Tupac’s friends undergoes a transformation from street life to a more disciplined lifestyle associated with Nation of Islam imagery.

The visual reflected a familiar transformation visible in many Black communities during that era: young men attempting to move from chaos toward discipline, spirituality and self-respect.

Rather than mocking the change, Tupac framed it with understanding and respect, reinforcing hip-hop’s ongoing dialogue about redemption, consciousness and survival.

On his 2008 Untitled project, Nas directly referenced efforts to silence controversial Black leaders, repeating the phrase, “They did not have the power to stop Louis Farrakhan” framing the Minister as part of a lineage of influential Black voices frequently targeted or marginalized in mainstream discourse.

Meanwhile, artists continued incorporating Nation-related imagery and language into mainstream rap culture. Album liner notes, interviews and concert speeches often reflected admiration for Minister Farrakhan’s advocacy on issues affecting Black America.

By the 2000s and 2010s, Minister Farrakhan references evolved from direct ideological endorsements into broader symbols of authority, intellect and fearlessness.

On DJ Khaled’s “God Did,” Jay-Z invoked the Minister while reflecting on media criticism and public scrutiny. “Sometimes I feel like Farrakhan talkin’ to Mike Wallace …”

He rapped, referencing the Minister’s televised exchange with veteran journalist Mike Wallace and comparing his own experiences navigating criticism to Minister Farrakhan’s confrontations with mainstream media.

Even artists not traditionally associated with conscious rap occasionally invoked Minister Farrakhan as a symbol of authority, discipline and influence.

Likewise, Freddie Gibbs has referenced Minister Farrakhan across multiple songs and interviews, often using his name as a metaphor for seriousness, leadership and intellectual authority.

The references illustrated how Minister Farrakhan’s symbolic presence continued to extend into newer generations of rap artists beyond the explicitly political era of hip-hop.

Perhaps no contemporary artist has embraced the Nation’s influence more openly than Jay Electronica. Throughout his catalog, Minister Farrakhan’s speeches appear as samples, introductions and thematic anchors.

Songs such as “A Prayer for Michael Vick and T.I.”, “The Overwhelming Event,” “Who Killed Michael Jackson??????” and “The Neverending Story” all feature direct references to Minister Farrakhan, Nation-related themes or Fruit of Islam (F.O.I.) imagery.

His music frequently blends spiritual reflection, political commentary and Nation of Islam teachings, while his public appearances alongside the Minister further cement the connection.

Even among younger generations of artists, Minister Farrakhan’s name continues to carry symbolic weight. On the widely discussed track “Control,” Kendrick Lamar delivered the line, “make Farrakhan think Saddam …” using the Minister’s name as shorthand for influence, command and presence.

The song, led by Big Sean and featuring Jay Electronica, reflected how Minister Farrakhan references remained embedded in modern rap competition and lyrical symbolism.

Other artists across generations continued mentioning Minister Farrakhan in their music. Immortal Technique used Minister Farrakhan speech samples on “No Mercy,” while Joey Fatts directly titled a song “Farrakhan.”

While Minister Farrakhan remained a polarizing figure in some political and media circles, many hip-hop artists viewed him through a different lens: as a voice speaking directly to the conditions affecting Black communities that are often ignored by mainstream America.

Not all references to the Nation of Islam came through direct mentions or formal ideological alignment. In many cases, artists referenced symbols, language and imagery associated with the Nation that had become deeply embedded in Black urban culture.

Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, references to bean pies, The Final Call newspaper, Fruit of Islam security, bow ties and Muslim greetings frequently appeared in lyrics as markers of Black consciousness, discipline and cultural authenticity.

For many Black listeners, those references immediately evoked memories of Nation of Islam members selling newspapers, promoting economic self-sufficiency and maintaining a visible presence in urban communities nationwide.

On “Steady Mobbin’”, Ice Cube humorously referenced economic struggle and street survival by rapping that someone “might start slanging bean pies …” invoking one of the Nation of Islam’s most recognizable cultural symbols. The reference resonated because audiences already understood the cultural shorthand.

Chicago-born rapper Common often referenced neighborhood scenes and community figures that reflected the Nation’s visible presence in Black communities, particularly on Chicago’s South and West sides. His music regularly emphasized self-reflection, social responsibility and Black consciousness.

Likewise, Queen Latifah emerged during an era when Nation of Islam imagery and rhetoric heavily influenced conscious rap culture. Her music emphasized Black pride, womanhood and self-respect while reflecting many of the same themes circulating through politically conscious hip-hop at the time.

In her song “Just Another Day,” she raps, “Stomach ache, had a steak, and take for a bean pie, Get a Final Call from the brother in the bow tie.”

Neo-soul artist Erykah Badu frequently incorporated themes associated with Black nationalist and Nation of Islam cultural spaces, including spiritual awakening, self-knowledge and references to Minister Farrakhan himself.

On the song “Me,” Ms. Badu declares, “I salute you Farrakhan … ’cause you are me,” reflecting the Minister’s influence within broader currents of conscious Black music and culture.

Busta Rhymes also continued reflecting themes familiar to audiences influenced by the Nation of Islam and broader Black nationalist thought. His 2020 album, “Extinction Level Event 2: The Wrath of God,” blended apocalyptic imagery, spiritual urgency, social critique and messages of accountability.

The project reinforced ideas that had long appeared throughout his music: cultural survival, discipline, awakening and resistance during times of chaos.

For many listeners, those references were not abstract symbols. They reflected everyday life in Black America.

Decades later, the imagery remains recognizable: brothers in suits on street corners, newspapers tucked beneath their arms, bean pies on folding tables and the echoes of Minister Farrakhan’s speeches woven between bass lines and drum breaks.

From the crack cocaine era to the streaming era, Minister Farrakhan’s imprint on hip-hop culture remains embedded not only in lyrics but in the music’s ongoing search for identity, purpose, and liberation.

The post From the mic to the Minister: Farrakhan’s voice in hip-hop appeared first on Final Call News.

The Lying in Repose for Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson Sr., held Feb. 26 and 27, was not merely a public viewing. It was Chicago’s civic memory gathering to honor one of its master builders.

Inside, the mood moved between solemn reverence and spontaneous affirmation. The Final Call observed children wiping tears after viewing his body, clutching the hands of parents and grandparents who whispered, “That’s the man who told us we were somebody.” Moments later, the quiet would break. From the line outside came an impromptu chorus: “I am somebody!” The words echoed down the block, rising above grief into declaration.

