The Final Call

Student Minister William Muhammad honored in Milwaukee

By Dwayne Muhammad | Last updated: Mar 5, 2019 - 9:42:36 PM

What's your opinion on this article?

(l) State Sen. Lena Taylor proudly presents a special plaque to Student Minister William Muhammad. (r) AnNura Muhammad presents one of her paintings to Student Min. William Muhammad.

(l) Student Min. William Muhammad and his son Rashad Muhammad (r) Student Min. William Muhammad and Clayborn Benson.

MILWAUKEE—Recently, on a bitterly cold and icy night, registered members of the Nation of Islam, family, friends and supporters gathered to celebrate Student Minister William Muhammad’s 60th birth-anniversary at Suite Lounge in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  

Student Min. William Muhammad is the spiritual head of Muhammad Mosque No. 3 in Milwaukee and the state representative of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan.

The weather didn’t deter people from attending the celebration, even though a blizzard was gaining momentum full throttle within hours.

An abundance of laughter was shared, a high level of conversation, heartfelt embraces and sentiments for Student Min. Muhammad who reached 26 years in the ministry of the Nation of Islam.

The evening also served as recognition for his leadership in the community, in addition to his 29 years of service in the Nation of Islam.  His courageous spirit is indicative of the training he received at Mosque Maryam in Chicago, where he joined the Fruit of Islam (FOI).

He is a man who has sacrificed much in securing his family, while commuting long distance for years between Chicago and Milwaukee. 

Student Min. William Muhammad was honored as a valuable member of the community who counsels as a liaison to resolve “Stop the Beef” issues between opposing parties. He came to Milwaukee in 1993 from Chicago, his hometown, volunteering to do the work of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad.

According to Grandmaster Anthony Muhammad, assistant student supreme captain of the Nation of Islam, Chicago’s “Northern Flank [Milwaukee]” is the closest city to Mosque Maryam.  The closeness of both cities (81 miles) has enabled Black Milwaukeeans to receive dignitaries for decades, upon the request of Student Min. William Muhammad.

Because of his dedication and commitment, several awards were presented to him during the evening celebration, including a special plaque drafted at City Hall from the Common Council.

Common Council President Ashanti Hamilton signed the plaque and the award was presented to Student Min. William Muhammad by State Senator Lena Taylor (D-Wisc).  The council members include:  Khalif J. Rainey, Ashanti Hamilton, Milele A. Coggs, Nikiya Dodd, Russell Stamper II, Mark A. Borkowski, Terry I. Witkowski, Jose G. Perez, Chantia Lewis and Cavalier Johnson.

(l) Ray Mendoza and Student Minister William. (r) Muhibb Dyer and Student Min. William.

(l) Student Min. William and Josephine Hill. (r) Student Min. William and Earl Ingram.

Attendees at the celebration included: State Sen. Lena Taylor; Clayborn Benson, CEO & president of the Wisconsin Black Historical Society/Museum; Josephine Hill, director at Wisconsin African Women’s Center;  Earl Ingram Jr., News Talk 1510 AM radio;  activist Ray Mendoza, 414Life/Team Havoc;  hip hop activist and poet Muhibb Dyer;  activist and educator Janette Herrera; Juneteenth organizer Torre Johnson, and a host of others.

Several community leaders and supporters spoke about Student Min. William Muhammad’s  presence in Wisconsin.  State Sen. Lena Taylor asserted that Student Min. William Muhammad is a “man that honors family. … Allah (God) will bless you for your sacrifices you have made.  There are few people who go on the front lines in their ministry,” she said.

Clayborn Benson stated Student Min. William Muhammad made a “powerful” move by “protesting” in a Wauwatosa Police Department by himself that “earned his respect.” The incident happened two and a half years ago, when Jay Anderson Jr. was shot and killed by a Tosa police officer.

Student Min. William Muhammad was given a beautiful painting by AnNura Muhammad of Muhammad Mosque No. 3.  Food was wonderfully prepared and cheerfully served by the MGT & GCC of the mosque. Athena Muhammad, a professional caterer, masterfully created a layered cake shaped like a rostrum with the top of the cake bering Student Min. William Muhammad’s smiling face in a blue uniform.

The free event was the brainchild of Melissa Blue Muhammad, and her husband Shawn “Gat Turner” Muhammad who were the main sponsors that made the evening possible.         

Student Min. William Muhammad thanked everyone who came and said he was “humbled” by the appreciation of love from the Believers and the community.  “If it were not for the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan, I could not and would not be able to touch the people I have.  By Allah’s grace, I am striving to follow his example and guidance,” he said.