The Final Call

The first-ever Saviours� Day National Youth Conference held February 24-25 received an overwhelming response from youth who traveled from all over to attend exciting, information packed forums where they received advice and have their voices heard. Photos: Carlos Muhammad

With powerful workshops, sharp young moderators, motivating presenters and an array of diverse perspectives, this conference went beyond expectations set by the organizers and attendees.

“It is my prayer that we leave here inspired to bring about the necessary change in ourselves so that we may improve the current condition of our youth,” stated Miriam Muhammad, a Chicago youth representative, in welcoming the youth. “We have the skill and ability to make the mosque an appealing place.”

The Friday Welcoming Session was conducted by Andre 2X of Muhammad’s Mosque No. 6 in Baltimore. Workshop sessions started with Do For Self: The Meaning of Real Economic Empowerment for a discussion on the importance of owning businesses, goal setting, and the execution of ideas. The panelists included San Francisco Minister Christopher Muhammad, Attorney Berve Muhammad, Dekalb Study Group Coordinator Yacholya Muhammad, Sonya Muhammad and Opio Muhammad.

Sis. Sonya shared her success story of developing a Tax Services company from 30 clients to now earning a six-figure income. Bro. Yacholya tackled the issues youth face when entering college and the tempting credit card fever that causes debt.

“Minister Farrakhan teaches us that debt is slavery. You must be wise in your decisions,” he cautioned the young audience. He then gave steps on goal setting and life planning. Other topics discussed were interviewing skills, the importance of independent schools, and the decline of the dollar, after which the panelists answered questions from the audience.

The next two sessions were divided by age groups. The under 15-year-old group attended the Embracing Leadership workshop and the older youth joined together for the ever popular Male/Female Relationships workshop. The Math Doctor, Shahid Muhammad served as moderator for the session, which revealed that youth know what qualities are expected of them to be the future leaders. The panelists included Newark Vanguard Captain Al Nisa Muhammad, Khalilah Muhammad of Houston and Minister Nuri Muhammad of Indianapolis. They all shared insight into communication skills, how to handle power, overcoming peer pressure and the characteristics of leadership.

“Good leadership starts with having a relationship with Allah. That must be the center of your leadership,” explained Sis. Khalilah.

The youth in the audience were then asked to name the traits they believe should be exhibited by leaders. Fifteen-year-old Gerald Muhammad of Oakland, Calif., initiated the list by stating that one must be a good follower before they can become a great leader. Youth added to the list with traits such as patient, quick thinking, respectful, studious, having vision, humble, open-minded and focused.

“These traits are phenomenal,” observed Min. Nuri. “One thing that a leader must have is courage. Without it, you cannot execute your vision. The Honorable Elijah Muhammad stated that fear is our number one enemy.”

“First, I would like to thank all of you for being patient with your parents that may have had bad relationships or have been divorced. Because that is difficult to deal with,” offered Sis. Nisa. “You are worth the wait. Look at abstinence as a way to conduct your life until you’re ready for marriage.” She then addressed various social issues that our people face as a result of bad choices in relationships, such as divorce, court charges and child support. She encouraged them to take their time in order to get it right the first time.

Bro. Harold and Sis. Hanniyah stressed the importance of following the courtship process established by the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad. “We must maintain a sense of dignity for ourselves and others,” insisted Bro. Harold.

The “It’s Islamic” evening Youth Social was the meeting of the minds as teams of young Muslims battled four rounds to see who was tops in their knowledge of Islam. To promote unity, the teams were mixed with youth from several cities that answered questions on actual facts, NOI history, drill techniques and much more. The winning team included youth from Atlanta and Baltimore.

Muhammad’s Mosque No. 15’s drill team delivered a crowd pleasing exhibition before attendees went to enjoy the Artist Open Mic event for poetry, spoken word and song performances.

On Saturday, the atmosphere was joyful as nearly 500 youth attended the Proud to be a Muslim workshop, which was moderated by the highly charged Fanta Muhammad.

“There isn’t anything lame or weak about being a Muslim!” she declared. “So we want the world to know that they will have to conform to our way and we will not conform to the ways of this world.”

She was joined onstage by NOI National Spokesman Minister Jamil Muhammad, whose youthful spirit raised the spirits even higher.

“The youth of any Nation is its strength. You have to take Islam serious,” he admonished the capacity crowd. “Take pride and honor in being a Muslim.” The panel also included Majidah Muhammad, Muhammad’s Mosque No. 7 Youth Minister Ashir Muhammad and Khalid Muhammad.

“I am proud to be a Muslim,” stated Sis. Majidah, who is a freshman at Spelman College.

She also shared tips on how to handle peer pressure. “Let them know that you are in Islam and be strong,” she encouraged.

Bro. Khalid added, by saying, “This is not a religion of conversion. This is a way of life. Be the best example you can be.”

The youth asked questions related to dealing with parents who may dislike Islam, “fishing” friends in the fold of Islam, parent-child dialogue and how to start youth activities in their cities. Many shared ideas and programs that are happening in their cities for the youth to stay interested in Islam.

A highlight of the workshops was the story of 22-year-old Nosakhare Hasson Imarhia of Paterson, N.J., who told the audience that he was making thousands of dollars a week in the street life before coming to Islam.

“I gave up all of my cars, jewelry, money and extravagant lifestyle for Islam,” he shared, with tears formulating. “I know I’m proud to be a Muslim!” The crowd stood to their feet and many ran up to embrace their Brother. Overall, the workshop brought positive reactions from attendees.

“I love the spirit, environment and unity of the Nation of Islam. That’s why I am proud to be a Muslim,” declared 11th grader Ayanna Muhammad of Chicago.

“I am determined to stay on the path of being a righteous Muslim because Islam offers me life, while the world offers me death,” stressed 9th grader Lisette Muhammad of New Jersey. Everyone then enjoyed separate classes for men and women.

Throughout the weekend, youth distributed the Souvenir Journal that they developed in order to raise funds for their Saviours’ Day gift.

A few of the youth leaders had the opportunity of presenting the gift on behalf of the Nation of Islam youth to the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan. Coordinators of the conference are eager to take the youth conference on tour.

“The major point we want to make to the youth throughout the Nation and Black youth throughout the world is that we have God on our side,” stated NOI National Youth Minister Michael Muhammad. “Because we have God on our side, there is nothing of right and of good that we cannot do that will not be successful if we put God first and make pure our motives.”

“I thought it was very positive and that the youth left ready to submit to what we’re taught and help the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan,” opined Chicago Vanguard Captain Kabasa Muhammad, who also served as coordinator of the Youth Conference.

Hanniyah Muhammad, a member of the organizing committee, observed, “The spirit was wonderful and I think the youth are ready to take their place in the Nation.”