Mourners filed slowly down the aisles toward the casket placed before the stage, marking the beginning of a week of remembrances stretching from Chicago to South Carolina and Washington, D.C., before returning home again. The Jackson family followed the hearse from Leak & Sons Funeral Homes in solemn procession. Pallbearers carried the casket up the steps of the building Rev. Jackson helped found in 1971, as dignitaries, including  Rev. Al Sharpton, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and former Congressman Bobby L. Rush, gathered inside.

“Though it’s a day of mourning, it’s certainly a day of honor and celebration,” Mayor Johnson said.

Jesse Jackson Jr. thanked the public for the outpouring of support and called the moment an opportunity to set aside political division and reflect on a man who brought people together locally and globally.

Attendees received commemorative bookmarks bearing Rev. Jackson’s image. The small keepsakes felt intentional—silent encouragement to read, to learn, to grow and to become advocates for change, just as he had urged generations to do.

In Chicago, the city that shaped his organizing genius, the tribute carried deeper resonance. Here, Rev. Jackson was not only a statesman. He was neighbor, pastor, strategist in equity and police brutality cases, and architect of modern Black political power who, despite access to the White House under multiple administrations, chose to live among the community he fought to uplift.

Chicago made him and he remade Chicago

Long before presidential debates and international diplomacy, Rev. Jackson was organizing in Chicago’s neighborhoods. Through Rainbow PUSH, he led corporate accountability campaigns and economic boycotts that pressured major companies to hire Black workers and invest in underserved communities. Rooted in Operation Breadbasket and South Side church activism, his work reshaped the city’s economic landscape.

By the 1980s, he had refined what became known as coalition politics—uniting Black voters, labor, faith communities, Latinos and progressive Whites around shared demands for justice. His 1984 and 1988 presidential campaigns expanded Black voter participation and shifted the national conversation toward economic equity and social inclusion.

“He leveraged power in high places, but he never lost touch with everyday people,” said Omar Shareef, who has known Rev. Jackson since 1983. “We have to continue bringing down the walls for the next generation.”

Equally significant were the institutions he built. Weekly Saturday meetings at Rainbow PUSH became a civic forum where pastors, elected officials, labor leaders and grassroots activists addressed the community directly. Annual conventions brought national and international figures to Chicago to debate policy, human rights and economic justice. Those gatherings transformed the Kenwood neighborhood, bordered by Bronzeville, Hyde Park and Washington Park, into a permanent organizing hub, reinforcing the principle that Black political power requires structure, discipline and continuity.

A spiritual campaign in political terms

Rev. Jackson’s 1984 presidential bid unfolded during a heightened racial climate. His candidacy challenged the American political establishment in ways few campaigns had before. In that atmosphere, the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan, National Representative of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad, publicly defended Rev. Jackson’s campaign, rejecting suggestions that his involvement was politically harmful.

Speaking May 3, 1984, at a conference of the Association of Black Journalists in New York, Minister Farrakhan described the effort as “a spiritual campaign couched in political terms,” arguing that stepping back would signal disunity at a moment when Black America was awakening politically.

When Rev. Jackson ran, he came under heavy criticism and threats from members of the Jewish community for his balanced Middle East position and his advocacy for the Palestinian people. Rev. Jackson had met with and advocated for Yasser Arafat of the Palestinian Liberation Organization. Rev. Jackson and his family were threatened. To protect his brother, Minister Farrakhan dispatched the F.O.I. (Fruit of Islam, the men of the Nation of Islam) to protect Rev. Jackson and his family.  

In a message delivered “July 21, 2019, titled, “The Man Jesus and How Not To Fall Into Idolatry,” Minister Farrakhan said that the F.O.I. , “… handled the assignment with great dignity and love.”  

In another message titled, ‘If Satan Cast Out Satan, His House is Divided Against Himself; How Then Will His Kingdom Stand?’ delivered October 30, 2016, Minister Farrakhan shared additional details on this important history. 

“When my brother, Reverend Jesse Jackson, asked me in 1983 at the 20th anniversary of the March on Washington if I would help him, because he was about to announce his running for the nomination of the Democratic Party for the presidency of the United States, I said, ‘Well, Rev. Jackson, I would have to think about it.’  So, I went back to The Final Call building, which was our headquarters at that time, and I asked laborers in The Nation, male and female, who had been around the Honorable Elijah Muhammad for a long time:  ‘Should we do something like that?’  I wouldn’t tell them what my thought was because this is not a ‘cult.’ I really believe in freedom, justice and equality; so I never order people, I just tell you what the truth and what the facts are, and leave it to you.  And if I give an order, I try to give it with a smile—that’s the way my Teacher taught me,” Minister Farrakhan explained. 

“After asking them, they agreed that we should help Rev. Jackson.  And that’s what I wanted to do; because if he wanted to run for the presidency of the United States, that’s big.  And so ‘the bigger picture’ was ‘submit yourself to help your brother,’ and that I did. … Members of the Jewish community: When we were saying ‘Run, Jesse, Run!’ they were saying, ‘Ruin Jesse, Ruin!’ Then some members of the Jewish Defense League (JDL) wanted to attack Rev. Jackson and his family, so the F.O.I. stood up to protect Rev. Jackson before the Secret Service had that responsibility.  But when I spoke up against members of the Jewish community, not knowing that I was turning over a hornet’s nest …  the hornets came out to sting me,” Minister Farrakhan said. 

“So, there came a time when Rev. Jackson had to let me go as his surrogate speaker; and he said some words that I said—which I didn’t say.  But, it’s okay; it was convenient.  The bigger picture was Rev. Jackson,” said Minister Farrakhan. 

Throughout the years, Minister Farrakhan and Rev. Jackson maintained their bond of brotherhood.

More than four decades later, during the annual Nation of Islam Saviours’ Day message on February 22, 2026, delivered by Student Minister Ishmael Muhammad, Minister Farrakhan revisited that history and reflected on his relationship with Rev. Jackson in the aftermath of his brother’s passing. “You don’t know our relationship,” he told the thousands of people in the audience. 

Recalling the historic 1995 Million Man March, Minister Farrakhan described Rev. Jackson approaching him privately. “And he said to me, Minister Farrakhan, how much time are you gonna give me to speak?”

Minister Farrakhan said he refused to limit him. “I said, ‘Oh, Reverend Jackson, I can’t give you any time. You get up and say whatever it is you want to say, and when you finish, we’ll move on with others.’ I never told my brother 10 minutes, five minutes. That’s my brother.”

Minister Farrakhan concluded his remarks on his brother with loyalty: “And I will never be found dogging his name when he did so much to help a people rise to win. … That’s my brother.”

