Best of Both Worlds!

Dedon Kamathi (host of KPFK's Freedom Now!), Felicia 'The Poetess' Morris (Poetess Media), Sis Charlene Muhammad (Final Call National Correspondent and host of KPFK's Liberated Sisters), Janette Robinson Flint (Black Women for Wellness), and Attorney Nana Gyamfi (Conversations on the Way Internet radio show) at the AFIBA Center in Los Angeles.
(Thanks to Bro Jabara Jumaani of the AFIBA Center and to Zuberi Fields/KPFK Operations Manager, the Production Team: Federico and Gee, and Sis. Jessie Wood, KPFK Volunteer Coordinator)

While waiting for my guests and the 90.7 FM KPFK remote broadcast to begin at the AFIBA Center in Los Angeles on January 14, I paused to thank Allah for the gifts that He has given me. Those gifts are the best of both worlds in print and broadcast journalism: The Final Call Newspaper and KPFK Radio!

I spent a lot of my childhood pretending to do live TV interviews and anchoring newscasts. My pet dogs, Billy (a white Labrador) and Whitey (a white Chow) were my sources. I flashed back to those moments during the show because I realized that I was living my childhood dream. (Well some of it - I'm still waiting on the millions. LOL!)

(Links to hear the 2-hour show posted below.)

But really. I say they're the best of both worlds because they are counterparts for me in the way as a journalist, I get to write articles and produce stories that are censored only by truth. We don't have to worry about telling 'a' truth to fit the readers or listeners. The stories and broadcasts focus on the people and what is impacting their lives every day and at both entities, I'm able to be a part of teams that bring those stories out. I thank Allah!

I thank the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan for permitting me to write for The Final Call and KPFK for the platform to develop and present Liberated Sisters.


My dear brother, Dedon Kamathi, and my dear sisters, Felicia 'The Poetess' Morris, Janette Robinson Flint, Attorney Nana Gyamfi, and Thandisizwe Chimurenga, are all a long way off from the days when I fielded the barks of my pet interviewees Billy and Whitey. But the internal joy I felt while listening to them during the show drummed up the same broad smile I'd have back in the day.

That is why I love truly independent media, which needs our support.

If you enjoy or ever enjoyed an article in The Final Call Newspaper or any broadcast on KPFK, you can help to keep them going by subscribing and becoming a listener sponsor.

You, too, can enjoy the best of both worlds! Here's how:

Subscribe to The Final Call Newspaper!

Become a member of KPFK!



Listen to first half on Liberated Sisters

Listen to second half on Freedom Now!

Thandisizwe Chimurenga (Cyberground Railroad) Dedon Kamathi (host of KPFK's Freedom Now!), Felicia 'The Poetess' Morris (Poetess Media), Attorney Nana Gyamfi (Conversations on the Way Internet radio show), Sis Charlene Muhammad (Final Call National Correspondent and host of KPFK's Liberated Sisters), Janette Robinson Flint (Black Women for Wellness).

Blog Update and Liberated Sisters on Fact, Fiction and Myths about Black Women's Images

* UPDATE *

Minister Ava Muhammad's full one-on-one interview is posted...the clips are below.

Plus, I am still getting feedback about The Final Call's cover story regarding the Facts, Fiction and Myths about Black Women's images so I decided to take the conversation to the airwaves. Bro. Dedon Kamathi and I will carry the topic on our shows, Liberated Sisters and Freedom Now! at 90.7 FM KPFK, this Saturday, January 14 from 1-3 PM PST.

KPFK will broadcast live from the AFIBA Center and our guests will be local activists and artists. Part 2 of the topic is slated to run on Liberated Sisters on January 28 and the show will feature several of the sisters featured in the article. Their photos, links and one-on-ones are in progress.


Hope to see you Saturday and that you weigh in on the topic at the AFIBA Center because we'll be taking audience questions and comments. Out of the area or just can't make it? Please tun in and get your questions ready for the phone lines during Part 2.


Spread the word!!

Read full story here.

Peace!

