May 16, 1999

To Reverend Dr. Leon Sullivan and the

African-African American Leadership Summit Participants

As-Salaam Alaikum.

(Peace Be Unto You)

Dear Dr. Sullivan and Summit Participants,

Words are inadequate to express my disappointment in not being able to be with you. I am gradually recovering from the side effects of the radiation treatment that I underwent for my prostate cancer. So far it appears that there is no more cancer in my body, and I believe with the Help of Allah (God) I will be completely whole in a few months.

I thank all of you who prayed for my recovery, for, it is written in the Bible that the prayers of the righteous availeth much.

I am very pleased that President Rawlings, the government, and the people of Ghana are hosting this very important conference. I believe because of President Rawlings, his government, and the people of Ghana, this no doubt will be the best and most meaningful of African-African American Leadership Summits.

Congratulations to the Reverend Dr. Sullivan for his tireless effort to build a strong bridge between our brothers and sisters on the African Continent and those sons and daughters of Africa scattered throughout the world. I believe that Dr. Sullivan is one of the most significant leaders of this century, and, I believe that history will record him and his work as one of the major contributing factors in healing the breach and bridging the gap between those of us in the Diaspora and on the Continent. Our enemies have feared our unity, but, our unity and love for one another will solve 90% of the problems that we as Black and African people face.

May Allah bless those of us who lead with increased knowledge, wisdom and understanding that we may be successful in leading our people and our nations into the New Century and New Millennium.

It is my hope and fervent prayer that the New Century will see Africa and her sons and daughters returned to the preeminent position that we once held leading a confused and degenerate world out of spiritual and moral darkness into the light of truth and righteousness. We must believe that in this next century and from now on it is only right that will give us might.

May this conference be the best of all the conferences and give us renewed hope that this indeed is our time.

As-Salaam Alaikum
I Am Your Brother and Servant,