At its core, the National Prison Reform Ministry—headed for decades by Student National Prison Reform Minister Abdullah Muhammad—has in large part been using the collective talents and experiences of those helping in that ministry to promote Point Number 5 of the “Muslim Program: What the Muslims Want.”

This point reads in part: “We want freedom for all Believers of Islam now held in federal prisons. We want freedom for all black men and women now under the death sentence in innumerable prisons in the North as well as the South …” (To read it in its entirety see the inside back page of every edition of The Final Call.)

To highlight this need and to show the work being done via the Prison Reform Ministry and the community, Student Minister Abdullah Muhammad introduced the audience to six exonerated Black men from the state of Michigan who between them, had 114 years of their lives taken from them due to false imprisonment, explained Trische Duckworth of Survivor’s Speak, who moderated the panel.

Once released, they came together to help others.

“We understood coming out, that in order to make change, we needed to stand together and in so doing we helped create the Organization of Exonerees,” said Kenneth Nixon who did nearly 16 years of wrongful incarceration. “We travel the country advocating for other innocent people. Advocating policy change so other people don’t have to experience what we have.”

The panelists gave some great tips on how to support an incarcerated person, whether they were wrongfully convicted or not. Even those rightfully convicted, if supported, can have a better chance to be productive once they are released.

It’s important to keep the names and positive things about the incarcerated alive on the outside, say returning citizens, especially those who are wrongfully convicted. “Those long days when nobody was saying our names, were longer when you were innocent,” said Kevin Harrington.

Additionally, it may surprise many that people incarcerated don’t want to be shielded from the challenges people face on the outside, especially the wrongfully incarcerated because many of them are networking both inside and outside the prison looking for people to help them advocate for their release.

“When people don’t tell you the truth because they don’t want to put burdens on you while you are in prison, but we want to know what’s going on with the problems because we are networking and people are chiming in offering to help. Can we help you? Can we help your family? We just want to show love,” said Kevin Harrington who spent 17 years wrongfully incarcerated.

Student Minister Abdullah, in closing the workshop, acknowledged that the work of the panelists to fight to free others wrongfully convicted is fulfilling scripture. He also emphasized that the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad’s Teaching as taught by the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan is the ultimate salvation for Black people and all poor and oppressed people.

“You need to watch Minister Farrakhan. You need to read the scriptures. It says, when you see him, look at him. Not just look, study him. Then when you see him and you see what he does, then find the scripture to confirm that’s the fulfiller. Our God is present,” he said.

Attendees and panelists expressed appreciation for work done by Student Minster Abdullah, and Detroit’s Student Minister Troy Muhammad and Bro. Carl 3X.

Panelists for the workshop and how much time they served included: Kenneth Nixon,16 years; Eric Anderson, 9 years; Darrell Siggers, 34 years; Marvin Cotton Jr.,19 years; Anthony Legion, 19 years; and Kevin Harrington, 17 years

The post Wrongful convictions, innocence, and exoneration appeared first on Final Call News.

PHILADELPHIA—Nation of Islam Student National Prison Reform Minister Abdullah Muhammad recently delivered a message at Mosque No. 12 in Philadelphia, to a packed audience. He was introduced by Delaware Valley Region Student Minister Rodney Muhammad, who in his remarks spoke about the U.S. prison industrial complex and the impact of Islam.

“Islam is in these institutions (prisons), and nobody can get it out. Do you know what? And the U.S. Justice Department is responsible for it being there. Because you know what, the Honorable Elijah Muhammad was teaching on the street. Did you think he was going to teach something different once he got into those institutions (prisons)?

Now, we have a man with us who has never been arrested in his life, the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan. And this is a man teaching us that we’re locked up. The Qur’an says, ‘we are the inmates of hell.’ And, we are having one hell of a time, …” said Student Min. Rodney before bringing up Student Min. Abdullah to address the audience.

During Student Min. Abdullah’s opening remarks, he urged audience members to listen to “The Time and What Must Be Done,” parts 23 and 24 from Minister Farrakhan’s 2013 lecture series.  “This is the time of the Presence of God,” said Student Min. Abdullah. He went on to say, “This is not the time for integration, it’s the time for separation.”

He said that recently, he was thinking about the prophet Abram/Abraham. He shared that these thoughts came to him through Minister Farrakhan, saying, “Come out of her, my people,” in part 23 of “The Time and What Must Be Done. ”

“It caused me to start thinking about the prophecy that Allah (God) gave Abram. The prophecy says that Abram was put in a deep sleep. Abraham, but at this time his name was just Abram. So, it said that Abram was put in a deep sleep, and then a horror of darkness came over him. That is like a revealed nightmare.

As I thought about it, this was going on as the sun was going down. In 1974, the last message that the Honorable Elijah Muhammad delivered, He said, the sun is setting, but it will rise again. When it’s dark, most people go to … (someone in the audience replied ‘sleep.’) Right, go ahead and say it. The revelation was a sign of us having to go to sleep,” he continued.

During his message, Student Min. Abdullah explained that what was revealed to Abram was fulfilled with the condition of the Black man and woman as chattel slaves. He also shared from the Holy Qur’an that Allah (God) says to the angels that He will place a ruler in the Earth.

“So, now, Abram is in deep darkness and in a deep sleep, and he finds out that we gone into slavery, in a land that is not ours, and we gone serve them and be afflicted by them for 400 years. But after that time, I (God) will judge that nation which they shall serve.