Sis Charlene

**Extended Blog Coverage ** FACT, FICTION AND BLACK WOMEN: The Nikki Minaj, Rihanna, and Beyonce Factors

The Final Call Current Edition
"Fact, Fiction & Black Women"

I remember the moment clearly. I had just gotten checked and was sitting in the mosque, talking to sisters about how we were blessed and excited to be out for our national webcast. We were more excited because we were early and got a chance to fellowship. I get a very energetic, we can do anything spirit when I’m among my fellow sisters and I marvel at our diversity, yet similar character traits that make Black women so beautiful and strong.

Hold up! I can hear you already. “Women of all races are beautiful and strong, Sis. Charlene.” Indeed they are, but I’m talking about Black women right now and the very disturbing, historic pattern of Western media: how it manipulates our images, and how people outside of Black ethnicity tend to believe because of its negative portrayals, we are all alike.

I’m not eluding to an “us” versus “them” kind of we are better than illusion, because when our sister is down, so are we, if we understand. I’m saying obviously, we are not all alike but because of society’s negative portrayal of Black women, others outside of ourselves tend to believe what they see and are told, and that’s more of the negative, manufactured images of the sisters, rather than the positive. And those positive images are just as prevalent, yet ignored.

Oh, oh! Back to the moment...Well, I received a text from The Final Call’s Editor-in-Chief, Richard Muhammad. I’d been assigned to write about the images of Black women. I love writing about Black women and any chance I get to help tell the truth about who and what we really are.

Most of my excitement came from brainstorming right then and there a list of intelligent, loving, committed, feminine, fierce, warrior women. They work every day to improve the conditions of their people and I had an excuse to call them up and hear their voices up close! I was honored that they answered The Final Call’s request to weigh in on this topic.

Over the next 10 days, I’ll share Inshallah (God-willing) more of the interviews with 10 sources for the article.














Dr. Ava Muhammad

"There is a class issue in the Black community that’s very powerful and it’s almost as debilitating as the color problem in terms of what it has done to damage our relations with one another." Dr. Ava Muhammad

Dr. Ava Muhammad, Nation of Islam Student Minister and attorney begins my series of interviews by answering the question, what is fact and fiction surrounding Black women and their images.

(Oh, all of the interviews were conducted by phone and any audio clips I may post with or in lieu of text will be raw and unedited, and you may hear keys tapping in the background --LOL).

Her full interview in four parts:

Read the full article here!

Connect with Minister Ava here:

http://avamuhammad.com

• http://www.twitter.com/DRAVAMUHAMMAD
• http://www.facebook.com/pages/Elevated-Places-with-Dr-Ava-Muhammad

The “New” New Year’s Resolution - Pt. 1

New: (adj) not existing before; made, introduced, or discovered recently or now for the first time.

Year: (n) 1) the time taken by a planet to make one revolution around the sun. The length of the earth's year depends on the manner of calculation; 2) The period of 365 days (or 366 days in leap years) starting from the first of January, used for reckoning time in ordinary affairs.

Resolution: (n) a firm decision to do or not to do something.

I thought heavily on those words after hearing someone say they were going to stick to their New Year’s Resolution this time. I also thought heavily on what foundation people make their resolutions and how strong are we in our firm decisions to do or not do something.

The fact is people have help in not keeping their resolutions. I’m not giving us an excuse. I’m just pointing out that the 24/7 commercials, billboards, and those dang free samplers at Costco lure people to spend, eat and indulge every minute.

We’ve made it through the Black Friday shopping season and people are cashing in their Christmas gift cards while merchants who could care less about Jesus - the claimed reason for the season - are laughing all the way to the bank.

Like clockwork, now it’s time for advertisers to manipulate people who promise themselves to set New Year's resolutions. Whether it’s improving their lives through weight loss, by joining a gym, or dieting, enrollment fees are about to climb and the sharks are banking on it.



My reflection on self and our people as a collective over the past year has shown that the key to change is within. There are people and places nearby with expertise in certain areas but at the end of the day, New Year's resolutions turn out to be empty promises because the norm in society is to look outward. But the level of personal accountability cannot be replaced because in the end, whatever we seek to help us stop eating, stop spending, stop drinking, or, to start doing, will be for naught unless we’ve accepted the challenge to go to war with ourselves.