Institution builder, not just candidate

Rev. Jackson’s legacy rests not only in votes but in infrastructure. Rainbow PUSH became a pipeline for civic leadership, producing advocates, diplomats and elected officials. His international interventions, from negotiations abroad to anti-apartheid advocacy, demonstrated the global reach of a movement rooted in Chicago.

For many Chicagoans, that empowerment was personal.

“The giant has fallen among us,” Mr. Shareef said. He traveled with Rev. Jackson for years and later helped care for him as his health declined. “He powered through his pain. He always thought he was still on the playing field.” Even in a wheelchair, Rev. Jackson pressed corporations to meet with Black leaders before opening stores and mentored young professionals. “He leveraged power in high places, but he never lost touch with everyday people,” said Mr. Shareef. 

Generational impact: A living testament

The crowd at Rainbow PUSH reflected generations shaped by his influence.

Afrika Porter, who grew up inside the organization, said Rev. Jackson shaped her identity from childhood. “Reverend Jackson told us first that we were somebody. He spoke life into us,” she said. “I am because of Reverend Jackson. We are because of Reverend Jackson.”

Outside, Bro. West Side repeated the words that defined an era. “Keep hope alive. Keep hope alive. And always remember, I am somebody.” His voice joined others who turned waiting into witnesses as he highlighted that Rev. Jackson was an example for the youth. 

Carolyn Ruff, an activist and former Rainbow PUSH choir member, described Rev. Jackson as inseparable from Chicago’s identity. “He was Chicago. Keep hope alive. He always encouraged people that they are somebody,” she said.

Brian McCoy, youth sports advocate and longtime Rainbow PUSH member, reflected quietly. “Committed, faithful.” For young people learning Jackson’s story for the first time, he offered guidance: “Read about Jesse Louis Burns. That was his name before it was Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson. Then you’ll know that anything is possible.”

From mourning to mobilization

Rev. Jackson lay in repose at Rainbow PUSH, 930 E. 50th St., on Feb. 26 and 27. Thousands passed the open casket. His remains will travel to Washington, D.C., and South Carolina, including a lying in state at the South Carolina State House in Columbia.

Chicago’s People’s Celebration is scheduled for March 6 at House of Hope, followed by a private homegoing service at Rainbow PUSH.

Organizers frame the observances not as an ending but as a charge—to translate grief into organizing around voter engagement, economic empowerment and coalition building.

Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr.’s legacy lives in Chicago’s alliances, its political confidence and its insistence that Black voices belong at every table.

The torch has been passed. The question now is whether the city that shaped him will carry forward the courage that helped reshape the nation. Final Call staff contributed to this report.

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Awa ND’iaye, 17, a high school senior at Muhammad University of Islam and employee at the restaurant, helped save a man’s life after he stumbled into the business bleeding from a gunshot wound, just as staff were closing shortly after brunch service.

The incident happened on 621 East 67th Street in Woodlawn, when a young man who had been shot nearby ran to the restaurant screaming for police. Staff soon realized he was losing a dangerous amount of blood from his leg. Restaurant owner Nahla Carmella Muhammad immediately called 911.

But it was the calm focus of Awa, combined with the decisive leadership inside the restaurant, that turned a terrifying moment into a testimony of preparation, faith and community responsibility.

“I heard somebody banging on the door,” Awa recalled. She said she was finishing up a plate for a late customer when she saw someone running outside and then heard the urgent pounding. When the man entered, Awa said it was not immediately clear how badly he was hurt.

“That’s when I noticed where he actually got shot,” she said. “Then we actually saw the blood because at first we didn’t see it.”

A quick-thinking response in a crisis

As the restaurant rushed to help, Awa said Ms. Muhammad asked someone to get towels to stop the bleeding. Awa, remembering her training, grabbed an apron instead.

“I saw that there were aprons there, so I grabbed an apron while my co-worker grabbed a towel,” she said. “I didn’t want her to take it as me trying to talk back … but I told her it’ll be a lot better to tie an apron around his wound to stop the bleeding than a towel that couldn’t really wrap around it.”

The apron was used as a tourniquet and tightened around the man’s leg to slow the bleeding until first responders arrived, according to reporting.

Ms. Muhammad confirmed the apron made the difference. “I went to say give me some towels so that we could stop the bleeding,” she said. “She (Awa) said, ‘no, no, we need an apron … so it can be tied around his leg.’ It worked much better,” said Ms. Muhammad.

Paramedics transported the man to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where he was listed in critical condition.

Training that meets the moment

Awa said she recently completed an eight-week emergency medical training program through the University of Chicago’s Pritzker School of Medicine called MedCEEP, which stands for Medical Careers Exposure and Emergency Preparedness.

The program, founded by Dr. Abdullah Hasan Pratt, teaches youth hands-on emergency skills including CPR, airway simulation, overdose response and bleeding control, while also exposing students to medical careers and mentorship opportunities.

“We learned different things like how to deal with a drug overdose, how to stop the bleeding,” Awa said, adding that the program also included discussions on gun violence because of how common it is in Chicago.

The experience strengthened her long-term goals. “At first I was 99.9% sure I wanted to be in the medical field, but that definitely cleared the point one percent,” she said. “I do still want to be a pediatric surgeon.”

Awa also said the incident revealed a sobering truth: training is only powerful if people carry it with them beyond the classroom. “Now it really taught me a lesson to listen to everything else he said.”

She explained, referencing the emergency supplies and wound-care tools students were given during the program. “Now I’m going to strive to actually take it with me now that I see that this is something that’s very real.”

A mother’s pride and a community’s message

Awa’s mother, Karriemah Muhammad, said her daughter’s actions confirmed what she has long believed about the importance of investing in young people’s gifts early, especially in communities facing constant threats.

“I was very concerned … but once I heard what she did and how she used the training she received … I’m just so proud of her,” she said. “It reaffirmed for her, her desire to move into medicine.”

Ms. Karriemah Muhammad urged parents to seek out programs that develop practical skills while removing financial barriers. She noted that MedCEEP is free and offers training that is both relevant and accessible.

“With the MedCEEP program, he offered this training to young people for free,” she said. “That is phenomenal … I’m hoping and praying that it inspires people not only to send their children, but to also financially support it so that it can continue.”

She also emphasized that parents must share resources and opportunities instead of withholding information. “As parents, we need to share information. We can’t gatekeep,” she said. “Even if your child hasn’t expressed an interest … expose them.”

A bigger mission behind the moment

Dr. Pratt, a South Side emergency medicine physician at the University of Chicago Medical Center, said Awa’s response reflects more than one summer of training. It represents a growing standard of readiness being cultivated among young people and students in the community.

