Muslims victorious in 'the Cotton Capital'

By Ashahed M. Muhammad -Assistant Editor- | Last updated: Aug 13, 2010 - 5:22:23 PM

Jewish influence repelled in battle for proposed meeting place

Victorious Muslims and Greenwood residents stand outside City Hall. Photo: Ansar El Muhammad

(FinalCall.com) - While controversy rages over the proposed building of an Islamic center in close proximity to “Ground Zero” in New York, another controversy was being played out hundreds of miles away, involving a similar situation in the heart of the South, Greenwood, Mississippi, a city nicknamed “the Cotton Capital of the World.”

Study group coordinator Larry Muhammad and the members of the Nation of Islam there have worked diligently distributing copies of The Final Call and meeting the people in that area in efforts to establish the Nation of Islam's presence.

“We had been working in the area since mid-June, through July—working that area very seriously,” Brother Larry told The Final Call.

The outreach effort was so successful that community members began asking where they could receive more information, however, a consistent meeting place had not yet been established. Prior to the formation of the study group in Greenwood, the closest location to study the teachings of the Honorable Elijah Muhammad was Greenville, which is 49 miles away.

In their search, they found a modest building at the right price, with ample space for parking, expansion and other activities. Agreements had been signed and the building's owners were very cooperative, “It was in the heart of the Black neighborhood, and they welcomed us,” said Brother Larry. However, there was one minor detail. In order to be utilized as a religious institution, Greenwood's building code regulations require the property to sit on at least 2-acres of land. Previously used for commercial purposes, the desired property sits on less than an acre, so the building's owners applied for a zoning variance.

On July 22, the Greenwood city planning commission voted 5 to 1 in favor of granting the zoning variance. The only vote against was cast by Charles Wright, who is White.

As in most municipalities, it is required that public notice be made, and this was no exception.

Normally, this would be a simple formality, but it became complicated once the future occupants of the building became known.

“It became a big deal because we were the Nation of Islam and our leader is the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan,” said Brother Larry.

After the required notices were printed, two articles appeared in the area's daily newspaper, the Greenwood Commonwealth, including an editorial which not only took a position against allowing the zoning variance, but also asserted there was no place for the Nation of Islam in Greenwood. This became a source of controversy prior to the scheduled ratification vote by the Greenwood city council, the one final procedural matter remaining.

Undeterred, showing overwhelming support and solidarity with the Nation of Islam, members of the community came out in force Aug. 3 to the city council meeting.

Republican councilwoman Lisa Cookston, representing Ward 2—which is predominately White—opposed the zoning variance reportedly saying the Nation of Islam “espoused hate” comparing it to the Ku Klux Klan and Skinheads citing the same recycled and discredited material that is often repeated in the media.

Despite the fact that the Nation of Islam has never committed wanton acts of violence against Whites, it is often deceptively and dishonestly compared to groups with well-documented bloody histories of deadly violence targeting Black people.

Brother Curtis Muhammad, a student captain emeritus formerly over the Southern region of the Nation of Islam, has traveled throughout the region as he spearheads efforts to increase distribution of The Final Call in several of the Southern states, particularly in Mississippi.

During the section reserved for comments from the public, Brother Curtis observed that there were several Jewish people present and several of them spoke against the zoning variance, and it appeared to be “a stacked deck” in which the supporters would not be allowed time to speak in support of the Muslims. The atmosphere became tense and the Black residents of Greenwood, angered by their words, were ready to physically fight the Jewish detractors in the city council chambers—and would have if not restrained by members of the Nation of Islam and local police, according to Brother Curtis.

“By me speaking, it put calmness in our people. The Black people were ready to jump on the Jewish people speaking against the Muslims,” said Brother Curtis adding that the community's frustration was driven by their desire to improve their condition.

“I got the spirit of the desire of the community. The right word had to be delivered from the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan that it would clear up the minds of the Jewish people that we were not murderers and hate mongers. We are rightly guided people and we are there to save our people from hurting themselves,” he said.

After Brother Curtis' message to the city council, by a 5-2 vote along racial lines, the zoning variance was granted. Additionally, copies of the The Secret Relationship Between Blacks and Jews, Volume Two were given to the Black members of the city council. Though offered, the White city council members refused copies.

Councliman Charles McCoy, who presides over the Ward 4 where the property is located voted in favor of granting the zoning variance and had nothing but praise for the Nation of Islam. He said the efforts of the Nation of Islam are definitely needed and his constituents are happy about the increased presence.

“I heard no concerns or complaints at all,” Mr. McCoy told The Final Call. “I have not one problem with them being here, in fact, it is a plus and a positive thing for the community,” he added.

Mr. McCoy said he looks forward to working with the Nation of Islam to improve conditions in an area hampered by the same maladies that plague Black communities across America such as poverty, crime, drugs, violence, high rates of unwed single mothers and young children growing up without fathers.

Rev. Eddie Carthan, the 60-year-old head of Good Samaritan Ecumenical Church in nearby Tchula is another strong advocate for the Nation of Islam's presence in Greenwood. When Rev. Carthan invited Min. Farrakhan to speak at his church in 2002, White residents of Tchula heavily criticized him. Nevertheless, Rev. Carthan remains a defender.

“I think it would be a compliment for the whole city of Greenwood and the county and surrounding areas,” said Rev. Carthan who first met Min. Farrakhan in 1976. “I've noticed in my lifetime having been associated with and observing the Nation of Islam under the leadership of Minister Farrakhan, that every community that they enter doesn't remain the same. They make a difference in cleaning up the community. When they move in, drugs and crime move out,” he said.

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