In the U.S. and abroad: A day for Supreme Wisdom and sisterhood

By FinalCall.com News | Last updated: Apr 21, 2015 - 10:45:29 AM

COLUMBIA, S.C. (FinalCall.com) - The women of Muhammad Mosque No. 38 hosted women and girls for a powerful message from the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan, titled “Save Our Girls” on a recent special Saturday.

Guests attended the women only class, with a main seating area filled and additional seating in an overflow room.

Each guest receiving a beautifully decorated gift bag filled with mementoes from the day—including a beautiful “thank you” card from National M.G.T. Student Captain Sandy Muhammad, a commemorative book mark and a pad/pen set to take notes. Breakfast was also served.

For the first time many had the opportunity to speak with Muslim women and learn more about the Islamic sisterhood—it was the same across the country and abroad.

The program webcast live from Chicago included presentations on family, spirituality, self-worth, and demonstrations of strength, power and agility through military drill and martial arts presentations.

“Seeing the women of God perform disciplined drill and martial arts excited me!” said Tamar Spann, a first time guest at Mosque No. 38. “Today’s visit dispelled a lot of myths and misconceptions that I previously had in my mind.”

In Columbus, Ohio, the women of Muhammad Mosque No. 43 packed the multipurpose room of the King Arts Complex. A spirit of sisterly love flowed as women from all walks of life met and socialized.

Bernadine Kennedy Kent, a candidate for Columbus School Board said, “I was glad to hear the Minister say that he will stand up to government, and that our children are valuable. I have been advocating justice for child victims of rape for over 2 years. And I wasn’t planning on paying taxes for law enforcement to protect and serve and not receiving any protection.”

“I also enjoyed seeing the arts, cooking and sewing, being taught and I intend to bring these arts back to the school system,” she added.

Muslims in Dayton and Springfield, Ohio held a joint program at Dayton’s Dakota Center. Brenda Long liked how Min. Farrakhan stressed how women should not refer to themselves in derogatory terms.

In Miami, women and girls of all ages came out to Charles R. Drew Middle School. They came from the city, surrounding areas and even from further South for the special class. Guests received a small pink bag with a “Save Our Girls” bracelet, a pamphlet, and a beautiful card with a tweet from the Minister.

“I was inspired by it. It taught me a lot of things I didn’t know about the teachings you all have going on, and how you work with the children and the women … It was awesome,” said Bernice, who had only once before heard Minister Farrakhan.

Jaele, a 20-year-old, had never heard Minister Farrakhan before. “It was life-changing,” she said. “Virtues are important, and it really made me realize self-respect for yourself is something you should really have for yourself.”

At Muhammad Mosque No. 8 in San Diego, the spirit was high. Asked why it was important to attend the special program, Keyna Smith stated, “I’m a believer in God. I read the Holy Bible every day.” Ms. Smith enjoyed the discipline exhibited by the Muslims and wanted learn more.

Makena Gargonnu was drawn to the day’s program because of work she does with women. “Women are putting their careers first and family last. We’ve got to get back to the way it used to be, and set a good example,” she said.

Muhammad Mosque No. 8 planned to have its regular Sunday meeting at Tubman Chavez Community Center to accommodate an expected larger crowd in the aftermath of the Saturday meeting.

In San Francisco, first time guest Jamaica, 19, said she now understands “we cannot let people belittle us.” We have the strength and ability to do anything, she added.

“I feel safe now knowing that even though there is a new world order, the Nation of Islam has a new world order and I can stand proud, no longer worrying about us as a generation. If we are taught better, we will do better,” said Vanessa, another first time guest.

In Compton, Calif., Talisha Griffin described the presentations as empowering, uplifting, and motivational. “I am astounded by the sense of togetherness that I have witnessed. This was something I needed to hear and am grateful for the opportunity,” she said.

In Seattle, Wash., the day began as the M.G.T.-G.C.C. arrived around 6 a.m. to hear the full message and program broadcast at 9 a.m. Chicago time.

Guests entered a main area which was fully decorated by Creative Culture and Refinements and Angela Muhammad. A table was prepared displaying M.G.T.-G.C.C. training units presented during the program. Books by the Nation’s female ministers, such as Ava Muhammad and the late, beloved scholar Mother Tynnetta Muhammad, were offered. Other tables contained delicious fruit, healthy cuisine such as vegetarian burrito wraps, and light homemade desserts prepared by the Muslim women for guests.

“It was fun. I learned a lot that I couldn’t have learned anywhere else. It taught me how to deal with stuff and that I shouldn’t doubt myself, that I am as good as anyone else,” said 15-year-old guest Destiny Capers.