He described the ability to remain calm, communicate respectfully and prioritize safety as the mark of someone prepared not just to survive trauma, but to lead through it.

“She calmed the person down who was shot,” Dr. Pratt said. “Who wouldn’t want an Awa right there in your worst moment?”

In previous reporting, Dr. Pratt explained that his work is rooted in both community health research and spiritual responsibility, grounded in principles of self-sufficiency taught by the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad, the Eternal Leader of the Nation of Islam.

“When we approach violence, I think not only from an evidence-based point of view, from a community-based point of view, but even with the Teachings of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad, being able to be self-sufficient has to be at the core root of those solutions,”

Dr. Pratt said. Dr. Pratt is the founder of two initiatives designed to disrupt cycles of violence by building capacity, confidence and preparedness among youth: TRAP (Trauma Recovery and Prevention of Violence) and MedCEEP.

Through TRAP, as reported in The Final Call July 2025, students learn trauma response skills, de-escalation and emotional resilience in some of Chicago Public Schools’ most impacted neighborhoods.

“We looked to focus on Chicago Public Schools that are closest to the problem first,” Dr. Pratt said. “The schools that send us the most children who are victims of gun violence, that’s where we started our ‘Stop the Bleed’ training and the TRAP program.”

MedCEEP extends that mission by introducing young people to medical careers and hands-on preparation. Since its inception, the program has impacted more than 2,000 youth across Chicago and has reported a 98% graduation rate and 100% college acceptance for students who apply.

“If they can learn how to save a life, they can use that as an empowering way to pursue a career in medicine,” Dr. Pratt said. “Everybody should learn this”

Awa said she hopes the public understands what her experience revealed: first aid training is not optional in communities navigating violence. It is essential.

“I believe it’s very important,” she said. “I really don’t think you even necessarily want to have to go into the medical field. I feel like first aid is just a basic training that everybody should learn no matter what.”

—Toure Muhammad, Contributing Writer

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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.”

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Despite the heavy snowfall, hundreds of family members, believers, artists, dignitaries, elders and youth gathered Nov. 29 for the 90th birth anniversary celebration of Mother Khadijah Farrakhan, the wife of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan.

First Lady of the Nation of Islam and beloved Mother of the Faithful. The evening doubled as a fundraiser for Mother Khadijah’s Children’s Village, the Saviours’ Day sanctuary she envisioned for the Nation’s youth.

The atmosphere was alive with gratitude. The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan entered first, followed by the grand entrance of the honoree Mother Khadijah, both smiling warmly as the room rose twice in thunderous applause.

It was a moment that reflected not only respect, but deep affection for a woman whose spiritual, cultural and maternal presence has quietly fortified the Nation of Islam for more than six decades.

The celebration unfolded as a tapestry of artistic and cultural tributes. Praise dancers moved in reverence.  A martial arts demonstration showcased discipline and protection. A drill exhibition by the Fruit of  Islam (F.O.I.) and M.G.T. Vanguard demonstrated precision and focus.

Poet Harold Power delivered an intense spoken word performance on the unseen burdens borne by a woman married to a divine servant. The N.O.I. National Youth Ensemble performed as young dancers demonstrated the elegance and dignity of the waltz.

Violinist Ameerah Muhammad added soft, soulful notes that drew the audience into stillness. A video was played of the winners of the “I am Mother Khadijah Farrakhan” video essay contest, who read their tributes to her, describing how she has impacted their lives as young Muslims.

Tributes rolled in from around the country, Stephanie Mills, Stevie Wonder, Tyrese, Busta Rhymes and Doug E. Fresh, each recognizing Mother Khadijah’s quiet power, dignity and unwavering support of her husband’s mission.

Stevie Wonder affectionately called her “the sunshine” of countless lives as he serenaded her with a portion of  “You Are the Sunshine of My Life” and, in true cultural fashion, delivered the beloved refrain of the “Black Happy Birthday song”—the unofficial traditional birthday anthem in Black communities.

Among the most heartfelt moments of the night came from Grammy-nominated singer Kelly Price, who shared a story from more than two decades ago when Minister Farrakhan and Mother Khadijah first met her.

As she looked into the Minister and Mother Khadijah’s eyes, she recounted performing at a BET event, feeling the weight of a difficult day, and then watching the crowd part “like the Red Sea” as Minister Farrakhan and Mother Khadijah approached her.

Her testimony echoed what many in the Nation of Islam already know: Mother Khadijah’s embrace is expansive, rooted not in bloodlines but in love, sincerity and service. Artists, activists, leaders and everyday people have felt the warmth of her presence.

Many speakers returned to a single theme: Mother Khadijah’s unmatched sacrifice. Children and grandchildren spoke with reverence, describing a home grounded in faith, modesty, discipline and devotion to Nation-building.

“She is the cornerstone of our family and this Nation. We stand on her back,” said daughter Khallada Farrakhan, recalling years when she safeguarded the home while her father rebuilt the Nation of Islam.

Stories of simple meals, egg salad, bean soup and righteous cereal, mixed with the joy of seeing the pantry finally overflow when blessings increased. Mother Khadijah fed her family, the laborers who helped rebuild the Nation, and anyone in need.

She designed uniforms for the women of the Nation of Islam, guided the household and supported the mission of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad and her husband through sheer will and enduring love.

Grandchildren remembered her humor, tenderness and protection from “groundings and chastisements.” Great-grandchildren recalled her spiritual instruction, her gentleness and her ability to make any space feel like home. One young great-great-grandchild, Wali, proudly called himself “the face of the Supreme Bean Pie,” drawing laughter as he proclaimed, “Great-great-grandma, I love you.”

“She has always been a safe place,” one granddaughter said. “Her home, her heart and her arms have always been open.”

Student Minister Ilia Rashad Muhammad, who traveled from Memphis with his wife Angela Muhammad, recalled a lesson from Minister Farrakhan that Mother Khadijah was “the womb that bore him,” symbolizing the sacred environment that nurtured the spirit and work of one of God’s greatest servants. “We would not have him, were it not for her,” he said.

“It is such a privilege to be present here to commemorate the 90th birth anniversary of the Mother of the faithful,” said Student Minister Abdul Arif Muhammad, member of the Nation of Islam’s Shura Executive Council.

“She is a woman who has persevered, who has stood strong amidst all the challenges she has faced. She remains steadfast in her faith in Allah in the Person, Master Fard Muhammad and the Exalted Christ, the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad, and the Messiah, her husband, the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan,” Student Min.