“We are at war against forces within ourselves and forces outside of ourselves that keep us relegated to the condition of poverty and want,” the Honorable Minister Farrakhan said on October 16, 2011. He spoke from Mosque Maryam for part two of his address commemorating the 16th anniversary of the historic, life-saving Million Man March.

Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan

Hmmm. Speaking of resolutions, that’s a resolution for ya!

But listen, he said he would take a million Black men to Washington, D.C. He worked the divine declaration that none other than God Himself could annoint. He inspired others to work the vision and not only did one million show up, but two million Black men presented themselves as living sacrifices before Allah (God)!




I’m saying - especially to myself - what Min. Farrakhan has said and proven so many times before. If we want something envision it. Look at it. Get on our prayer rugs, on our knees, and pray to God. Then get up and go to work to make it happen. Yes. It may or may not require money or resources outside of us to accomplish, but not to the point that we are taken advantage of or engaging in wasteful spending.

We should have a collective New Year’s resolution. Buy land, as Min. Farrakhan’s been admonishing us to do. Open a business. Grow a community garden.

As outlined by Sis. Starla Muhammad in The Final Call Newspaper’s year in review issue, and our one-on-one interview that'll be part two of this post, we’re facing a lot as a people and no one’s coming to save us. Let's unite and work like thunder in this year and the years to come.

“We are the ones we’ve been waiting for,” as the African proverb states.

Happy New Year!

MGT-GCC VANGUARD ON A MISSION!!

Spiritual, physical training aid MGT Vanguard in triathlon

Ready for competition!!!

Tiffany Muhammad (left), Lissa Muhammad (right) display their
name badges.

Tiffany Muhammad and Lissa Muhammad are citizens of the National of Islam and attend Muhammad Mosque #54 in Los Angeles and #27 in Compton, respectively. Both were blessed to attend the 2011 M.G.T. and G.C.C. Vanguard Retreat in Bloomingdale, Illinois September 8-11. The following week, they also participated in the 25th Annual Nautica Malibu Triathlon on September 17-18. They were among 1,300 women and girls who attended the Vanguard Retreat to train and elevate in their divine mission to become the women of God. While in Malibu, California, they summoned that training to help them complete the triathlon event course, which consisted of a half-mile ocean swim, 18-mile bike ride and a four-mile run. Their efforts combined with more than 5,000 athletes to help raise $1.1 million for pediatric cancer research. The dedicated wives and mothers shared with me their triathlon experience and the impact that the Vanguard Retreat bore on their ability to complete the course. I found such inspiration in their efforts. I pray that you do too!!

Tiffany Muhammad

On September 17, 2011 sister Lissa and myself were blessed by Allah to finish the Nautica Malibu Olympic Distance Triathlon. This Triathlon consisted of swimming .9 miles (in the ocean), biking 24 miles and running 6 miles. This experience was extremely, physically vigorous and exhausting. In my opinion ultimate endurance challenges like the Triathlon are more of a mental challenge as opposed to a physical challenge. Obviously, you have to physically train your body and build up the stamina. However, mentally, you have to have the confidence that you can be successful. Your mental focus is the outcome determinative.

This is where being a M.G.T. and G.C.C. Vanguard gains the advantage.

Allah would have it where I was still spiritually miles “high” off the Vanguard Retreat experience. This sealed the deal mentally for me. At the retreat, we were reacquainted with the purpose of our class. As the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan has taught us, “Vanguard is the warrior class of the M.G.T. and G.C.C. The forward group in protection, defense and security of sisters.” I left the retreat feeling as if I was “born again.” To feel like you have a divine purpose is the most exhilarating emotion. Therefore, mentally I had already finished the race before the sound of the gun shot off to begin.

