Nation of Islam member highlighted in CNN's Black in America 2 for helping married couples

By Jesse Muhammad -Staff Writer- | Last updated: Jul 31, 2009 - 6:19:41 PM

Nisa I. Muhammad (l) and CNN's Soledad O'Brien. Photo Courtesy: CNN

(FinalCall.com) - Millions throughout the world tuned into the airing of CNN's “Black in America 2,” the sequel to last year's in-depth look into the Black experience throughout the country. The reporting was led by Soledad O'Brien, who aimed to explore solutions to issues facing Blacks by highlighting those who are transforming lives.

Nisa Islam Muhammad, a Staff Writer for The Final Call, was featured on the second night of “Black in America 2” which aired July 22 and 23. Mrs. Muhammad, along with Dr. Rozario Slack, were both profiled for founding the Wedded Bliss Foundation that provides marriage counseling for Black couples throughout the country.

The crisis of Black marriages inspired the two to launch an eight-week program to educate on the value of commitment, differences between the sexes, communication, sexual intimacy and conflict management. Attendees also learn about the history of Black marriages and get the opportunity to plot their own family tree to trace marriage and divorce.

“Marriage belongs to the community,” said Mrs. Muhammad to CNN. “An unhealthy marriage relationship gives children an inaccurate representation of marriage, which they in turn replicate for generations.”

A classic example shown on CNN was Johnny and Shanna Woodbury, who decided to enroll in the class after severe frustrations and fighting started ruining their home and creating an unhealthy environment for rearing their children. The classes helped to save their marriage.

“I realized my family was dysfunctional,” said Shanna Woodbury to CNN. “But we also knew that divorce was not an option.” The classes helped to save her and her husband from getting a divorce.

At the conclusion of the eight-weeks, a graduation ceremony takes place as couples testify as to how the class helped them. They are also encouraged to refer others.

“Marriage is one of those entities that you have to know going in, it will be hard, but you're not alone,” said Dr. Rozario Slack, as he addressed a couple's graduation.

This segment of “Black in America 2” also highlighted a Michigan surgeon who researched why Black women were more prone to die from certain forms of breast cancer than White women; to a re-entry program in Oakland that helps those recently released from prison.

Though highly advertised, “Black in America 2” saw a decline in viewers according to a report on the Broadcasting & Cable Web site. Statistics by Nielsen Media Research found that the first night saw a dip with 1.991 million viewers compared to 2.128 million last year. The second night drew 1.406 million viewers, compared to 2.565 million last year.

The Final Call