#JusticeOrElse - Houston, Southwest Standing with Farrakhan!

By Ashahed M. Muhammad -Assistant Editor- | Last updated: Jun 23, 2015 - 10:54:37 AM

Religious leaders, student leaders, political leaders and members of the community took a huge group photo demonstrating their support and commitment to mobilize for the Million Man March 20th Anniversary themed “Justice...or Else!” June 15.

HOUSTON - Leaders across all points of the ideological spectrum from grassroots, religious, political and student organizations gathered June 15 to receive guidance from the man who speaks as the voice of the oppressed crying out for justice.

The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan continued his grueling schedule to describe the vision of the 20th Anniversary of the historic Million Man March planned for Washington, D.C. on October 10.

R) Jinaki and (L) Malik Muhammad of the National Black United Front in Houston support the call for “Justice...or Else!”

Robert Muhammad, the Southwestern Regional Representative of the Nation of Islam delivered opening comments defending the youth, who are often described as “wild and savage” in the media, and sadly, by many elders within their communities.

“Fifty years after Selma and Bloody Sunday, fifty-two years after the first March on Washington—what has changed?” he asked.

This is why many are gathering across the nation to hear what Min. Farrakhan has to say because it is time for “a sober and serious conversation about where we go from here,” he said.

As in previous stops on the “Justice Tour,” Minister Farrakhan has been very direct regarding what he wants to do and what he expects from those who said they want to stand strong for justice on October 10th.

“Justice...or Else!” has become a rallying cry, but also serves as a threat. Min. Farrakhan said this call is not for the faint of heart, it is for the stouthearted.

“I’m not here to play, I’m not here to win friends and influence people,” said Min. Farrakhan. “I want your help, but I don’t want your help if you are cowards,” he added.

The Minister touched on a variety of topics. Being in the Southwest, he commented on the connection between the Blacks and Latinos that must be strong if there is to be a full and complete freedom for oppressed people. He even took time to address the discredited notion that he was involved in the assassination of Malcolm X. In addition to demanding an end to police brutality and mob attacks that are bound to continue, activists must also demand that Black on Black killings occurring nationwide end.

Rapper Bun B (center in red shirt) was present with other community leaders at the June 15 Houston “Justice...or Else!” leadership meeting.

“I want you to gird up your loins because all of the killings that you have seen and heard are going to increase. To all the leaders and activists that are in this room, we can’t go to Washington and face our government with the killings that are going on in the inner cities, and we are not addressing them. So our war is on two fronts,” said Min. Farrakhan.

Minister Farrakhan said he is placing a priority on identifying and energizing youth leadership with support from members of the Hip-Hop community because today’s rappers have more followers on social media—and in real life—than many preachers in America.

He questioned why Black people who are deprived of justice, not protected by law enforcement nor served properly by government policies should pay taxes. He also questioned the motives of those who spend enormous amounts of money on Christmas gifts, even after acknowledging the season is really supposed to commemorate the birth of Jesus. The actual traditional Christmas celebration in the U.S., is represented by out of control pagan ritualistic practices, he said.

Activists from Texas, Louisiana and other areas of the Southwest were present. On the far right is Arthur “Silky Slim” Reed and to his right, rapper Dee-1.

“Jesus never was born on the 25th of December. I want you to do the research because you have been acting like heathens and pagans,” said the Minister. “You thought you were worshipping Jesus, when you were just being a good pagan,” he added.

Harsh truths, but received well by those in attendance as evidenced by the many who nodded in agreement.

Emphasizing the possibility of an “economic withdrawal” if the proper response on October 10 is not received from the U.S. government, the Minister said targeting “Black Friday”—which traditionally begins the Christmas shopping season would be a good start. A huge Black Friday economic boycott was very successful in 2014 and coming on the heels of the planned “10-10-15” demonstration, another one could have even more impact.

This call for justice is a serious one, and one Minister Farrakhan is prepared to give his life for. All in support of “Justice…Or Else!” should stand firm and also be willing to make the ultimate sacrifice if it comes to that if attacked.

“Fight to protect the life that God has given you or you don’t deserve to live!” he said. “I will be the winner living or dead, and so will you!” he said.

Democratic Congressional Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee recalled fondly her experience as one of the women present for the Million Man March on October 16, 1995. She agrees with Min. Farrakhan’s call for justice for all people.

Student Minister Ishmael Muhammad and Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee in Houston June 15.

“Justice is an element of life that is needed by all for human dignity. I had the privilege of being one of three women members of Congress at the Million Man March in 1995—my very first year of congress. It was exhilarating and inspiring. There was goodness there because the men came and the boys came for goodness and for justice. It is appropriate as we begin to look at bringing all people together for criminal justice reform that this justice tour be emphasized again as part of our human dignity,” said Rep. Jackson-Lee. “As the Minister pronounces the need for reformation that we all join together as he indicated to me in our conversation—all hues of people, White people, Hispanics, African-Americans, Asians people of all faiths—to come together for justice in the United States. We have the tools, we have a Constitution that dictates justice but we have to get the people to carry out justice, and this is what this meeting is about,” she added.

“I think it is an appropriate celebration of the 20th year of The Million Man March that I had the privilege to be able to see, participate in and experience, and it was an experience. Now we need to carry the message forward for justice for all.”

Jinaki Muhammad, vice-chair of the Houston Chapter of the National Black United Front (NBUF) said she and the organization are totally in favor of “Justice…Or Else!”

“We have to say what it is that we want from the nation, from the world and what is expected if we don’t get it. The line that the National Black United Front has is racial injustice is in our face every single day. And we know that the people are waking up. We are seeing that the modern day Soweto is right here, right now,” she said.

Malik Muhammad, security coordinator for the Houston NBUF Chapter said the commemoration of the Million Man March and the work after the event is the most important for future generations.

“It means that our future our children, our women, our brothers will have a better day ahead of us without having to watch over their shoulder and worry about getting pulled over by cops,” said Malik Muhammad. “It’s nothing really complex it’s basically simple things. We want freedom at the end of the day, and that’s what this is about. I want to make sure that the future generations don’t have to deal with the problem we have today.”

Mr. Muhammad said the racism in the South is very intense, especially in Texas, which really sees itself as its own country.

“I think when you’re dealing with the Texas redneck then you’re dealing with a different kind of creature,” said Mr. Muhammad. “They look at themselves as a nation within a nation. Their pride is at an all-time high. Their sense of pride and their sense of toughness. So when we meet down here against this enemy on the battlefield, you got to come ready because you never know what will happen. I think if victory can be won in Texas, it can be won everywhere as far as our people are concerned,” he added.

The Final Call