So, they (the angels) said ‘what shall you place in it, except it creates mischief and causes the shedding of blood?’ And, Allah said, ‘I know what you know not.’ … Could it be that Allah now is going to begin the process of purifying us and teaching us all about ourselves in the process?” Student Min. Abdullah continued.

During his presentation, he shared information about the U.S. government’s role in setting up laws that lead to the incarceration of Black people.

“When I say, ‘the government is trappin’ too, it’s because like Jim Crow and the Black Codes were written into law legalized by this government. The same for our incarceration,” Student Min. Abdullah explained. He shared with the audience the history of the Iran-Contra scandal of U.S. President Ronald Regan, Vice-President George H.W. Bush and Lieutenant Colonel Oliver North who served in the National Security Council in the 1980s. 

The scandal exposed connections between the CIA and millions of dollars in cocaine sales that benefitted Nicaraguan Contras in their 1980s fight against the ruling leftist Sandinista government. CIA operatives tied to the Contras ushered in cheap cocaine through drug-selling in the Black community in Los Angeles and other cities. Mr. North claimed partial responsibility for the sale of weapons through intermediaries to Iran, with the profits being channeled to the Contras in Nicaragua.

“Did you know under Reagan, George H. Bush, Sr. (George H.W. Bush) out of his vice-presidential office assigned Oliver North to help him finance illegal war? Congress or whoever it is that gives the money, wouldn’t give them the money to back the Contras. So, what they did, they even went to the Ayatollah who supposed to be the enemy of the United States of America to get that money to execute illegal war.

So, now … H.W. Bush and Oliver North down in Central America. And, Bush, because he knows the drug cartels with arms are also financing the Contras, paying them to bring cocaine into America. Now, the cocaine is here,” said Student Min. Abdullah.

The casualties of these actions include the many people who became caught up in the drug epidemic and became victims, he explained.

“Now, what’s so cold is to have the knowledge that the president and the vice-president, writing up a law or a bill  (for a) ‘war on drugs.’ Are ya’ll following what I’m saying? They’re right there on TV and they are the ones that brought the drugs in; and now, they turn around on you like they turn around on us after we got off the plantation.”

During his presentation, Student Min. Abdullah also shared an update on the health status of Brother Mumia Abu-Jamal and his visit to State Correctional Institute-Frackville, located in Schuylkill County, Pa., about two hours from Philadelphia. He and the Nation of Islam Student Regional Captain Anthony Muhammad and this writer traveled to the prison to give a presentation to inmates and Brother Mumia was in attendance.

“I went over to shake his hand. He stood up to shake my hand. I was telling him how happy I was and, I’m talking about, I was sincerely, purely happy. And I don’t even know him, but just knowing what he has been going through,” said Student Min. Abdullah.

“See, ‘I will judge that Nation which they shall serve,” he added, referencing the Bible. “Our God is present! All that evil and wickedness you used to get away with, isn’t happening no more. When Mumia pulled that mask down, you didn’t see none of that (referring to a photo of Mumia’s severe skin condition), that man’s face was smooth as a fat newborn baby behind.

His skin texture is beautiful. I didn’t see any blemish, no bumps, just smooth and caramel looking. Then, he’s standing up erect. And, I said, ‘Mumia,’ and said, ‘man’ you are looking good; how are you standing? He said, he got that beautiful voice, he said, “These brothers around me, got me working out now.”

Student National Prison Reform Minister Abdullah Muhammad concluded by saying, “I’m telling you one of Allah’s (God’s) Names is ‘The Healer.’ I saw it!”

The post Sharing a powerful message in Philadelphia and a visit with Mumia Abu-Jamal appeared first on Final Call News.

While in the Tampa area earlier this summer, Nation of Islam Student National Prison Reform Minister Abdullah Muhammad and prison ministry delegation visited with inmates at the Medium Complex of the Federal Correctional Complex (FCC) in Coleman, Fla. (see Final Call Vol. 42 No. 47).

Student Prison Reform Ministry Coordinator Zachariah Muhammad of Mosque No. 29 in Miami and staff members, Student Minister Ali Salahu-din Muhammad of Mosque No. 47 in Tampa, Fla., and Brother Michael Muhammad of Mosque No. 66 in Jacksonville, Fla., were also part of the delegation that accompanied Student Minister Abdullah.

In his address to the men, Student Min. Abdullah also mentioned the new album by hip hop artist and businessman “Killer Mike,” titled “Michael.” The new album contains some highly conscious lyrics that Student Min. Abdullah shared. During the question-and-answer period, an older inmate told Student Min. Abdullah that he made his day because as an older man, he thought he was the only one his age that enjoyed conscious hip hop.

During his message, he discussed several issues and topics and shared words by the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan. He encouraged the brothers to give up the “spook God.” As we are real, so is Almighty God Allah real, Student Min. Abdullah expressed. At another point in the discussion period, the brothers asked about the Nation of Islam Prison Reform Ministry halfway house project and future plans for the project which will include urban farming as a part of its re-entry program.

He also told the brothers that the focus of politics and economics should not supersede the knowledge of the reality of God and his plans for our salvation. A Christian brother stood up and said, “I’m a Christian, but I study Minister Farrakhan because he is the only one who deals with what the scriptures represent in real-time as the prophets did.” The brother also shared that he read the testimony written by Brother Zachariah published in The Final Call newspaper “about how Islam saved your life.” This brought Brother Zachariah to tears. This is a testimony to the impact of the many articles written in The Final Call newspaper.