Arif said. “We honor her for her courage and for her commitment. She is a sterling example to all of us. So, I’m in awe just to be in the presence of her and her family this evening,” he added.

A daughter’s promise and a new chapter for the Children’s Village

In an emotional highlight, Sister Maria Farrakhan, daughter of Minister Farrakhan and Mother Khadijah, announced that the community had raised 96% of the funds needed for the 2026 Children’s Village. She then pledged publicly to carry her mother’s vision into the future.

“Mom and Dad, you will no longer have to carry this alone,” she said. “Tonight, I make you a promise. I now pick up the baton. This is a daughter’s promise.”

Her pledge drew a standing ovation and marked a new chapter in the Village’s life, one that honors Mother Khadijah through service, sustainability and generational continuity.

Near the end of the evening, Minister Farrakhan expressed tender gratitude for the love poured upon his wife. “I love you for loving her,” he told the audience. “What you did for Khadijah, you also did for me.”

He thanked the community for giving her flowers while she can enjoy them, reminding all that honoring Mother Khadijah is inseparable from honoring the divine mission she has supported for decades.

At 90 years old, Mother Khadijah Farrakhan stands as a beacon of faith, culture and unwavering support. On this night, crowned with gratitude, beauty and unity, her Nation rose as one to say: We love you. We honor you. We thank you.

The post ‘A Night of Love, Legacy and Refined Culture’ Community honors Mother Khadijah Farrakhan’s 90th Birthday appeared first on Final Call News.

CHICAGO—The story of Mr. Abdul K. Muhammad, a respected Chicago Public Schools (CPS) principal known for transforming struggling schools into safer and thriving environments, has become a powerful case study in how race, politics, and power collide in public education.

At Lindblom Math and Science Academy, one of CPS’s most celebrated selective-enrollment institutions, Mr. Muhammad’s short tenure was marked by measurable improvements in school climate, community partnerships, and student morale.

Within months of his 2022 appointment, he relaunched mentoring programs, revitalized the school’s culture team, reduced hallway conflicts, and strengthened ties with parents, community leaders, and elected officials. Students and staff remember his energy and his ability to connect. “He gave us the best pep rally ever,” one student said.

Yet while he worked to build bridges in Englewood, others inside the district were allegedly building a case to take him down.

According to interviews and multiple accounts, resistance to Mr. Muhammad’s leadership began months before he officially became principal. Between February and July 2022, while the Local School Council (LSC) conducted its principal voting process, he encountered repeated interference and bias.

District administrators and insiders, according to Lynn White, the principal selection committee chair, attempted to reopen the search even after Mr. Muhammad received the highest evaluation scores from the council.

Ms. White described the atmosphere as “tainted from the beginning,” alleging that some officials “seemed determined to block him no matter how qualified he was.” She said she witnessed outside pressure being applied on the LSC to reconsider its vote after Mr. Muhammad emerged as the clear choice.

Ms. White described the environment as politically charged and racially fraught, marked by quiet opposition to Mr. Muhammad’s leadership style and discomfort with his membership in the Nation of Islam.

When he assumed the position in August 2022, Mr. Muhammad said he found the school in disarray. According to internal reports and witness statements, payroll inconsistencies, misuse of athletic funds, outdated safety protocols, and incomplete student compliance files were among the problems uncovered within his first four months.

He also identified serious concerns about child safety. According to a lawsuit and contemporaneous school records, when Mr. Muhammad learned of an incident involving alleged misconduct toward a student.

He immediately directed his assistant principal to contact the Office of Student Protections and Title IX, ensured the student received follow-up care, and documented every step. Ironically, that same incident would later be used against him—a move his attorneys describe as “a deliberate inversion of truth.”

Targeted for investigation

By December 2022, the reforms Mr. Muhammad initiated had triggered resistance from the nearly all-White staff aligned with individuals in district leadership, according to his lawsuit. On December 19, 2022, CPS investigator Kelly Tarrant, then a senior official in the district’s Law Department, formally opened an investigation against him for “mismanagement.”

According to legal filings and due-process analyses, Mr. Muhammad was never informed of the specific allegations before his March 16, 2023, interview, and more than 30 witnesses who could have supported his defense were excluded. The investigative report, completed in just three days, accused him of policy violations but contained no substantiating evidence.

In her own 2025 whistleblower lawsuit, Ms. Tarrant alleged that CPS officials improperly interfered with investigations and pressured her to produce findings favorable to district leadership.

She claims she was retaliated against after raising concerns about ethical and procedural misconduct in politically sensitive cases—including the case against Mr. Muhammad. Ms. Tarrant was eventually suspended and terminated, actions she asserts were in direct response to her objections to top-level interference.

Her allegations, now part of a pending lawsuit, have intensified calls for independent oversight of CPS investigations. Civil-rights advocates say the claims expose a pattern of collusion between the CPS Law Department, FOIA office, and top administrators—a system designed, they argue, to silence dissent and protect the politically connected.

Despite the lack of due process, CPS issued Mr. Muhammad a five-day suspension on May 17, 2023. Nearly two years later, on March 5, 2025, he finally received written confirmation that he had been exonerated of all major allegations. “By that point,” Ms. White said, “the damage had been done—his name, career, and reputation had already been dragged through the mud.”

In October 2024, Mr. Muhammad filed a federal civil rights lawsuit in the Northern District of Illinois against the Chicago Board of Education, CPS CEO Pedro Martinez, and several senior officials, according to the complaint filed in federal court.

The lawsuit alleges violations of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act (race and religion discrimination), Sections 1981 and 1983 (equal protection and due process), and Section 1985 (civil rights conspiracy).

It claims that CPS officials “marshalled their resources to block his contract, undermine his authority, and destroy his reputation for no other reason than that he is a Black, male, Muslim member of the Nation of Islam.”

According to the lawsuit, Mr. Muhammad’s troubles began when he attempted to enforce accountability. His attorneys, Sa’ad Alim Muhammad, Abdul Arif Muhammad, and Yolanda Muhammad, contend that he was targeted after reporting missing athletic funds, payroll abuse, and compliance failures that predated his leadership.

CPS has since filed a motion in federal court seeking to dismiss the case, arguing that the district and its officials acted within their authority, according to filings by CPS attorneys. Mr. Muhammad’s legal team has opposed the motion and is seeking discovery of internal communications between CPS’s legal department, the FOIA office, and the CEO’s office.

A flawed investigation—and then came a twist

The investigation that led to Mr. Muhammad’s suspension was riddled with procedural violations, according to documentation reviewed by The Final Call. Among them were untimely notice, denial of access to evidence, failure to interview key witnesses, and improper coordination between investigators and decision-makers before the inquiry even began.

