LOCAL NEWS/Atlanta, GA./MUSLIM MINISTER AMONG HONOREES

Minister Eric Muhammad of Muhammad’s Temple # 15 in Atlanta, GA. was among several honorees to receive an award at a recent community event. The event, held May 18, was the annual Malcolm X Day celebration sponsored by Chief Sundiata Keita Kamara, Founder of the Sankore African Study Circle and President of the U.N.I.A. (Division 462). In addition to the presentation of awards, Chief Kamara also held a book signing for his recent book entitled “Who is The Original Man.” Chief Kamara is also coming out with a new album entitled “THE UPRISING” which features revolutionary rap with a single entitled “HAIL SHANGO” featuring the voice of the late Dr. Khallid Muhammad delivering his now infamous speech at Kean college in N.J.

Also receiving awards were radio personalities, song artists, and community activists. The List of activists included Mr. Gerald Rose of “The New Order” who is known for his many marches and protests surrounding police misconduct and various other issues of concern to the Black Community. Iffat Muhammad, head of the group’s Dekalb County Chapter and sister of one of the young men fatally shot by Dekalb County Police Officers, was also in attendance and received an award. The list of radio personalities included Karen Mason, Wanique Shabazz, Sis.Rah, and others from station WRFG 89.3FM. Miss Shivon, Album 88, and The Antagonist from 88.5FM along with Samba Kamara and Nbaye Ndiaye of Africa Voice 860FM were also among those awarded. Artists recognized included Hectic, Melaphyre, and Diamond Dog.

The event included a panel of speakers from various backgrounds who spoke on the legacy of the late Malcolm X and what that legacy meant for them today. Minister Eric Muhammad spoke briefly on Minister Malcolm X saying, “As a Minister and representative of The Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad, Malcolm was the best of those both before himself and since.” Minister Muhammad recalled how as a small child growing up in Newark, N.J. in the mid to late 1960’s he was introduced to Malcolm via a speech on the radio. He also spoke of the impact reading “The Auto-Biography of Malcolm X” had on him during his very early adult years. Speaking to an audience of over 50 people at The African Djeli across from the West End Mall who were there to honor Malcolm, Minister Eric Muhammad emphasized the need for separation of The Black Nation from America, referring to America as “a burning house.” Also noteworthy was that Chief Kamara introduced Minister Eric Muhammad as “my Minister who gives me spiritual counsel.” With members of Temple # 15’s F.O.I. standing post on both sides of the room several speakers after Minister Muhammad, including Chief Sundiata himself, referenced positively The Nation of Islam under the leadership of The Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad. Chief Kamara, who gave the keynote address, very forcefully dispelled the notion that Messenger Muhammad and The Nation of Islam were involved in Malcolm’s assassination.

The nearly two hour event ended with a pledge by all in attendance to carry on the struggle of our people for true freedom and liberation and not just honor our freedom fighters with our mouths, while failing to exemplify the principles of revolution for which they sacrificed their lives. For more information about the Sankore African Study Circle or the U.N.I.A. Div.462, contact Chief Sundiata Keita Kamara at (404)-304-7598.