Due to the many questions posed and answered, the meeting went beyond the allotted time. Chaplain Upton, who is White, granted them an extra hour of service which the delegation was grateful for.

The third part of the visit was to Pen 2. As Student Minister Abdullah and the delegation approached Pen 2, the correctional officers said they had not been informed that they were scheduled to be at the facility. One of the correctional officers whose last name was Shabazz (praise be to Allah!) began to make calls to help rectify the situation. Also, a beautiful Black woman, Chaplain Smith, assisted.

After an hour and a half of waiting, the delegation was processed in and escorted down a long, barb-wired corridor where some of the inmates were on the yard. As the brothers on the compound saw the delegation walking toward the chapel, a brother ran up to the fence and told them nobody informed the inmates they were there.

Student Minister Abdullah told the brothers to spread the word about their visit. As the delegation was waiting for the doors to be opened a beautiful, dark brown Puerto Rican brother who was an inmate approached them. He was waiting to attend the African/Latino Christian faith meeting called Santa Maria. He approached Student Minister Abdullah and said he wanted to know more about Islam. Student Minister Abdullah told him that he wanted to learn more about his faith traditions. The brother began sharing with the delegation that the Afro/Latino Christian religion was taught to him by his great-grandparents who were from Africa. He said he has great respect for Islam because it was also taught to his people in Africa.

Due to the facility not announcing the meeting, only three brothers attended the Pen 2 service. Although only three attended, it was as if Student Minister Abdullah spoke to a large crowd of brothers. After opening prayer Student Minister Abdullah began to teach. He shared with the brothers from the Holy Qur’an that Allah (God) knows what our mind suggests to us. Student Minister Abdullah quickly bonded with the brothers and commissioned them to share with the others what he was sharing with them from Minister Farrakhan.

The tone of the meeting resembled a highly spirited study group session. Brother Marcell shared that when he was in the ADX facility in Colorado, he met Larry Hoover, co-founder of the Chicago street organization called the Gangster Disciples. He shared that when he met Larry Hoover, the organizational leader gave him a Final Call newspaper.

Student Minister Abdullah closed the meeting by telling the brothers they should strive to share what they have learned with others. He also told them, that persecution accompanies revelation and that one mighty in power has taught the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad and Minister Farrakhan.

He reminded the brothers of Minister Farrakhan’s words and disposition:

1: Love ye one another even as I have loved you.

2: Jesus was asked, ‘how many times shall I forgive,’ 70 times 7 times.

3: At the end of the day, the best religion is to do unto others as you want done unto you.

At the end of the meeting, Brother Rich Adams said in a strong and loud voice several times, “I like what I’m hearing!” Brother Rich said he was glad that he came and that Student Minister Abdullah really touched him.

He said Student Minister Abdullah gave a good presentation of what Minister Farrakhan and the Nation of Islam is about, and he’s interested in helping and learning more.

The post Nation of Islam Prison Reform Ministry visits Tampa area, Part 2 appeared first on Final Call News.

The Tampa Bay Area was blessed with a visit by Brother Abdullah Muhammad, the Nation of Islam (N.O.I.) Student National Prison Reform Minister. His visit from July 7-9 began at the Coleman Federal Correctional Complex (FCC) in Coleman, Fla. It is one of the largest prisons in the nation, housing 7,120 prisoners, and it has 1,300 employees.

Nation of Islam Prison Reform Ministry staff of the 7th Region worked on coordinating Student Minister Abdullah’s visit since 2019. By the Grace of Allah (God) the visit happened. Student Prison Reform Ministry Coordinator  Zachariah Muhammad of Mosque No. 29 in Miami and staff members, Student Minister Ali Salahu-din Muhammad of Mosque No. 47 in Tampa, Fla., and Brother Michael Muhammad of Mosque No. 66 in Jacksonville, Fla., were also part of the delegation that accompanied Student Minister Abdullah.

We are grateful and thankful to the warden and the prison chaplain. The visit was met with applause from inmates but included a few obstacles. En route to the prison, we received a call from another chaplain stating that Pen I was on administrative lockdown due to a stabbing.

So, the visit to that facility was canceled. Later that day, the delegation was received by Brother Terrance Staton, the N.O.I. inmate Study Group Coordinator within the Low Complex of the FCC. 

Student Minister Abdullah spoke to an audience of 28 inmates that comprised of the Nation of Islam, Orthodox Muslims, Christians, El Rukns, and Black Nationalists.

After giving the salutation, with tear-filled eyes, Student Minister Abdullah told the men with a resounding cry that, “The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan loves you and he chose me to do this service because I love you too!”

His message was received with a thunderous round of applause from the audience. He continued speaking by encouraging the brothers to consider Allah’s (God’s) view of them and he told them they should stop organizational infighting.

Student Minister Abdullah also shared with the men about his time in prison and that he was not a bad person and was raised right by his mother, but that he ran away from home and began living a life contrary to what he had been taught. He explained that he was raised by a strong, very light-skinned mother who taught him very good values and instilled in him the love of being a Black person.

During the question-and-answer period, one of the first questions asked by one of the inmates was about the health of Minister Farrakhan and how he was feeling. The men were very interested in knowing about the Minister’s well-being.

With tears in his eyes, Brother Abdullah began to share with them the pain the Minister deals with daily due to health issues but that he is still doing the work of restoring and resurrecting our people and humanity. You can’t look at him and tell that he is in any pain, Student Minister Abdullah shared.

