The Nation of Islam Is Our Ally
For close to a century, the Nation of Islam (NOI) has been advocating for the welfare of the Black community. Established by Elijah Muhammad in 1930, the NOI’s primary goal was to address the religious, economic, social, and political needs of Black Americans. Since its inception, the organization has been actively engaged in supporting the disadvantaged and marginalized individuals who often go unnoticed by mainstream American society. In the 1930s, the Nation of Islam not only focused on establishing places of worship but also initiated economic development projects aimed at fostering trade among Black-owned businesses. Elijah Muhammad and his successors have consistently emphasized the importance of self-reliance for Black Americans, promoting community empowerment through diligence, creativity, and collaboration.
The Nation of Islam’s worth can be discerned by observing those who criticize the organization. There is a widespread disdain for the Nation of Islam within American society. Despite being considered the party that represents Black Americans, Democrats openly censure the Nation of Islam and its leaders for their beliefs and principles. For instance, Black Democrat Rep. Barbara Lee recently expressed her disapproval by stating, “I unequivocally condemn Minister Farrakhan” after he made comments about Zionism. On the other hand, the Republican Jewish Coalition called for the resignation of seven Democratic members of Congress, alleging connections to the controversial Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan. Surprisingly, bipartisan unity in Washington DC seems strongest when both political parties join forces to criticize the Nation of Islam and its leadership for their efforts to improve the lives of Black Americans. For instance, in 1984, the Senate voted unanimously, with a 95-0 decision on Thursday night, to condemn Nation of Islam Minister Louis Farrakhan.
The Southern Poverty Law Center, the Anti-Defamation League, various media outlets, and proponents of globalism all share the belief that the Nation of Islam and its principles stand in opposition to the vision favored by those who advocate for cultural integration, imperialism, and capitalism. This sentiment is echoed in the statement made by Commander George Lincoln Rockwell, who famously expressed his alignment with the Nation of Islam’s objectives and held Elijah Muhammad in high regard. Commander Rockwell even participated in the NOI’s annual Saviours’ Day gathering in 1961, accompanied by members of his organization, to show support for the Nation of Islam’s message. During the event, he had the opportunity to meet with Malcolm X and contributed $20 towards the cause of promoting self-determination and self-reliance.
Numerous individuals in Black America who are deemed as betraying their community and engaging in deceit are often lauded by politicians and the media, such as Al Sharpton, the NAACP, and Martin Luther King Jr. These figures receive acclaim primarily for advocating for incremental changes within American society. In contrast, the Nation of Islam remains steadfast in its commitment to empowering the Black community and striving for a fundamental social and economic transformation in American society. The Nation of Islam is inherently a grassroots organization deeply embedded within the Black community. Many of the strategies, initiatives, and endeavors undertaken by the NOI to assist the Black community are akin to those we should aim to implement for the benefit of other communities.
The establishment of the NOI’s Department of Agriculture marks a significant advancement towards achieving food self-sufficiency for the Black population in America. The organization’s mission statement articulates its goal of creating “a sustainable agricultural system that would provide at least one meal per day, following the teachings of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad, for the 40 million Black people in America.” The NOI Department of Agriculture has taken significant steps to liberate the Black community from the influence of multinational corporations and agricultural giants like Monsanto. By acquiring thousands of acres of farmland, the department aims to support initiatives that provide assistance to underserved Black families, promote the growth of Black farmers and businesses, and foster community development. The main farm located in Georgia annually yields an impressive array of produce, including 8,000 lbs of flour, 400,000 lbs of watermelons, 12,000 lbs of various vegetables, 100,000 lbs of wheat, 100,000 lbs of field corn, and 200,000 lbs of peanuts. These products are distributed across 8 states, with whole wheat flour and other goods reaching 35 cities, creating employment opportunities within the area. Additionally, to ensure that no Black family in need goes hungry, the NOI has established Staple Goods Centers in twelve cities as part of mutual-aid networks.