The same investigator, Kelly Tarrant, who once built the case against Mr. Muhammad, later filed her own lawsuit against CPS. Ms. Tarrant’s lawsuit claims her termination violated whistleblower and anti-discrimination laws.

A Latina, she alleges the principals’ association retaliated against her following her 2023 investigation into Abdul Muhammad, a Black principal, which the group labeled racist. According to the suit, CPS didn’t allow her to respond or defend against the charge.

After filing complaints with CPS’s Equal Opportunity Office and the federal EEOC, she received her lowest performance review at CPS, and her investigation of Mr. Muhammad was downgraded.

Her allegations, if proven, lend significant weight to Mr. Muhammad’s claim that his downfall was engineered—not earned.

A pattern, not an exception

Mr. Muhammad’s ordeal reflects a broader, well-documented pattern of racial inequity in CPS leadership. According to reporting by WBEZ, The Chicago Defender, and the Chicago Principals and Administrators Association (CPAA), Black men make up roughly 8% of CPS principals, yet account for nearly 70% of those who have been removed or disciplined.

Between 2019 and 2023, WBEZ reported that of nine principals investigated for “serious misconduct,” six were Black men. The Defender documented seven Black principals removed in a single year—many under vague or later-disproven allegations. The CPAA’s Vindicated report concluded that key evidence was often ignored and due-process standards applied inconsistently.

CPAA President Troy LaRaviere described the climate bluntly: “Due process was nonexistent. Brother Abdul Muhammad didn’t receive notice of charges, discovery of evidence, nor the chance to cross-examine witnesses. We had to threaten a lawsuit just to get access to reports.”

He said Mr. Muhammad’s ordeal exposed a broader truth: “Before Abdul, no principal wanted to go public. They feared the stigma. Abdul was different—his discipline, integrity, and grounding in his faith let us wage a public battle.”

Mr. LaRaviere explained how Mr. Muhammad’s case became a turning point in advocacy: “Watching Abdul changed me. His calm, his truth-centered focus, his dignity—even under attack—made me a better person. That’s why his case was pivotal.”

He further emphasized how Mr. Muhammad’s courage helped expose flaws in CPS’s investigative practices and pushed the district to shift its approach from “removing” to “remediating” school leaders.

“The Kelly Tarrant lawsuit shows our campaign pressured CPS to shift from removing to remediating principals. That’s a major shift in institutional behavior, driven by public exposure.”

These patterns, advocates say, show how administrative tools such as “due process” and “disciplinary investigations” have been weaponized against independent Black leaders under the guise of policy compliance.

A record of excellence

Before his ordeal, Mr. Muhammad built a record of academic and cultural excellence. According to district performance data and testimonials, he raised freshman-on-track rates at Douglass High School from 71% to 100% in three years, reduced suspensions, and expanded dual-credit programs at Julian High School.

At Nancy B. Jefferson High School, located inside the Juvenile Temporary Detention Center, he brought the Broadway musical Hamilton to incarcerated youth—its only performance outside of Washington, D.C., or Broadway.

At Lindblom, he greeted students daily, walked them to bus stops, and partnered with Ald. Stephanie Coleman and State Rep. Sonya Harper to direct new resources to Englewood. Colleagues and parents describe not a negligent leader but one who brought structure, safety, and pride back to the school.

Today, both Muhammad and Tarrant continue to battle the system—he through his federal lawsuit to restore his reputation and pension, and she through her whistleblower complaint to expose what she calls “corruption at the core of CPS.”

Their cases raise pressing questions: Who investigates the investigators? How many educators have been quietly silenced? And what does justice look like in a system where truth itself is seen as insubordination?

This isn’t about Mr. Muhammad alone, say supporters. It’s about a system that punishes Black men for standing on principle and rewards silence over service. His fight is for integrity and the dignity of those who teach our children.

In the aftermath of cases like Mr. Muhammad’s, Chicago principals have gained new protections that strengthen their rights and autonomy. Thanks largely to sustained advocacy from the CPAA—and to the public attention generated by Mr. Muhammad’s ordeal—the Illinois General Assembly passed legislation granting principals clearer due-process rights, protection from retaliatory investigations, and a formal appeals process for disciplinary actions.

The reforms, supported by Mr. LaRaviere and members who rallied around Mr. Muhammad’s case, mark a significant shift: principals are now recognized as educational leaders with contractual and constitutional rights, not merely “at-will” employees vulnerable to political or administrative pressure.

[Editor’s Note: Toure Muhammad taught alongside Abdul Muhammad in the mid-1990s. He is also an alumnus of Lindblom High School.]

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The men gathered in anxious anticipation to see the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan, whose radiant smile and presence toward the close of the program, added to the uplifting and positive spirit of the meeting, themed “Let’s Make Our Community A Safe And Decent Place To Live.”

Educators, former street organization members, authors, college professors, law enforcement officers, entrepreneurs, Christian pastors, Muslims, Hebrews, activists, athletes, organizers and elders sat shoulder-to-shoulder in  the F.O.I. (Fruit of Islam, the men of the Nation of Islam) class.

It was both a mini reunion for some and an opportunity to connect with new, like-minded men for others.

Men came wearing suits and bow ties, fezzes, fraternity jackets, berets, jeans and gym shoes—reflecting the full spectrum of Black manhood in Chicago.

Some arrived searching for direction; others came to recharge a commitment first made on October 16, 1995, when nearly two million Black men stood on the National Mall pledging to atone, unite and rebuild their communities at the call of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan.

Men from across the country watched online at various Nation of Islam mosques and study groups, adding to the national sense of renewal.

The intergenerational, cross-geographical crowd responded to the call from the Nation of Islam leadership to gather and address solutions to the problems in our communities.

The room filled with eager anticipation as attendees contemplated being in the presence of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan. During the program, his son, Student Supreme Captain Mustapha Farrakhan, longtime aide Brother Leonard F. Muhammad and Student Minister Jeffrey Muhammad welcomed the men and thanked them for their attendance.

Student Minister Ishmael Muhammad, National Assistant to the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan, delivered a powerful message filled with quotes of guidance from Minister Farrakhan, from messages he has shared at various times throughout the decades.

Student Minister Ishmael Muhammad grounded the night in scripture and mission. Drawing from the book of Genesis, he explained that true “time” for an oppressed people begins only when they are freed from the grip of their oppressor. It is the arrival of light and knowledge that strikes the equator of the mind and starts the motion necessary for transformation.