Day two of the tour began with a visit to the Medium Complex of the FCC. Student Minister Ali Muhammad opened the meeting in prayer and gave brief words as well as Brother Zachariah who then introduced Student Minister Abdullah. Brother Abdullah shared with the brothers how the enemy traps us in our desire to do something for self to feed our family.

As a result, some may accept options that land them in prisons instead of following the straight path of Allah pointed out by Minister Farrakhan who has been continuously warning and guiding. The audience included members of various religious backgrounds and from various parts of the country.

Brother Abdullah stressed the need for the brothers to find the common thread of unity. He shared that Minister Farrakhan is the Light in the darkness in the wilderness of North America and that they cannot be rightly guided if they are divided.  Stay tuned for additional coverage in an upcoming edition of The Final Call.

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In The Name of Allah, The Beneficent, The Merciful.

The Fruit of Islam (F.O.I.) and the men the California State Prison at Lancaster were blessed to receive a visit from three esteemed guests at a banquet to commemorate the Nation of Islam’s annual Saviours’ Day.

Attending the March 6 banquet from Muhammad Mosque No. 27 in Los Angeles, California, and being wholeheartedly and enthusiastically welcomed by the capacity-filled chapel was Student Minister Abdul Malik Sayyid Muhammad, the Western Regional Representative for the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan and the Nation of Islam; Western Regional Student F.O.I. Captain Halim Muhammad and Student F.O.I. Captain Billy 2X of the Antelope Valley Study Group.

The day’s events began with our customary opening prayer delivered by Brother Deshawn X, followed by a warm welcome to all attendees and guests by the assistant inmate Study Group Coordinator, Brother Sami Muhammad.

Brother Sami began his brief remarks by thanking Almighty God Allah, Who appeared in the Person of Master Fard Muhammad, the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad and the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan.

Brother Sami then introduced the inmate Study Group Coordinator, Brother Ansar El Muhammad. Brother Ansar spoke on the reason for the occasion which was to commemorate the Birth of our Saviour, Master Fard Muhammad, the Great Mahdi, born February 26, 1877.

Brother Ansar also shared keen insights based on certain hadith, pertaining to the Great Mahdi, who was predicted to appear in the last days, and would be called Saviour; the Long-Awaited One; Master; Al-Qa’im, or the Establisher; Al-Hujjat, or God’s Proof.

Brother Ansar then gave a warm introduction of our guests. He shared brief details of the men and the great work each has done and continues to do on behalf of our beloved leader, teacher, and guide, the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan, and the Nation of Islam. Brother Ansar graciously got to the moment all the attendees had been waiting for and welcomed Student Minister Abdul Malik Sayyid Muhammad to the podium.

Student Minister Abdul Malik began his comments by expressing his joy at being able to come and share a message of hope and redemption with us from Minister Farrakhan.

He shared his history of coming up in the streets of Atlanta, and of a particularly poignant moment in his life when he made a personal choice to change his life and accept the Teachings of the Honorable Elijah Muhammad. He told the men, “I didn’t fall down from heaven, I came up out of hell,” establishing instant rapport and comradery with the audience.

The message delivered by our brother was powerful and timely. He encouraged the men to go to war against the mindset of White supremacy within themselves as well as within the world.

He talked about the psychological phenomenon called Stockholm Syndrome and related how our people continue to suffer from a debilitating inclination to sympathetically identify with and make excuses for the oppression and abuse we have suffered for over 400 years.

Citing the 37th chapter of Ezekiel in the Bible, Student Minister Abdul Malik asked: “Will these bones never come back together? Can these dry bones live?” He answered with the clarifying statement that “Islam comes when all else fails.”

He expounded on Ezekiel 37:4-10 and shared that Muslims of the Nation of Islam know and understand that the Coming of Master Fard Muhammad, in July 1930, was a command to the dry bones to hear. He explained that the Teachings of the Honorable Elijah Muhammad were the breath entering the dry bones, causing them to be covered in a newly formed flesh; and the fearless continuation of that work by the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan is as the four winds renewing life and vitality to the newly formed and resurrected Nation as; “an exceeding great army.”

Student Minister Abdul Malik encouraged the men gathered to personally combat and destroy the enemy of self. “If other peoples who have suffered oppression, servitude, bondage, torture, and murder may declare, ‘never again!’ then we must,” he said.

Our dear brother stated that while others attempt to turn ritual practice into Islam, Allah is a Living God who “works through men.” He further stated, that, “every physical manifestation has a mental and spiritual counterpart!” As the Original people “made in the image and likeness of God” as stated in Genesis 1:26, 27, and having Allah’s (God’s) own inspiration breathed into us, we are the perfect vessels for the manifestation of the Spirit of God. However, we must commit to, and submit to purification and preparation by denying ourselves all of the poisons we have learned to love in this wicked world, including certain foods, illicit substances, and thoughts.

In the F.O.I. we are taught that “A Fruit is the best,” and that he endeavors without fail to overcome every obstacle in his path, utilizing the greatest intelligence.

Student Minister Abdul Malik wrapped up his remarks by offering his thanks to almighty God, Allah for the opportunity to continue his work among God’s people, who are trapped in hellish conditions. He thanked the men for their energetic reception, and love, and concluded his remarks by opening up for questions.

As we closed with our customary prayer, Student Minister Abdul Malik asked us to close ranks in the packed room, and he entered the first rank, standing shoulder to shoulder, rank upon rank, to deliver a most meaningful closing prayer. All praise is due to Allah!

