The Final Call

Excitement builds in Detroit for Million Man March anniversary weekend October 12-14

By Katrina Muhammad | Last updated: Oct 9, 2018 - 8:48:32 PM

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Men and women from Muhammad Mosque No. 1 in Detroit are busy canvasing the city delivering fl yers and inviting the public to hear from the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan who will be delivering a major address Oct. 14 at the Aretha Franklin Amphitheater in commemoration of the 23rd anniversary of the Million Man March and Holy Day of Atonement.

DETROIT—The City of Detroit is ready and very excited about the anticipated return of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan and Nation of Islam for the Million Man March 23rd Anniversary and Holy Day of Atonement observance.

Residents are also looking forward to the Minister’s keynote address on Sunday, October 14 at the newly named Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre.

Man shows flyer announcing Min. Farrakhan speaking in Detroit. Photos: Katrina Muhammad

This is considered the hottest ticket in Detroit and residents are touched that once again they are receiving a loving gift from Min. Farrakhan. They are very grateful to hear that the Sunday keynote address event is free as another gift to the city. The Minister donated 90,000 commemorative copies of The Final Call newspaper to the city.  It featured Ms. Franklin and was distributed during the homegoing celebration of the iconic singer who called Detroit home and died here Aug. 16.

The mighty FOI (Fruit of Islam—the men of the Nation) led by Student FOI Captain Sharrieff Muhammad of Muhammad Mosque No. 1 are out every day and all day handing out flyers and making the announcement that the Minister is coming!

The mighty MGT (Muslim Girls Training and General Civilization Class—women of the Nation) and hardworking Student MGT Captain Missey Muhammad are attending events and visiting churches throughout the city to invite them to hear the word of God from Min. Farrakhan.

This is once again a great collaborative effort and example of teamwork by Believers and various departments to organize and make sure the Million Man March and Holy Day of Atonement weekend is one of the best ever.

Student Minister Troy Muhammad of Muhammad Mosque No. 1 has hit the ground running nonstop to complete press conferences, planning meetings, invite key leaders throughout the city, and promote this event among clergy in Detroit and the surrounding metropolitan area.

He is also planning to go into city schools and conduct a conflict resolution training with visiting ministers to kick start the weekend of activities. “The people are ready to receive the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan!” he said.

“We have been meeting with many organizations, completing press interviews and press conferences, handing out flyers all over the city and attending many events to announce Minister Farrakhan is coming back to Detroit. The energy and spirits are high,” said Student Min. Troy Muhammad.

Major promoting of the event and distribution of flyers happened at events like the Flint Michigan Water Crisis Separation event hosted by Student Minister Dr. Wesley Muhammad, a Kevin Hart comedy concert and at nearby county schools such as Wayne Community College and Wayne State University. Flyers were also distributed at the Fight for $15 Wage Rally, in downtown Detroit and at senior living complexes and high schools. Many city activists are promoting the event as well.

Student Minister Troy Muhammad of Muhammad Mosque No. 1 has been busy promoting weekend events commemorating the Holy Day of Atonement and 23rd anniversary of the historic Million Man March.

“The FOI and MGT in Mecca (Detroit) and the people of Mecca are anxiously awaiting the return of the man of God the Honorable Minister Farrakhan for the 23rd anniversary of the Million Man March and Holy Day of Atonement. We are abundantly blessed,” said Student FOI Captain Sharrieff Muhammad.

Muslims of Muhammad Mosque No. 1 and Detroit residents and leaders are honored for the opportunity to see the man of God, Min. Farrakhan, again face to face. 

 “Detroit is always significant when it comes to Black people exhibiting self-determination. Detroit has historically been a hotbed of Black self-determination with the Nation of Islam beginning here and so many others beginning here and a continuing legacy of Black self-determination and Black consciousness,” said community activist Malik Yakini.

“It’s always significant when that is recognized by coming back here for the anniversary of the Million Man March. It reconnects with that energy here. That’s a good thing. What I would like to see come out of it is action when we can look a year from now and see that we have accomplished something, such as buying land in Detroit because of the amount of vacant properties,” he continued.

“It would be a good thing to work collectively as Black people to buy land that we can have control of. That would be an excellent outcome. An organizational program we have called D-Town Farm is a 37-acre farm in various parts of the city where fruits and vegetables are grown. This work of doing for self and Black people feeding themselves comes out of the teachings of the NOI and the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad. We are continuing the legacy,” said Mr. Yakini about the Detroit Black Community Security Network program.

Men and women of the Nation of Islam have worked tirelessly and joyously in inviting Detroit residents to commemorate the 23rd anniversary of the Million Man March.

The current scheduled weekend of events in Detroit commemorating the Million Man March and Holy Day of Atonement include: 

Friday, October 12:  Conflict Resolution Training at various schools in the city of Detroit and the metropolitan area. Student ministers of the Nation of Islam will attend these scheduled schools and conduct the training.

Saturday, October 13: Elder Abuse Training in Partnership with Detroit Area Agency on Aging Presentation at the Friendship Meadows Senior Apartment Complex, 3930 Rivard, from 2 - 4 p.m. A presentation will include how to identify elder abuse and how to receive help and protection. This event is excellent for all ages.

Saturday, October 13: Million Man March 23rd Anniversary Alumni Reflections and Social at Bert’s Warehouse Theatre, 2727 Russell St. from 12 p.m.-6 p.m. This gathering will be a great opportunity for men who attended the historic 1995 Million Man March in Washington, D.C., to reconnect and share their success stories of how they have made their community a better place to live.

Sunday, October 14: Keynote address by the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan at the Aretha Franklin Amphitheater, 2600 Atwater St. Doors open at 11 a.m. EST, program begins at 1 p.m. EST.

The address will also be webcast live at NOI.org/hdoa2018 at 1 p.m. EST / 12 noon CST.

The pulse of the city of Detroit is racing fast and residents can’t wait to welcome the Nation of Islam and all supporters back home!