The Final Call

Youth, unity displayed at Saviours’ Day

By Melanie Muhammad | Last updated: Mar 5, 2008 - 2:30:00 PM

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Andre 2X of Baltimore, MD and Sis. Jessica Muhammad of Chicago, IL shown with Ishmael Muhammad. Photo: Breck Muhammad

CHICAGO (FinalCall.com) - The crowd eagerly anticipated an historic message by the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan Feb. 24 titled “The God’s at War: The Future is All About Y.O.U. ^t.h.”.

In recognition of that unique theme, the preliminary program displayed the brilliance and talent of young activists, ministers, artists, and community organizers. Student and youth minister Zacharias Muhammad, of Muhammad Mosque No.15 in Atlanta, Ga. began the program with an acapella rendition of the song “Love” by Musiq Soulchild. Muhammad’s School of Music, founded and directed by concert violinist Henri Muhammad, featured young violinists who performed several selections including the classic “Beat It” by Michael Jackson.

Sister Jessica Muhammad of Chicago and Brother Andre 2X of Baltimore stepped up representing the 2008 Saviours’ Day planning committee. Speaking of how intricately involved youth were in the organization and direction of this year’s Saviours’ Day via conference calls and emails, they described the responsibility of putting on an international event.

“We came together via conference calls to make this Saviours’ Day an historic event. We wanted to make sure that it reflected the new generation, the generation of destiny,” Sis. Jessica stated enthusiastically. “We have great young minds behind us and those in the audience. This is your day! This is your time,” she said.

Photos top to bottom: Megan Young; Dr. Conrad Worrill, NBUF; Red Cloud; Rochester, NY based Muhammad�s School of Music

The program recognized the common struggle and common goals that unite Blacks, Latinos, Native Americans and other indigenous people. Yo’nas Da Lone Wolf Muhammad, national director of the Indigenous Nations Alliance of the Millions More Movement, expressed the need for alliance between people of color.

“We know the power of unity. We know that the only way we can take Satan by his head is joining the Black, Brown and the Red, all God’s children,” said Sis. Yo’nas.

Megan Young, Miss Indian World 2007-2008, echoed the sentiment of strategic alliances, “It is my prayer, that we will truly bridge our families and come together as brothers and sisters in order to make the world we all live in a much better place,” she said.

Red Cloud, a hip hop activist from Los Angeles, spoke of the importance of prayer in a united struggle to overcome obstacles, “We must pray without ceasing,” he said. He also warned of stagnation in the fight for justice. “If we are not moving forward, we are moving backward,” he added.

With the intensity of a warrior, Immortal Technique said, “I think that while our so-called races are kept apart by ignorance, we must prepare for a fight ahead,” he said. “We must invest in ourselves, because historically people have invested in our demise and our youth are the best investment we can make,” Immortal Technique said.

Abel Muhammad, a Latino representative of the Nation of Islam, said, “I’m proud to be here not only as a Mexican, but as a member of the original family of the planet earth. We should never allow ourselves to be separated because we had a slave master that spoke a different language than us. We must recognize that our God is one and so are we.”

Representing Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, councilwoman JoAnn Watson came to support Min. Farrakhan. “I was blessed to have read Message to the Blackman as a young child,” she said. Councilman Watson fondly recalled the positive impact the Nation of Islam has had on her life. “The city of Detroit is proud to present Our Spirit of Detroit Award to pay homage to the leadership of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan,” she said.

Dr. Conrad Worrill, national chairman of the National Black United Front, addressed the capacity crowd by comparing the 1984 presidential run of Jesse Jackson and the current presidential bid of Sen. Barack Obama. He reminded the crowd that Minister Farrakhan and the Nation of Islam was the main group standing with Jesse Jackson in his campaign for the presidency back in 1984.

Min. Farrakhan was joined on the dais by respected religious leader Reverend Clay Evans, Susan Taylor of Essence, and many of the long-time followers of the Honorable Elijah Muhammad and student laborers from throughout the country.

Assistant to Minister Farrakhan, Ishmael Muhammad warmed up the crowd by defending Min. Farrakhan and his long time defense of Black people.

“He has never returned evil for evil. He’s not anti-Semite, he’s not anti-White, he’s anti-wickedness and anti-injustice!” as the crowd roared in anticipation of Minster Farrakhan’s arrival on stage. “It is imperative to know what time it is, for indeed the Gods are at War!”