In Jamaica, dozens turned up at the Nation’s Study Group-Jamaica Dreamland Drive. They gathered from nearby Portmore, St. Catherine as well.

Cadian Thompson, a 27-year-old entrepreneur, agreed with the Minister’s view on the “death penalty” for men who rape women. “I like how him stand up for the woman,” she said in her island accent. Cloriida Burton added, “Woman must stand up and defend themselves.”

Believers, visitors and guests in London and Birmingham, England, viewed the program as did guests at gatherings in Paris and parts of Germany.

“This is the first Nation of Islam meeting I’ve been to so it was something new and refreshing. I really loved the drilling. I’ve never seen anything like that and the lessons like how to cook, that was good as well,” said Danielle, who watched the program in the UK.

In Houston, a pre-program presentation included a warm welcome from Southwest Regional Student M.G.T. Captain Valerie Muhammad.

Lashanda Francis and Dequantanae Rogers, students in their early 20s at Prairie View A&M University, attended the live webcast at the Brentwood Baptist Church-Joe Ratliff Lifelong Learning Center. They left with a better understanding of their roles as women. “I liked his words that the home is your base and not your place, and the woman’s nature is not just to be a house wife, but they can have careers too,” said Lashanda.

Chelsea Knighten, 26, heard Min. Farrakhan speak for the first time and thoroughly enjoyed herself. “I’m a Christian, and I just felt so welcomed. I felt I could enjoy myself and be myself here. I felt a lot of unity. I was so empowered by the martial arts and the self-defense. I loved how Minister Farrakhan was just an advocate for the women. I really enjoyed his teachings.”

At Muhammad Mosque No. 27 in Los Angeles, Western regional headquarters of the Nation of Islam, guests left with wisdom and goodie bags containing fruit, and a bean soup recipe.

In Atlanta, the Nation’s Southern regional headquarters, Cynthis Stamps-Jones, a Riverdale, Ga., councilwoman, said, the Minister “speaks truth and he gives direction. The community is somewhat lost. Our citizens are lost and our girls are lost. And to have an event such as this and a forum such as this that’s telecasted is powerful.”

“I too want to be knowledgeable to what’s going on and help our girls. The Seven Units is impressionable, it’s the seed, the core for which we need to raise our children off of; for them to be worthy of themselves, to know who they are and that they have worth.”

In a joint effort the Southaven, Miss. Study Group, the Westwood Community Center, and Muhammad Mosque No. 55 in Memphis filled three venues.

From Boston to Baltimore women came out to hear the Minister. In Boston women were welcomed with a light breakfast at the Prince Hall Building near Muhammad Mosque No. 11.

“I think I have been very blown away. This was probably the best women’s empowerment event that I have ever attended and I really feel that this was what this was about empowering women to remind us how glorious we are, that we are special, that we are queens and I think we’ve forgotten that in the Black community,” Dr. Karen Winfield, a radiation oncologist, said.

“We have to get back to basic principles. One of the things that I found very striking was this theme that runs through. If you know God, you know yourself. We’ve become so far removed and so lost our way. It was an empowering event for me. It filled me back up—my purpose is real, my purpose is sure.”

Down 95-South in Springfield, Mass., women entered a mosque transformed with decorative ribbons, balloons, and a reception fit for queens. In Philadelphia, one of the most Islamic cities in America, the webcast was viewed at two locations, Masjiduallah, where the Minister spoke last year before Ramadan and at the Nation’s Muhammad Mosque No.12.

Women from many organizations, such as Mothers In Charge, a peace movement and violence prevention intervention program, were welcomed.

Less than an hour away in Wilmington, Del., participants were treated to a talk show called Sisters United.

In Denver, first time guest Ayesha Jaudon came to the program to expose her daughter to the Nation. “She’s 14 and it’s important for her to see the different dynamics so she can choose herself,” said the concerned mother.

Detroit was buzzing about the special class April 18 at the newly renovated Martin Luther King High School auditorium seating over 1,000. Students representing many metro Detroit public high schools and private schools showed up. The event ended with group photos, hugs and a rejoicing spirit over the wonderful day.

In New York, Charity Linn, 29, was struck by the self-defense exhibition. “I loved that. It really inspired me to really get on what I need to be doing. The reality is that our women are under attack. And it’s a scary reality but it’s one we have to face so that really stood out. I took a lot of notes actually I’m just so blessed and so fortunate. I thank Allah that I was here to witness this opportunity. I really didn’t know that it would be all of this, it was absolutely wonderful, every part of it.”

Look for morecoverage next week.

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