I know for an actual fact that I would have never been able to finish six marathons and now a triathlon if it were not for the teachings of the Honorable Elijah Muhammad. This divine revelation makes explicit that human beings must eat to live and keep their bodies active to prolong their lives. Brother Jabril Muhammad told me that the Honorable Elijah Muhammad once stated that, he (the Honorable Elijah Muhammad) wished that the sisters were in shape well enough that they could run from his house to the airport. That has always motivated me. The rewards and satisfaction earned from challenging yourself mentally with physical activity are plentiful. Personally, it helped me focus to finish a Master’s degree, a Law degree and much more.

As a M.G.T. and G.C.C. Vanguard, I strive to be righteous, supremely disciplined and supremely physically fit. The Minister’s passion in his talk with the Vanguard at the farm and during Sunday’s address was so lifting, I feel like I can do anything.

Lissa Muhammad

This experience extended the spiritual high that I had coming off the Vanguard Retreat. After hearing the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan speak the previous weekend, I felt renewed. In the days leading up to the 25th Annual Nautica Malibu Olympic Distance Triathlon, I experienced a level of strength, confidence and PEACE (especially during my ocean swim) that I was NEVER able to achieve during the time I spent training leading up to this point. This was NEVER to be done as an act of vanity. I submitted all that I had to Allah, which in turn left NO DOUBT in my mind that He would be with me every step of the way. This is what helped me push through and endure. I bear witness that Allah answers him who praises Him! Allah was definitely (and continues to be) at the forefront of this Vanguard's thoughts and actions!!

I began running in 2005 after giving birth to my third child (I am the mother of two girls and two boys). I've run 5Ks (3.1 miles) to marathons (26.2 miles) and just about everything in between. Just 3 years ago on my 30th birthday, I ran my first marathon. I have completed four marathons to date. The next year in 2009, I bought my bike as another birthday gift to myself. I didn't learn how to swim until March of this year (AFTER I had already signed up and agreed to participate in this event with Sister Tiffany).

This is my and Sister Tiffany’s first triathlon, but NOT my last! I'm already looking for our next one!! I thank Allah for Sister Tiffany and her soldier spirit for inviting me to come along with her on this journey and all of our family and friends who helped support us and sent their warm words of encouragement and congratulations. May the Peace and Mercy of Allah be with you all!! I pray that our experience will inspire others to join us in the future.

ALL PRAISE IS DUE TO ALLAH!!!

SO PROUD OF YOU MGT VANGUARD!!!

###

MINISTER FARRAKHAN SPEAKS ON DEATH OF LIBYA'S MUAMMAR GADHAFI

Minister Farrakhan speaks on death of Libya’s Muammar Gadhafi on WVON-AM today 

The Nation of Islam

For Immediate Release                                                                              

October 25, 2011

Contact: Richard Muhammad 312 480 9775

E-mail: straightwords4@yahoo.com

Farrakhan Speaks on death of Libya’s

Muammar Gadhafi on WVON-AM today

On Tuesday, October 25, the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan, of the Nation of Islam, is scheduled to discuss the recent killing of Libyan leader Muammar Gadhafi and Western action and policy toward the North African country on the Cliff Kelly Show over the airwaves of WVON-AM 1690, Chicago's Black talk radio station, between 4 pm and 6 pm Central Time. 

The media is invited to attend and submit questions to host Cliff Kelley for Minister Farrakhan to address on-air. Interview requests are also being accepted at this time. Accredited media should arrive by 3 pm to be in place for the live radio broadcast. The WVON studios are located at 1000 East 87th Street Chicago.

WVON radio airs on the web @ http://www.wvon.com  

A round table discussion of U.S. policy and developments in Libya will follow from 6 pm to 7 pm, and include noted activists, Pan Africanist and human rights  advocates. The media is invited to attend. After the segment with Min. Farrakhan, the on-air panel discussion about Libya will include Abdul Akbar Muhammad, international representative of the Nation of Islam; Zaki Baruti of the Universal African Peoples Organization; Ali Baghdadi of the Arab Journal; Conrad Worrill of the National Black United Front; and activist Pat Hill of Black People Against Torture.

