Why Muhammad's Economic Blueprint?

No, it's not some scheme or hustle. Nor it is an unrealistic pipe dream. What am I referring to? Muhammad's Economic Blueprint (MEB). 
Minister Louis Farrakhan of the Nation of Islam reintroduced MEB as an answer to help end the cycle of poverty and want that has plagued Black America for decades.
It is a realistic and viable solution to begin to put a dent in joblessness, poor education, hunger, poverty and want. More importantly, it is a collective effort for Blacks in America to begin relying on self and not being so dependent on the government to supply jobs and needs.
At what point do we stop "talking" about what Black folks need to do, should do, could do, and just start doing it? We have to start somewhere, right? If 16 million wage earning Black Americans give a nickel a day....that's right, 5 cent a day, that is a mere 35 cent per week or $18.20 per year. That little bit would amount to $291.2 million dollars in just one year! Five pennies, a nickel, that's painless!
Individually, we spend more than $18.20 per year at Starbuck's, at fast food joints, for cigarettes and liquor and let's not forget those Power Ball tickets. No this isn't reverse racism! Please stop. Many groups in the U.S., Mormons, Italians, Greeks, Jews, Chinese and Mexican communities, unite and pool their resources and are successful. So, why not us?
So check out the video above, make your donation today, then encourage your family, friends and associates to do the same. Let's go! 

Madiba and the cultural revolution

Nelson Mandela

As the nations of the world paused to reflect on the life, works and legacy of Nelson "Madiba" Mandela, it is important to remember the role artists and entertainers played in the anti-apartheid movement. In this current time when actors, singers, musicians and rappers are often maligned for not lending their voices to address social justice issues, wherever they are, there were many that lent their voice to criticize the racism practiced by the South African regime in the 1940s through 1990s. It was principle over profit. Harry Belafonte, Nina Simone, Stevie Wonder and Sammie Davis Jr. just to name a few. In the world of hip-hop, Public Enemy, Chubb Rock, Queen Latifah and others were unafraid to drop lyrics that gave insight into the struggle of Black people in the U.S. and South Africa. As a self-proclaimed "old school hip hop head"  I would hear some of my favorite artists giving a "shout out" to Mr. Mandela, freedom fighters Steve Biko and Winnie Mandela in their songs. But the awareness was not just limited to music.  Even the Cosby Show, named the grandchildren of Cliff and Claire, "Winnie and Nelson" after Mr. Mandela and his former wife. I wrote about this cultural revolution during apartheid for an upcoming issue of The Final Call newspaper as part of our comprehensive coverage on the contributions of Mr. Mandela. So make sure you check it out! In your opinion, who are some the artists that made impacting statements or expressions concerning South African apartheid? Until next time - Peace!

Deen Intensive Academy -- Preparing Islamic Scholars!

Muslims from around the country participated in the first Deen Intensive Academy just outside Washington, D.C. in late August for a weekend of spiritual renewal but also to delve into important aspects of the Islamic faith and to embark upon a journey of developing into scholars. Deen means faith and this first gathering was coordinated and organized by Imam Abdul Jalil, a Chicago native and Sister Nisa Islam Muhammad, writer for The Final Call newspaper. It was a high-energy, full, and "intense" weekend. Check out the other video interviews below from presenters and participants as they shared their thoughts about Deen Intensive Academy. Check out Issue 32, No. 50 of The Final Call for more coverage. The next conference is in Houston, Texas, Dec. 19-22. To find out more visit www.deenintensiveacademy.com.



Muslim men and women in prayer at Deen Intensive Academy



 

Imam Siraj Wahhaj presents at Deen Intensive Academy

Imam Siraj Wahhaj of Masjid At-Taqwa in New York is no stranger to the Muslims and non-Muslims. The well-respected, highly regarded Islamic scholar presented a power-packed session entitled: "A Quranic Mandate: The Relevance of Hadith in the 21st Century" at Deen Intensive Academy.  For additional coverage on Deen Intensive Academy, check out Vol. 32 No. 50 of The Final Call. For information on Deen Intensive Academy visit www.deenintensiveacademy.com/

Sister Fatimah Muhammad shares her Deen experience!

Sister Fatimah Muhammad traveled from Detroit, Michigan to attend Deen Intensive Academy and shares her thoughts on her what she learned. For additional coverage on Deen Intensive Academy, check out Vol. 32 No. 50 of The Final Call. For information on Deen Intensive Academy visit www.deenintensiveacademy.com/

A Very Special Jumu'ah with Imam Sultan R. Muhammad

Imam Sultan Rahman Muhammad is a great-grandson of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad. He was appointed imam of Mosque Maryam in 2012 by the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan of the Nation of Islam. He also serves as the Arabic instructor at Muhammad University of Islam in Chicago. Imam Sultan delivered the Khutbah (sermon) on Friday, Aug. 22 at Masjid Muhammad during Jumu'ah prayer service in Washington, D.C. while also attending and taking part in the Deen Intensive Academy, an Islamic gathering and conference. Jumu'ah is the Friday congressional prayer service in Islam. It was an historic occasion bringing together Islamic communities of Imam W.D. Mohammed, a son of the Honorable Elijah Muhammad and the Nation of Islam. Imam Sultan briefly discusses this historic occasion and what it means to him. Masjid Muhammad was formerly Temple (Mosque) No. 4 and was the first mosque built by the ground up by the Honorable Elijah Muhammad. For additional coverage on Deen Intensive Academy, check out Vol. 32 No. 50 of The Final Call. For information on Deen Intensive Academy visit www.deenintensiveacademy.com/

Farrakhan & Watkins in the Windy City

EVENT NEWS!

Min. Farrakhan and Dr. Watkins

Dr. Boyce Watkins and the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan are joining forces in Chicago! This highly anticipated open forum is entitled, "Wealth, Education, Family and Community: A New Paradigm for Black America". Dr. Watkins, author, scholar and finance professor along with Min. Farrakhan will discuss the need for Black people to enact wealth building, education and also challenging the obstacles to progress that still exist today.
The forum will be exciting, engaging and fulfilling with the presentation of long-term strategies for Black socio-economic progress and sustainability say organizers. Despite the University of Illinois Chicago pulling out of the event previously slated to be held at UIC Pavilion, because of yet another "manufactured" controversy surrounding the presence of Min. Farrakhan, another venue was found. You don't want to miss this! So, join the Professor and the Minister on Saturday, March 30 at Sweet Holy Spirit Church, 8621 S. South Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL. Doors open at 4 p.m., the program begins at 5 p.m. The event is free and open to the public but you must RSVP and register to attend at http://www.yourblackworld.net/theblackcommunity