“This is a call to us as men to make our community a decent and safe place to live,” he said. “God is present. God is with us. And God backs us 100 percent if we are willing to obey and do His will,” he said.

The men also viewed a special represented video message from Minister Farrakhan reaffirming the pledge of responsibility, unity and neighborhood transformation. The message underscored the immeasurable value of the F.O.I. and the divine worth of the people they serve.

“Do you know how valuable you are?” Minister Farrakhan asked in the clip, shown to the men in attendance. “Even more valuable than you and me are the people you are going after.”

He continued by illustrating that even when a Black person exhibits degraded behavior, “underneath all that is God.” Minister Farrakhan also expressed the need for men to go into the community with a spirit of love, kindness and mercy to ensure success.

Minister Farrakhan, who attended the gathering, thanked the men for coming and expressed joy at seeing so many brothers united in purpose.

Represented in the audience were leaders and members from the Moorish Science Temple of America, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Father Michael Pfleger, the Black Panther Party, the Temple of Mercy (Men in Black), the Original Hebrew Israelite Nation, pastors and others—each carrying legacies of advocacy and service.

What took place was more than an event. It was a reminder, many said, that responsibility is not seasonal—and that the spirit of the Million Man March still breathes.

Chairman Fred Hampton Jr., carrying the legacy of his father, said the gathering had a clear and unmistakable energy.

“Motivation and inspiration,” he reflected afterward, describing the atmosphere as a living coalition. He noted the “release of pheromones,” the unspoken spiritual charge that occurs when Black men reclaim accountability and collective vision. “Ain’t nobody gonna save us but us,” he said, urging brothers to “update and keep it moving.”

Across the sanctuary of Mosque Maryam, that spirit of renewal appeared again and again.

Bro. Dr. Alli Muhammad remembered attending the Million Man March as a young man and said the evening felt like a divine return to that transformative moment.

“Nothing changed my life like the Million Man March,” he said. Hearing Minister Farrakhan’s video presentation and the guidance delivered by Student Minister Ishmael Muhammad brought back “that spirit from 1995,” which he described as a much-needed recharge in 2025. He called the timing “divine design.”

Longtime organizer Bro. Gregory Sain said what happens next depends on internal work.

“I would hope that every individual will begin to look at themselves in a very divine way,” he said, urging Black men to cultivate the dormant love that can soften hardened hearts, redirect younger brothers and reshape communities.

Noting that many neighborhoods are controlled economically by outsiders, he said transformation must begin in the mind. “Men are hungry and thirsty for answers,” he said, comparing the gathering to the early days after the March. “We don’t want it to go away.”

Bro. Wallace “Gator” Bradley, a well-known figure in the movement for justice, said the 30-year arc since 1995 is now producing visible fruit. “When you see me with my (pastoral) collar, it’s like what the leader (Minister Farrakhan) was saying,” he reflected, pointing to God’s use of ordinary men as vessels for extraordinary work. He expressed hope for long-sought justice.

Others, like Bro. Dolphin Norris, a restaurateur, came simply for the chance to see Minister Farrakhan again and to reconnect with the collective spirit the Nation of Islam has long cultivated.

“It did my heart so much good to see so many of us together,” he said, stressing that the next phase requires “boots on the ground” and firm action.

Bro. Father Michael Pfleger, a longtime supporter of peace and justice efforts, was among those moved by the gathering. Afterward, he expressed gratitude for the guidance delivered by Minister Farrakhan and Student Minister Ishmael Muhammad expressing, “We will make our communities decent and safe.”

As the men departed, some clutching a written copy of the Million Man March Pledge, others with tears, others in quiet contemplation or embracing one another—the feeling was unmistakable: something had been rekindled.

The Million Man March planted seeds of responsibility, brotherhood and moral renewal throughout Chicago and the world. Three decades later, Black men in Chicago declared that those seeds are still alive and ready to bear new fruit.

In other parts of the country, men viewed the special program and those same feelings and thoughts of brotherhood and service were sparked.

The event left a lasting impression on many in St. Lous. Bro. Lamar Williams, who was present at the meeting, shared his experience with heartfelt emotion.

“The unity was so beautiful and it reminded me of the Million Man March,” he said. “To bring all those brothers together again in an overwhelming response is proof that we must come together to help our community be better.”

For younger attendees like 23-year-old Bro. Jabril A. Muhammad, Minister Farrakhan’s words offered practical wisdom.  “It reminded me of how to be willing to give to others and not want or expect anything in return, no matter what position you have that’s better than someone else.”

In Philadelphia, affectionately known as “The City of Brotherly Love,” over 100 men watched the program via livestream at Mosque No. 12.

“It was beautiful. Everything was a blessing,” said Bro. Robert Ruffin, who pledged to return for future meetings. “I loved it. Yes, sir. A hundred percent.” Others emphasized the clarity and urgency of the message that was delivered.

Bro. Muhsin Aaqil-Bey, a South Philadelphia resident and grandfather of four, described the program as “very insightful” and “powerful.” He added, “One dreadlock is stronger than one strand. One fist is stronger than one finger. We need that unity, brother. This is a message my grandchildren need to hear.”

For Bro. Edgar Barraza, the evening carried a sense of honor. “It was beautiful to see Minister Farrakhan share his heart with us. These are necessary issues that must be addressed for the development of our people and the safety of our communities.”

The theme of love and brotherhood echoed throughout the night. Bro. Sulaiman Beyah reflected, stating, “The high point was love. We can’t do anything until we express love for each other, concern (and) empathy.”

Bro. Darrick Walton described the meeting as “awesome” and “very enlightened,” while Bro. Kyrie Daughtry said the message reminded him that “we are viable people.” Both men expressed eagerness to return.

For Bro. Suleman Muhammad, the revival of the gathering was itself a milestone. “It’s always positive energy when you have the meetings. I’m glad they started back. Mobilize the community, get us out there together.

The love of your brother—that was outstanding. And when the Minister (Farrakhan) came on, that was icing on the cake.”

The spirit of renewal was perhaps best captured by Bro. Lucas Nascimento, who said, “Only God could have brought me here to feel what I’m feeling now.

I feel full of light, full of energy, and supercharged to do the work of justice in my community. Just being allowed to walk through that front door was the high point.”

From seasoned elders to younger men the message, the gathering reflected a cross-generational hunger for unity, clarity, and action. The evening closed with a sense of momentum—an affirmation that the work of building safer, stronger communities begins with love, brotherhood, and a shared vision.

Contributing Writer Michael Z. Muhammad reported from Philadelphia and Contributing Writer J.A. Salaam reported from St. Louis.