--30--

Nation of Islam General Counsel sends letter to Bureau of Prisons; opposes request made by Reps. Wolf and King

[Blogger's Note: On July 5, 2011, Rep. Frank R. Wolf and Rep. Peter King sent a letter to Dr. Thomas R. Kane, the Bureau of Prisons Acting Director, to request the removal of all "Nation Of Islam" materials from U.S. prisons. This is something that the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan forewarned was coming in his March 10 radio interview on the Cliff Kelley Show in Chicago. On July 8, Nation of Islam General Counsel Abdul Arif Muhammad wrote a letter to Dr. Kane to oppose this request by Wolf and King. The following is the full text of the letter.]

July 8, 2011

Dr. Thomas R. Kane

Acting Director

Bureau of Prisons

320 First St NW Rm. 642

Washington, DC 20534 – 0002

Dear Acting Director Kane:

I am general counsel for the Nation of Islam and legal counsel to the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan. This communication is being written to formally notify you of our objection to and opposition of the request from Congressional Representatives Frank R. Wolf and Peter King in their letter dated July 5, 2011. The letter requests that you immediately remove all written, audio and video materials produced by the “Nation of Islam” and Louis Farrakhan from all BOP facilities.

The United States Constitution, First Amendment, is clear that Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech …. The request from these two congressional representatives violates the prohibition stated in the First Amendment. We are committed to ensuring and protecting our rights through all areas of redress that the law permits. In fact we have already litigated this matter in federal court and our first amendment rights were upheld.

During the June 15, 2011 hearings referenced in the congressmen’s letter there were no facts or evidence presented that Islam as taught by the Honorable Elijah Muhammad under the guidance of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan leads to radicalization, terrorism or extremist ideologies. The truth is the Nation of Islam has been recognized for over 70 years for reforming inmates and former inmates spiritually, morally, intellectually, and economically, and producing law abiding citizens who are positive contributors to their community. These individuals have a very low rate of recidivism. Moreover, there has not been one member of the Nation of Islam during our eighty year history in America that has been charged with an act of terrorism against the United States. We are taught by the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan to respect the laws that govern our Nation.

Contrary to the congressmen’s assertion that prisons in the US have been a fertile breeding ground for violent ideology leading to radicalization, the testimony and evidence presented at the hearing proved exactly the opposite. For your convenience I have attached the Testimony of Professor Bert Useem, of Purdue University, one of the presenters at the hearing.

The conclusion reached by this expert clearly contradicts the assertions in the July 5th letter. It states in pertinent part; My core argument, then, is that U.S. prisons are not systematically generating a terrorist threat to the U.S. homeland. … .The claim that U.S. prisons will generate scores of terrorists spilling out onto the streets of our cities appears to be false or, at least, much overstated.

More specifically and most importantly, Professor Useem was pointedly asked by Congresswoman Shelia Jackson Lee (D) Texas, a member of the Homeland Security Committee whether he viewed the Nation of Islam as promoting, in the current 21st century, the undermining of this nation? Professor Useem stated; No, I don’t. For your convenience I have attached an excerpt of the transcript of this specific line of questioning.

We further categorically reject the perverse interpretation given by the congressmen regarding the alleged quote attributed to Minister Farrakhan as anti-American and anti-Semitic propaganda, or that the video titles cited purportedly belong to the Nation of Islam.

We continue to provide spiritual and reformatory services to inmates, male and female, in many federal correctional facilities throughout the United States. Thus, we request to meet with you to engage in a dialogue regarding policies and procedures that will allow us to work together in a cooperative manner to achieve the rehabilitation of the inmate population we serve.

We believe these discussions will be beneficial especially in regards to your regulations concerning Incoming Publications, Religious Beliefs and Practices, and your Chaplains services.

We look forward to your response.

Sincerely,

Abdul Arif Muhammad,Esq.

General Counsel to the Honorable

Minister Louis Farrakhan

and the Nation of Islam

7351 S. Stony Island Avenue

Chicago, Illinois 60649

cc: The Honorable Eric H. Holder Jr.

Attorney General of the United States

U.S. Department of Justice

950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

Washington, D.C. 20530-0001

Related Links:

• Ruling sets stage for broader fight for inmate access to The Final Call
• Prison System ordered not to restrict The Final Call
• The Nation of Islam is a hate group?  Not!