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A fisherman and a fisher of men

By Hashim Hakim | Last updated: Sep 6, 2019 - 8:27:46 AM

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(L) Father and son pose with their free gifts courtesy of Bro. Michael 2X. (Center) Sister Angela with her daughter Liyaana, age 6, who caught a red bass. (R) Brother Michael 2X shows a young participant how to bait a hook.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla.—Inspired by the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan, Brother Michael 2X of Muhammad Study Group in Jacksonville, Florida, arranged and organized the Second Annual Community Fishing Outing for the youth.

“Your gift is more than liking what you love to do best.” These words from Min. Farrakhan helped Bro. Michael 2X hone in on his purpose. “The Minister stated that in the mission you’ll find your purpose. So, I’m starting to find my purpose in the mission,” said Bro. Michael 2X.

When it comes to first time guests, Bro. Michael 2X is one of the top fishermen in the Study Group of Jacksonville, Florida. He expressed that he wanted to transfer that energy into literal fishing on a larger scale. “I’m going to show you how to fish with the net,” he said.

The event was held Saturday, July 27 at Nassau Bridge in Jacksonville. There were over 50 men, women, children and entire families; many who had never been fishing in their entire life.

Sister Angela Muhammad won $100 for catching the biggest fish (whiting), and it was her first time fishing. Her six-year-old daughter Liyaana was recognized for catching a nice size red bass. This was also her first time fishing.

All of the children participants received backpacks and school supplies. Many of the participants received the book, “Message to the Blackman” by the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad. Brother Michael 2X and his team provided free food, free fishing lessons and transportation to the community fishing outing.

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(L) Sister Jasmine poses with Sister Angela Muhammad who won the biggest fish contest. (R) Sister Rita and Sister Angela pose with their catch.

Everyone seemed to be overwhelmed with joy including Sister Janice DeLoach, a local resident of Jacksonville, Florida. “If all Black men would take the time out with the youth as you all are doing, it wouldn’t be as much crime going on as it is nowadays,” she expressed.

Sister Rita of Muhammad Study Group of Jacksonville showed participants how to clean the fish right on the spot, so participants took their fish home ready to cook.

When Bro. Michael 2X was asked why he put on the event, he said “I appreciate the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan for inspiring me to do this. He taught me to love myself and my people. So, it’s a win-win for me. I was already in love with fishing, but to do it in the ‘hood makes me love it on a whole different level.”

He went on to say, “I wanted to expose our youth, our community and our people to something outside of rapping, partying, crime, drugs and liquor stores.”

Brother Michael was appreciative of all his donors and volunteers that helped make the event possible. As the saying goes: “If you give a man a fish he will eat for a day. But if you teach a man to fish, he will eat for a lifetime.” According to participants, this was an event to forever be remembered.