The F.O.I. of the inmate study group here at California State Prison, Lancaster, and all those who were blessed to be in attendance, would like to express our humblest, and sincerest thanks to the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan, Student Minister Abdul Malik Sayyid Muhammad, Student F.O.I. Captain Halim Muhammad, and Student Captain Billy 2X, for gracing us with their presence, for their uplifting words, and for the spirit of love, brotherhood, and strength engendered on this occasion. We look eagerly forward to the next visit from Allah’s angelic hosts.

As-Salaam Alaikum!

From left, Muslim Chaplin Imam Mohammed, Western Regional Student F.O.I. Captain Halim Muhammad, Western Regional Student Minister Abdul Malik Sayyid Muhammad, Antelope Valley Student Study Group Coordinator Ansar Stan Muhammad and Student Captain Billy 2X outside California State Prison at Lancaster. Photo Courtsey of Ansar Stan Muhammad

The post Bearing witness from behind prison walls appeared first on Final Call News.

However, these changes were far from comprehensive.  For 2023 to be a significant year for Black and Indigenous political prisoners in the U.S., many activists are calling for an emphasis on pardons, commutations, parole, and overturning wrongful convictions.

After almost four decades of fierce struggle, history was made in 2022 as Mutulu Shakur and Sundiata Acoli were finally released from captivity.  The pair stood as shining examples of dedication to the fight for justice, having fought for political freedom for much of their adult lives.

Former political prisoner and Black Panther and co-founder of the Jericho Movement, Jalil Muntaqim, expressed his discontentment with the lack of positive progress in prison reform in 2022.  He pointed to prison slavery as a significant issue.  This industry has been legally established by virtue of the 13th Amendment in the U.S. Constitution, which many people may be unaware exists.

During the November mid-term elections, four states—Alabama, Oregon, Vermont and Tennessee—voted to remove language from their state constitutions that said slavery is legal as a criminal punishment. Louisiana voted to keep the slavery exception. Mr. Muntaqim is actively fighting for its abolition in New York State, aiming to eradicate this oppressive system in 2023.

“New York is taking steps towards abolishing penal slavery.  Two bills, one concerning compulsory labor and the other granting minimum wage to incarcerated workers, are currently being deliberated by the legislature, which could end this heinous practice if passed into law,” he told The Final Call.

In 2022 the United States continued to incarcerate a larger population than any other nation in the world, with those imprisoned facing dire living conditions.  There continues to be little to no public oversight of these prisons, particularly state-run facilities—and their living standards, leading to instances of abuse of power and terrible humane qualities by those who are running the prison system. 

In many cases, prisoners do not have access to basic necessities, such as fresh air, healthy food, natural light, or proper healthcare. Earlier this year, the problems in 13 of Alabama’s major prisons came to a head when thousands of prisoners went on a labor strike to demand better treatment. Prisoners were suffering from environmental and nutritional issues and overcrowded facilities. The labor strike began on September 26 and ended October 15. Prisoners stopped providing free labor in the form of food service, laundry, maintenance, trash and other jobs.

Also, this year protestors held demonstrations at Women’s Huron Valley Correctional Facility in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Inmates there suffered from overcrowding, mold, improper airflow due to a clogged ventilation system, broken hot water tanks, water shortages, and mistreatment, harassment, and degradation, according to activists and advocates.

For many activists, this is an issue in 2023 that will not be ignored.  Mass incarceration of Black people continues to call for long-term reforms, they argue. 

The Pew Center released troubling statistics concerning the incarceration rates of both men and women in America.  Incarceration rates among men were particularly pronounced, with one in 15 Black men ages 18 or older and one in nine ages 20–34, incarcerated.  White men saw slightly lower numbers at one in 106, and all men 18 or older have an incarceration rate of one in 54. 

Women had somewhat improved statistics, with White women ages 35–39 with an incarceration rate of one in 355, Hispanic women at one in 297, and all women in that age group at a rate of one in 265. However, Black women still experienced a relatively high rate for this age demographic at one in 100.

The Sentencing Project recently released data on the racial disparities in state prisons.  According to the report, Black Americans are imprisoned at nearly five times the rate of White Americans.  Also, in 12 states, more than half the prison population is Black.  Even worse, seven states have a Black-to-White incarceration ratio greater than nine to one. 

While 2022 saw President Joe Biden issue pardons for thousands of people convicted of possessing marijuana, it did not apply to state charges, only federal. “And while many advocates welcomed the presidential act of forgiveness, they say far too many people—many of them Black and Latino —are not eligible for the pardons, leaving them with minor marijuana convictions that will continue to get in the way of job prospects, educational opportunities and financing for homes,” reported the New York Times on Nov. 22.

“The Mass Incarceration: The Whole Pie 2022,” report by Wendy Sawyer and Peter Wagner at the Prison Policy Initiative provides crucial insights into the various components of the criminal justice system.  It is not enough to merely understand how many people are affected, the report noted—it’s essential also to learn who is disproportionately hurt and left behind because of current policy. 

The stark reality lies in poverty—with most of those in jail and prison belonging to a lower socioeconomic status than the overall population.  High bail prices place an undue financial burden on some offenders, trapping them in pre-trial detention as they struggle to afford their freedom.  Focusing on those hit hardest and closest by mass incarceration is essential to make real, sustainable changes in American society.

Despite the efforts of prison reform activists, COVID-19 sadly caused setbacks in progress.  According to Professor Johanna Fernandez of Baruch College—a constituent of the City University of New York—prisons have become more oppressive under false pretexts due to pandemic safety measures.