The post Let’s make our community a safe and decent place to live Black men gather in Chicago and nationwide to renew Million Man March spirit and commit to community safety. appeared first on Final Call News.

GARY, Ind.—A new street sign now bears the name of a legend. On Oct. 13, city officials, community leaders, and family members gathered to celebrate the life and legacy of the late Mayor Richard Gordon Hatcher—the first Black mayor of Gary and one of America’s trailblazing political figures—with the renaming of Grant Street to Richard Gordon Hatcher Boulevard.

The unveiling ceremony, emceed by community leader Markel Watkins, took place outside St. Timothy Community Church on 25th and Grant and drew an appreciative crowd of residents, elected officials, and supporters from across Northwest Indiana.

Held on Indigenous People’s Day, the event was more than a name change—it was, as one speaker put it, “a declaration of perseverance, pride, and progress.” Just 30 minutes from Chicago’s South Side, Gary once again stood as a symbol of Black political power, unity, and cultural pride.

“We come before you today with hearts full of gratitude and pride as we gather to honor a great servant and trailblazer, Mayor Richard Hatcher,” prayed Pastor William Horn, who opened the ceremony. “May this sign stand as more than just a marker, but a symbol of perseverance and the power of belief in our people.”

A legacy beyond politics

Mayor Hatcher, who served five consecutive terms from 1968 to 1987, made history as one of the first Black mayors of a major U.S. city. His leadership during the turbulent Civil Rights era transformed Gary into a symbol of Black self-determination and urban political empowerment.

“Richard Gordon Hatcher was not simply the first African American mayor of our great city. He was a pioneer whose courage gave shape to possibility,” said State Senator Mark Spencer, recalling how Hatcher’s faith and conviction “turned barriers into bridges.”

Speakers throughout the program described Mayor Hatcher as a man who led not for comfort but for conviction—a visionary who faced fierce resistance but never retreated.

“Leadership is not about titles or applause,” said his daughter Reagan Hatcher, who spoke on behalf of the family. “It’s about persistence—showing up every day to serve, even when the spotlight goes elsewhere.”

The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan, who shared a close relationship with Mayor Hatcher rooted in dedication to the advancement of Black people, has called him “my friend, brother, leader, teacher, companion in the struggle, and a guide to us all.” Minister Farrakhan made those remarks at the October 9, 2019,  unveiling of a bronze statue of Mayor Hatcher in front of Gary City Hall.

Minister Farrakhan, National Representative of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad, participated in both the 1972 National Black Political Convention and the 1984 National Black Political Convention, both hosted in Gary under Mayor Hatcher’s leadership.

Minister Farrakhan’s message at each convention echoed the call for independent political action, self-determination, and moral renewal within the Black community—

Principles that aligned closely with Mayor Hatcher’s vision for transforming Gary into a model of Black excellence and empowerment. Mayor Hatcher was one of the first mayors to issue a city proclamation giving the Honorable Elijah Muhammad the keys to the city.

Minister Farrakhan once said of Mayor Hatcher after his passing in December 2019, “The grave can never destroy the good that those of us do in the name of God.”

Their friendship reflected a shared belief in self-determination, integrity, and service. Mayor Hatcher’s leadership in hosting the 1972 National Black Political Convention in Gary set the stage for a generation of Black political activism.

History and heart

Community historian Carolyn McCrady, who worked closely with the late mayor, offered a passionate account of his life’s journey—from losing an eye as a boy playing stickball to fighting segregation as a young lawyer and later building a national movement from City Hall.

“The real test came when he ran for mayor,” she recalled. “They tried to intimidate him, even fired shots at him, but the good people of Gary stood by him—and he won. Thousands danced down Broadway in celebration.”

Despite White flight, economic decline, and political isolation, Mayor Hatcher refused to give in. Under his leadership, Gary built new housing, elevated Black leadership, hosted the 1972 National Black Political Convention, and became a model for progressive urban reform.

“He was internationally known as a defender of Nelson Mandela, and when Mandela was freed, he traveled to South Africa to help build their new constitution,” Ms. McCrady said to applause.

Mayor Eddie Melton, who led the city’s official renaming, said the new boulevard ensures that future generations will know Hatcher’s name and story.

“This renaming permanently etches his legacy into the geography of Gary,” Mayor Melton said. “His victory in 1967 was not just a local win—it was a national breakthrough. He showed the world that urban America could rise, rebuild, and lead.”

A family’s reflection

Standing before the crowd with humility and pride, Mayor Hatcher’s daughters, Rachel, Renee, and Reagan, with their mother, Ruthellyn Marie, watching in the front row, spoke about their father’s integrity, compassion, and unshakable love for the city he served.

Rachel reminded the crowd of her father’s favorite words: “Don’t give up, don’t give in. Keep on fighting until we win.”

Renee reflected on her father’s belief in justice beyond politics. “He wanted America to face its history honestly, to recognize the pain of Indigenous and Black people alike,” she said. “He sought to make the nation live up to its highest ideals.”

Reagan concluded the program with emotion: “When you speak the name Richard Gordon Hatcher, every syllable carries weight—the weight of struggle, triumph, and love for this city.”

“We have to give our people their flowers while they’re here,” said emcee Markel Watkins, who credited Mayor Melton and others for keeping that tradition alive through murals, monuments, and events that honor local heroes.

Following the ceremony, The Final Call spoke with residents who shared memories and reflections on how Mayor Hatcher’s leadership impacted their lives.

Roger Hayward, founder of It’s Gary’s Time, Inc., said he attended because of his long connection to the city. “I came here about 20 years ago and I’ve always been interested in Gary. I donated memorabilia to Reagan a while back, and I like to stay involved in what’s going on,” he said.

Beryl Fitzpatrick, who grew up under Mayor Hatcher’s administration, became emotional recalling lessons from his mother, a teacher. “She used to give her students assignments to write about Mayor Hatcher and say one thing they liked about him,” he said. “My parents wouldn’t let anyone talk bad about him. My mother always said, ‘If you disagree, pray for him.’”

As the new Richard Gordon Hatcher Boulevard sign was revealed, the crowd cheered—some with tears in their eyes. For many, it was more than a ceremony. It was a reaffirmation that Mayor Hatcher’s dream for Gary—a city of dignity, unity, and self-determination—still lives.

“His presence is still here—in these streets, in these hearts, and in the spirit of Gary,” said Reagan Hatcher. “Today, his name takes its rightful place in the landscape of the city he loved.”

—Toure Muhammad, Contributing Writer

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