The Final Call

A woman's worth resonates in Montgomery

By Anisah Muhammad | Last updated: Apr 28, 2015 - 8:05:35 AM

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MONTGOMERY, Ala.—The sisters in Montgomery, Alabama are high off of the message received by the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan on April 18 and were inspired by all of the women who spoke, the videos and demonstrations that broadcast live from Nation of Islam headquarters in Chicago as part of the Save Our Girls program.

Photo: Anisah Muhammad

Raja Muhammad, 11 years old, said what stood out to her was when the Minister said righteous women are not out during midnight hours. “The people that are out early in the morning, those aren’t the people you want to be friends with because they are not a good crowd to circulate with,” said the youngster.

Sakili Onyango, is from Chicago, but attends Tuskegee University in Montgomery. She did not fully understand before hearing Min. Farrakhan’s keynote address during the program how women are treated in other Muslim societies in other countries. “The men don’t understand the woman’s worth, her value or her purpose in life. They don’t understand that she is the second self of God. They undermine and degrade her,” she said. 

Guest Patricia Taylor said she liked hearing the young Muslim women on the program speak about women in a positive, supportive way. The program was awesome, said Ms. Taylor. 

 “I wish that this type of teaching could go into the schools and be a platform for young girls and women. It doesn’t matter if they’re young or old. We all need this kind of support and education. The Muslim nation is so positive and so intelligent. I enjoy myself every time.”

Audience watching webcast of program.

Lucille Muhammad came all the way from Tuskegee, Ala. to listen to the Minister’s message in Montgomery. “We are on the road to being made into new people. I love the discipline that the M.G.T. and Vanguard have, and even the little 4 year old,” said Lucille Muhammad commenting about the drill exhibition from Chicago.

Timeka Muhammad is the M.G.T. Coordinator for the Montgomery Study Group and reflected on Minister Farrakhan’s message about the value of the woman. “In this day and time, we really do need to understand the value of the woman, especially being the second self of Allah,” said Timeka Muhammad.  “Trying to teach and train our youth that our bodies are not toys and that they are God’s child, and they need to dress accordingly, act accordingly and know their true value (is important),” she added. “Every time I hear the Minister, it’s a refreshment that sparks something new in my thinking process.”

Josie Gbadamos lives in Tuskegee and attended the Holy Day of Atonement 2013. She’s 71 years old with the spirit of a young woman. “The Minister gave some good reminders of the importance of the woman’s role. I’ve always known that, but I think I’m also feeling that energy that is causing women to rise and own their power,” she said.

Sicily Woods is familiar with the Nation of Islam and attends some of the Sunday meetings at the Montgomery Study Group. What stood out to her about the program and the Minister’s guidance was the encouragement she witnessed of women keeping themselves modest.

Aminah Muhammad, 12, she liked the fashion show because it displayed examples of modesty. “Some people think that if you cover yourself up, that you still can’t be fashionable and be a fashionista. The show proved whoever thought that wrong,” said Aminah Muhammad.

 “I’m very glad that I was blessed to hear the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan speak. The whole program was beautiful. It’s amazing how strong the sisterhood is. You won’t find no other nation that uplifts the woman, particularly the Black woman, as much as the Nation of Islam,” said 16 year old Aliyyah Muhammad.