Most facilities are still trying to grapple with the changes that COVID introduced into the prison system. Nation of Islam Student Minister Demetric Muhammad agreed. In most places, the kinds of educational, religious, or economic services, have suffered as a result of all of the different changes that COVID introduced into the system, he explained. Student Minister Muhammad works with inmates.

As the pandemic continues facilities are still trying to determine how to move forward, he said.  In some facilities, inmates can use tablet computers for religious programming.  Activists in various cities are working to reduce the overall prison population on a local level.  “There are many variables that make an outlook for the future difficult post-COVID,” he explained.

“In the last few years, the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan’s mission has seen a surge of attention from those seeking spiritual guidance outside of traditional channels.  Unfortunately, COVID-19 restrictions have impeded progress towards this endeavor by limiting visits to prisons and reducing access to subscriptions or donations such as books and literature for inmates,” he said.

In 2023 the continued decriminalizing of low-level drug offenses is an essential reform for those disproportionately impacted by the criminal legal system.  Arrests and prosecutions for such crimes can have long-term, lasting effects which lead to the accumulation of prior convictions.  This has had a significant and detrimental impact on people in communities of color as they are more likely to experience these actions due to systemic racism.

In 2023 the Jericho Movement will continue to mobilize for action on an international scale, connecting with The Spirit of Mandela Coalition has provided a platform to further their cause, according to Mr. Muntaqim.  “On October 25, 2021, this coalition held an event in which 30 people testified and boxes of documents were reviewed by International Jurors who unanimously determined that the U.S. is guilty of genocide across five areas: Political Prisoners; Mass Incarceration; Police Killings; Environmental Racism and Health Inequities—illustrating how these issues collectively constitute one huge crime against humanity,” he said. 

Dr. A’isha Mohammad is a social justice leader and human rights advocate. She is an active member of the Spirit of Mandela Movement.  During an interview with The Final Call, she issued a rallying cry to activists, calling for serious action in advancing prison reform efforts across the country. With an outlook to 2023, she urged collective mobilization against this pressing social justice issue.

The goal, she explained is to pursue a united struggle and progress toward forming the People’s Senate.  “This representative body will be made up of representatives from different constituencies and organizations elected through local meetings or gatherings based on geography, constituency, or everyday work,” she said. 

“To spread awareness about this initiative that sprung from the October 2021 ‘International Tribunal focusing on U.S. Human Rights Abuses Against Black, Brown, and Indigenous Peoples,’ region by region organizing along with pamphlets outlining introduction letters are being established across various regions as part of recruitment efforts,” she explained. “Next year will be very important,” Ms. Mohammad added.

“People have the power to decide how their communities are managed based on what is necessary for them.  Every area will come up with unique solutions that cater to its inhabitants’ needs and desires.  Citizens must get involved to ensure these decisions appropriately reflect their interests!”

As 2023 approaches, three high-profile political prisoners remain incarcerated despite life-threatening illnesses.  Mumia Abu-Jamal, Leonard Peltier, and Imam Jamil Al-Amin are all in dire need of compassionate release from prison, their supporters argue.  Mr.  Abu-Jamal’s case was brought before Judge Lucretia Clemons on December 16 for his sixth petition to appeal his conviction—her ruling will be issued within the next three months, which could potentially result in this being Mr. Abu-Jamal’s last chance for freedom through new trial proceedings.

(Final Call staff contributed to this report)

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“The desire is, in words, to give him his flowers while he lives. He’s been a stalwart. He’s been a mainstay in our great Nation of Islam and in that ministry. He’s labored hard. So, we really wanted to show our brother some appreciation and just a little love,” said Student Minister Abdul Shahid Muhammad of Holly Springs, Mississippi, to The Final Call. He has served in the Prison Reform Ministry since 1994.

The gala will take place at the Holly Springs Multi-Purpose Center on Saturday, December 17 at 5:00 p.m. and is being spearheaded by Muhammad Mosque No. 60 out of Nashville, Tennessee. Brother Kenneth Muhammad, a student in the Prison Reform Ministry, from Holly Springs, is the driving force behind the event.

“The Prison Reform Gala is, in a nutshell, a night where we celebrate the Prison Reform Ministry, the Prison Reform Minister, those who were formerly incarcerated and their family members,” he told The Final Call.

“We’re going to have the royal carpet down, we’re going to have fine cuisine, some of the finest Muslim cuisine that you can ever taste. You’re going to also be able to hear some stories, see some individuals and celebrate those who went to prison, heard the Teachings and came out and are now productive members of this society,” he added.

The Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad listed in Point Number 5 of What the Muslims Want published on the back page of The Final Call: “We want freedom for all Believers of Islam now held in federal prisons. We want freedom for all Black men and women now under death sentence in innumerable prisons in the North as well as the South.”

Student Min. Abdul Shahid Muhammad stated that the Prison Reform Ministry serves as a safety net for Black men and women who may get caught up in the system due to circumstance and the lack of opportunities.

“Circumstances got them into a situation or whatever the case may have been, but when you look beyond the number, the prison outfit they’re wearing, the fact that they’re incarcerated, and when you get an opportunity to sit and talk and share the teachings of self-improvement with them, you see a totally different person under all of the hard shell that the world causes us particularly as men,” he said. “We put on this facade just to protect ourselves for the most part, but once you get beyond it, the mask if you will, you see the humanity of these brothers and not only that, you see the brilliance, the potential.”

