The Inspired Youth experience at our Nation’s headquarters

By Anisah Muhammad | Last updated: Sep 11, 2014 - 10:43:04 AM

Youth from the Nation of Islam visited Nation of Islam headquarters which included a trip to the Final Call Administration building. L-R: Khadijah X, Starla Muhammad, Assistant Editor, Fatimah Muhammad, her daughter Anisah Muhammad and Sabbath Muhammad. Photo: Abdul Muhammad Jr.

CHICAGO - On Friday, August 22, 2014, members of the Inspired Youth team founded by Sister Tawon Muhammad of Indianapolis, Ind., arrived in Chicago for an educational weekend and training seminar with The Final Call Newspaper. Sister Sabbath Muhammad from Columbus, Georgia and Sister Khadijah X from Minneapolis, Minn. and I made it to Chicago for this trip. Brother Abdul Muhammad Jr. from Chicago was also present during most of the weekend events.

On Friday the sisters in the group had an opportunity to meet with the National M.G.T Student Captain Sandy Muhammad. She gave us, as Vanguard and Jr. Vanguard, some poignant points about security detail and being a hard worker. We had an opportunity to get a glimpse of just how hard she works for the cause of Freedom, Justice, and Equality, and a glimpse of her magnificent love and spirit for the Minister and Black people.

Sister Khadijah shared her experience with meeting with our National Captain: “She was so welcoming of us. She embraced us with warm hugs, and she gave us inspiring words of encouragement. She gave us a glimpse into the work that she and her diligent staff do on behalf of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan in helping him in this wonderful mission. I really enjoyed speaking with her. She pours her heart out for us, and she gives her all!”

Sister Sabbath described her experience with meeting Sister Sandy also: “I loved seeing how Captain Sandy was real. She was like, “I’m your sister.” She wasn’t like, “I...I...I...,” but she was like, “We...we...we.” She treated us youth like real people.”

Saturday was a busy day for the Inspired Youth. We went to M.G.T. class in the morning, and in the afternoon we trained a bit at Martial Arts World and Fitness Center established by Grandmaster Anthony Muhammad.

After a workout at the dojo, we went to the Final Call Administration Building. Assistant editor Sister Starla Muhammad led the Inspired Youth Final Call Training Seminar. We talked about a variety of topics, including Black images in media, the importance of Black-owned media, and the stereotypes portrayed on television and in movies. Sister Starla provided us with valuable information when she talked about the tools for a multi-media journalist, how to cover a story, and writing a news story. We learned the process in which The Final Call staff produces the newspaper. It resulted in us looking at the people behind the scenes in a whole new light.

he next day included a powerhouse Sunday lecture at Mosque Maryam delivered by student Minister Nuri Muhammad of Muhammad Mosque, No. 74 of Indianapolis. He talked about “the three sciences never taught to the slaves,” which are the sciences of warfare, finance, and mating.

Fontaine Muhammad (center), General Manager of The Final Call and young Muslims of the Nation of Islam who recently visited headquarters, met mosque offi cials, dined at Salaam and engaged in other positive activities. L-R: Sabbath Muhammad, Fatimah Muhammad, Anisah Muhammad, Khadijah X, Fontaine Muhammad, Abdul Muhammad Jr., Nathaniel Muhammad and Abraham Muhammad.

TThe day continued with a visit to Salaam Restaurant. Many more youth from Chicago also came. Some were already in Inspired Youth or familiar with it while others joined that day. The youth included Sister Kenya Muhammad, Sister Destiny X, Sister Malikah Muhammad, Brother Nathaniel Muhammad, Brother Abraham Muhammad, and a few others. We ate and dialogued with one another.

After the meal, The Final Call staff videotaped us as we were interviewed by Inspired Youth members Sister Sabbath and Sister Khadijah. We were asked about our experiences and how we could use our gifts, skills, and talents to help Inspired Youth.

At the conclusion of the interviews Sister Sabbath delivered a strong and heart-warming speech. She quoted the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan in saying that the enemy has disconnected the youth from their elders, and that’s not necessarily bad. She also quoted the Minister in saying that the best teachers of youth are other youth. She encouraged all of us to get up and get to work after our Lost-Found young brothers and sisters who are destroyed from the lack of knowledge.

Later, Imam Sultan R. Muhammad joined us at the table and dropped words of wisdom. We had the opportunity to ask him questions, and he answered them clearly and profoundly, which resulted in us as young people having a better understanding of certain terms and Arabic words, Ramadan, and prayer.

The dynamic weekend concluded with myself, Sister Sabbath, Sister Khadijah and Brother Abdul sharing our experience on The Hereafter is Now Show on Blog Talk Radio hosted by Sister Cassandra Muhammad and Brother Brian Muhammad. We had a righteous discussion about our talents, experience, goals, and future. We are very grateful for Sister Cassandra allowing us to express ourselves.

Sister Khadijah described her overall experience from the weekend: “We were blessed to go to the Final Call building as well as to the dojo. At The Final Call building, we learned about the production of the newspapers. At the dojo, we learned basic but harmful self-defense moves. We were given wisdom and guidance from Minister Nuri and Imam Sultan also. We established wonderful camaraderie amongst ourselves as well as with other believers. I really enjoyed my time with the believers.”

Brother Abdul described his experience: “This weekend was a wonderful experience. I enjoyed the company of other youth as we explored journalism at the Final Call, performed martial arts at the dojo, and dined at the Salaam Restaurant. Even though I was tired, being around other youth gave me a burst of energy, and it made this a remarkable experience. I anticipate the next time the Inspired Youth has an event like this.”

Lastly, Sister Sabbath shared her experience from the weekend: “I liked learning about the origin of The Final Call newspaper. I noticed that everybody was working. People at the building were working. Sister Captain Sandy was working. Sister Starla was working. Brother Richard wasn’t there because he was working. I loved that they were working, and the fact that youth came there to work. We came to learn about a worldwide paper. That was the main highlight throughout the whole trip, to see that the Nation is working.” In describing her experience at the dojo, she said, “I’ve always been a fan of martial arts, and I have always liked the art of fighting and to learn how to defend yourself with such simplicity. It was powerful.”

The Final Call