A tribute to journalist Askia Muhammad

By Nisa Islam Muhammad -Staff Writer- | Last updated: Mar 15, 2012 - 12:33:56 PM

Askia Muhammad

WASHINGTON (FinalCall.com) - For decades speaking truth to power has been the untold story of Askia Muhammad. His story will be told and celebrated March 23 by an acclaimed list of presenters including former attorney general Ramsey Clark; A. Akbar Muhammad, international representative of the Nation of Islam and Cuban official Patricia Pego Guerra, first secretary of the Cuban Interests Section.

“This tribute to the life and work of Brother Askia Muhammad is long overdue. We have to recognize and cherish a lifetime in the service of truth telling and social justice. Those involved in the struggle against racism and in support of peace owe a great debt to Askia Muhammad whose practice of excellent, independent journalism has been a necessary antidote to the biased coverage of the corporate-owned media,” Brian Becker, head of the ANSWER (Act Now to Stop War and End Racism) Coalition told The Final Call.

Askia Muhammad, a senior correspondent for The Final Call, is also a poet, syndicated columnist, commentator, radio producer and photojournalist. His works have appeared everywhere from the daily Washington Post to the Black-owned weekly Washington Informer. He was the first Muslim editor of the legendary Muhammad Speaks newspaper. He’s an award-winning member of the National Association of Black Journalists and the Trotter Group of Black opinion writers.

“The March 23 tribute is an opportunity for the larger community to gather together to honor Askia. It will also be a great educational experience for a new generation that wants and demands social change today.”

Askia Muhammad, a senior correspondent for The Final Call, is also a poet, syndicated columnist, commentator, radio producer and photojournalist. His works have appeared everywhere from the daily Washington Post to the Black-owned weekly Washington Informer. He was the first Muslim editor of the legendary Muhammad Speaks newspaper.

He’s an award-winning member of the National Association of Black Journalists and the Trotter Group of Black opinion writers. But those titles just scratch the surface of what his work has meant to the Black community.

“Askia and Tom Porter are two of the voices that influenced me in 1983. Askia’s the main reason I’m doing radio today,” Dr. Wilmer Leon host of Inside the Issues on XM/Sirius Radio told The Final Call. “My show is a tribute to his ability to be honest, accurate and true to the people.”

“I went from being a listener to his show, to being a call in guest. When he started engaging me more and more, I got a sense that my perspective had merit. He even said my stuff needs to be in The Final Call. Now I’m his regular analyst on his weekly show. I even host sometimes when he’s not there. It’s an incredible honor.”

Join people from around the country coming to D.C. March 23 to pay tribute to Askia Muhammad and speak truth to power. For more information email [email protected] or call 202-265-1949.

The Final Call