Brother Kenneth Muhammad is a product of the Nation’s Prison Reform Ministry. He was sentenced to 15 years in 1993 and was released in 2018. He started listening to the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan while in prison.

“He said there is no human being that cannot be redeemed, and it was like he was talking directly to me. I internalized it. I began to study the words of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad under his direction,” he said.

He quoted the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan in saying that true prison reform starts with enlightenment.

“True prison reform reconnects the soul to its Creator and then begins to provide those human needs. Then you will see a change in attitude, which leads to a behavior change. So the prison reform, its primary aim and purpose is first to enlighten the inmate of who they are in reality, not what they become because of their circumstances. By nature they are of the righteous. They are of God,” Brother Kenneth Muhammad stated.

To support the Prison Reform Gala or purchase tickets, call 615-484-2377 or 901-506-7306. For more information, call Kenneth Muhammad at 901-426-4036.

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His supporters argue that Mumia was unfairly convicted by Philadelphia’s racist injustice system in 1982 and sentenced to be executed.

It was the “People’s Movement” that forced the state to take him off death row in 2011. This writer recognizes Sister Pam Africa as the lead organizer. Mumia was taken off death row but still faces “death by incarceration.”

Mumia’s defense team presented three points before the judge that were originally made on December 23, 2021. Noelle Hanrahan of Prison Radio stated, “Abu-Jamal’s defense petition included newly discovered evidence that had been buried in the prosecutor’s own files. This evidence documented key witnesses receiving promises of money for their testimony and evidence of favorable treatment in pending criminal cases.”

She continued, “The petition also documented the abhorrent and unconstitutional practice of striking Black jurors during Mumia’s original trial.”

There were supporters from far and wide that attended the October 27 court date including those from Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Michigan, and other areas. Outside of the Criminal Justice Center Courthouse, you could hear the crowd chanting, “Brick by brick, wall by wall, we’re going to Free Mumia Abu-Jamal.” There were various speakers, from revolutionary organizations, churches, community activists, and more demanding “justice” for Mumia.

Finally, news came down from the courtroom. Professor Johanna Fernandez, a longtime advocate for Brother Mumia stated: “We have been summoned to return to this courtroom on December 16. What happened in the courtroom? The judge essentially wrote a 31-page decision. She asked the attorneys to make arguments. Essentially, it seems the new evidence that was discovered in 2019 seems to be dismissed by the judge. Right now, the question that might be salvageable is the issue of ‘discrimination and jury selection.’

“So, she issued a ‘motion to dismiss’ which means that under the law our attorneys have 20 days to respond and to rebut or challenge her motion to dismiss which is the position of the prosecution of the DA’s (district attorney) office and the DA has 10 days to respond,” she added.

“This judge is accepting as fact the past prosecution and police investigation.”

Professor Fernandez went on to advise supporters and all concerned individuals to help fill up the courtroom with Black and Brown people on December 16.

The Nation of Islam Prison Reform Ministry on behalf of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan and his Student National Prison Reform Minister Abdullah Muhammad shared a moment with Sister Pam Africa. She expressed so much love for Minister Farrakhan and the Nation of Islam for their undying love and support for Brother Mumia Abu-Jamal.

The NOI Prison Reform Ministry, Delaware Valley Region, will be present on December 16 for Mumia’s hearing. We appeal to all Black and Brown people in the surrounding area who fight for “justice,” to be with us to fill up the courtroom.

FREE MUMIA ABU-JAMAL NOW!

FREE ALL POLITICAL PRISONERS!

—Brother Gregory Muhammad

NOI Student Prison Reform Ministry, Delaware Valley Region Coordinator

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Huron Valley, Michigan’s only prison for women, is just one of many prisons across the United States in which Black women suffer abuse and live in poorly ventilated, moldy and overcrowded cells, argue prisoners’ rights activists and family members of those incarcerated.

On September 25, protesters gathered for a second time this year outside Huron Valley Women’s Prison. Theresa Dunlap, who has been incarcerated for 46 years, was the focus of the most recent rally. (See The Final Call, Vol. 41 No. 17)

Lionel Muhammad attended the rally on behalf of his organization, Transforming Re-entry Services. He told The Final Call, “These things that are happening to our women, we have to stand up and then be willing to sacrifice. As long as you’re standing on truth and what’s right, you don’t have to worry about the consequences.” Mr. Muhammad is also an aide to Nation of Islam Student National Prison Reform Minister Abdullah Muhammad.

Machelle Pearson, who was incarcerated for 34 years, also attended the rally on behalf of Ms. Dunlap. “Due to the mold that’s in there, she ended up with lung cancer,” Ms. Pearson said of Ms. Dunlap. “There’s mold that drips off the ceiling. You have to wear water shoes in the shower; we had to stand in a chair because sewer water would come up in the shower floor.

She’s laying on her deathbed, they had to fight to get her son in there. We’re trying to get her home and allow her to pass away at home,” she said.  Advocates for Ms. Dunlap demand she be given a compassionate release due to the conditions of the prison and her health.

There are other disturbing accounts about the prison. According to news reports, on September 22, Shikisha Tidmore, 30, was found by a prison officer hanging in her cell in an apparent suicide. She died after being taken to a local hospital with her family by her side. According to prison staff, Ms. Tidmore was in temporary segregation for allegedly participating in a prison assault and had spoken with mental health staff the day she died. The Michigan State Police is investigating, and the corrections department is conducting an internal investigation, reported media outlets.

 “This young lady was in isolation which should be illegal,” Shawanna Vaughn of Silent Cry Inc. told The Final Call. She also attended the rally for Ms. Dunlap.

“Ms. Tidmore’s life was valuable, and this is a loss for all of us. Suicide inside Huron Valley Prison for Women must be addressed by the attorney general. The prison population of Michigan are used as political pawns during an election season. They are not pieces on a chess board, but this is human life, and the stakes are much higher.”

Silent Cry Inc. is a New York-based non-profit organization that takes a holistic approach to aftercare from mass incarceration, gun violence and trauma. Ms. Vaughn, who was formerly incarcerated at Huron Valley, believes that department of corrections across the United States will not protect inmates, especially women who are incarcerated.

She also called for Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer to fire the head of Huron Valley Women’s Prison, Heidi E. Washington. The Final Call contacted Gov. Whitmer’s office and Ms. Washington’s office for comments but did not receive a response.

Another woman by the name of Natasha Roark, 39, was found hanging in a prison shower at the same prison last year. While officials say it was a suicide, her mother told local news she cannot believe her daughter took her own life, especially if she was due to be released in January 2022.

“We want the governor to start considering the women. She needs to step up,” Ms. Pearson said.

—Tariqah Muhammad, Staff Writer (Final Call Staff contributed to this report.)

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by Kenneth Muhammad

The Nation of Islam Prison Reform Ministry has been a key component of the Muslim Program from the very beginning. Many of the Muslims including the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad found themselves wrongfully jailed and sent to numerous prison houses across America. So, the Muslim Program that first appeared in the Muhammad Speaks and now in every issue of The Final Call newspaper emphatically states in Point Number 5 in part: “We want freedom for all Believers of Islam now being held in federal prisons …”.

This part of the Muslim Program has been so instrumental in reforming the lives of so many men and women. Therefore, what Muhammad Mosque No. 60 in Nashville, Tennessee, did on a Sunday is so special. The mosque dedicated the day to men and women who were formerly incarcerated and put the Nation of Islam Prison Reform Ministry at the forefront to show the power of the Life-Giving Teachings of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad under the guidance of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan.

When asked what motivated him to highlight the Prison Reform Ministry, Student Minister Samuel X said, “the Prison Reform Ministry is special to me because my ministry really became solidified in the prisons. This work is vindicating and truly rewarding to take what society deems as irredeemable and help to inspire a real substantive change.”

Student Minister Samuel X explained that the word reform means to be reshaped, remolded, reconstructed, and regenerated. “It is taking the incarcerated soul that was destroyed and giving them an invincible truth to form them into a new creation,” he added.

The Life-Giving Teachings of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad as taught by his National Representative, the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan, is the only word strong enough to reform them.  

The keynote address was given by Brother Kenneth Muhammad of the Nation of Islam Prison Reform Ministry. His subject was entitled: “Proclaiming Liberty to The Captives.” Prior to bringing Brother Kenneth to the rostrum, Student Minister Samuel X shared words given to him by Minister Farrakhan’s Student National Prison Reform Minister, Abdullah Muhammad. 

“I consider Brother Kenneth Muhammad to be a real F.O.I. He helped to establish the Study Group in the prison where he served time and was instrumental in my being invited as a guest speaker at that prison. Brother Kenneth helped to set up an NOI Study Group in every prison that he was transferred to,” shared Student Minister Samuel X as shared with him by Student Minister Abdullah.

Brother Kenneth has been home for four years and has become a volunteer helper to Student Minister Abdullah Muhammad. “Brother Kenneth is now helping me from outside of the prison as an FOI, the name given to the military training of the men who belong to Islam in North America. Military training implies tactics and maneuvers. Military training implies establishing a beachhead behind enemy lines and then proceeding to take control. Brother Kenneth Muhammad has been blessed by Allah in the Name of Elijah Muhammad to become an FOI, Fruit of Islam under the guidance of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan, the Messiah,” relayed Student Minister Samuel X per Student Minister Abdullah.

During his lecture Brother Kenneth Muhammad shared a remarkable story that began with him being given a life sentence. Brother Kenneth talked about how he and the other inmates go through the day trying to find ways to cope with what appears to be a hopeless situation. It was not until he heard the message of redemption from Minister Farrakhan that he realized that his life still had value.

Brother Kenneth said “time and circumstances have made us into the material that Allah wants to use to establish a new reality. If not us, then who? If not now, then when?” Brother Kenneth shared how he applied the Self-Improvement Study Guides and the process of self-examination, self-analysis and self-correction to change his mindset, his life and then bring a message to his fellow prisoners that contains light, life, and power throughout the prison.

“To teach a word that contains light in the midst of darkness takes courage, and the enemy never thought someone would be courageous enough to do it. God wants the rejected and despised to put them on top of civilization, and the Nation of Islam Prison Reform Ministry is instrumental in making this happen,” he stated.

The Nation of Islam Prison Reform Ministry goes into the many prison houses of America and presents classes designed to provide the prerequisite knowledge necessary to produce a change in the inmate.

Student Minister Abdullah Muhammad says that Minister Farrakhan teaches: “There is no human being that cannot be redeemed. Malcolm X and all the brothers and sisters, who have gone to prison found themselves because knowledge entered their hearts and changed their behavior. Every one of our prisoners can experience that change if they are properly taught.”

We thank Allah for the Nation of Islam Prison Reform Ministry!

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