Cedric Muhammad, an organizer, emphasized the crucial role played by the NOI Department of Agriculture in empowering Black Americans. He notes that the strategic focus on physical capital, particularly land ownership, is essential for disconnecting the Black community from reliance on external farming and agricultural systems. Muhammad highlighted the significance of land ownership in establishing a sustainable economic framework and emphasizes the importance of controlling the quality of food consumed. He asserts that a community’s ability to prosper and thrive is contingent upon owning its land and regulating its food sources, underscoring the enduring disparities in employment, wealth, and health despite advancements in other areas such as politics.
In addition to its agricultural initiatives, the Nation of Islam has established the Fruit of Islam, an all-male organization dedicated to providing security for NOI properties, organizing various events, and offering community policing services tailored to the needs of the Black community. The Fruit of Islam trains young men to embody physical strength, education, familial values, and patriarchal leadership qualities, emphasizing their role in shaping strong family units and supporting their neighborhoods. During the 1990s, the Fruit of Islam was granted the opportunity to oversee security in some of the most crime-ridden and perilous housing projects in Washington D.C. and other major cities, leading to a notable reduction in crime rates within these communities.
Previously dubbed “Little Beirut” by law enforcement, Mayfair Mansions, located in far Northeast Washington, was known for being dominated by drug dealers. However, in a transformative incident in 1988, an unarmed Nation of Islam volunteer patrolling the area successfully disarmed a drug dealer using martial arts, prompting the swift disappearance of criminal elements from the neighborhood. The positive impact of the Nation of Islam’s presence was evident as families felt safe enough to gather on front stoops, children played freely, and elderly residents ventured out for evening walks, transforming Mayfair Mansions into a secure environment.
The success of the Nation of Islam’s security initiative garnered recognition from prominent figures such as then-D.C. Mayor Sharon Pratt Kelly, former U.S. Housing Secretary Jack Kemp, and then-first lady Barbara Bush, who commended the intimidating yet effective efforts of the bow-tied volunteers. Nation leader Louis Farrakhan attributed the guards’ accomplishments to the unity and determination displayed in addressing the issue of drug proliferation within the community, emphasizing the power of collective action over violence.
Despite the positive outcomes witnessed in neighborhoods patrolled by Nation-related security personnel, opposition from the Anti-Defamation League and lawmakers influenced by Zionist interests led to the discontinuation of these successful programs. The removal of Nation-affiliated security teams and the subsequent implementation of conventional policing strategies resulted in a resurgence of social problems within these communities, indicating the detrimental impact of politicized decisions on public safety initiatives.
While the Nation of Islam’s security efforts were well-received by local residents for enhancing community safety, objections from national Jewish organizations regarding perceived connections to Farrakhan and alleged discriminatory hiring practices led to the termination of security contracts. This decision not only undermined the progress made in crime prevention but also exposed the underlying tensions between different interest groups in shaping public safety policies.
In considering the broader context of policing in America, the focus should shift away from racial considerations and toward restructuring the militarized law enforcement system that currently prevails. Historically, American communities relied on locally elected peace officers, such as constables and sheriffs, who were directly accountable to the people. This decentralized model of policing, based on direct democracy, fostered a sense of community ownership over safety and crime prevention, resulting in more effective and responsive law enforcement practices.
The shift towards unelected police forces, driven by capitalist interests and prioritizing property protection over community well-being, has eroded the trust between law enforcement agencies and the public. The militarization of policing, characterized by armed personnel serving the interests of the ruling class, has perpetuated social inequalities and undermined the fundamental principles of community safety and justice. By reevaluating the structure and purpose of modern policing, society can move towards a more equitable and community-centered approach to law enforcement that prioritizes the well-being of all individuals. Community groups like the Fruit of Islam collaborate to combat crime and drug issues while meeting the needs of their community. They advocate for direct community policing as a superior model for ensuring justice compared to other approaches addressing police brutality and civilian deaths. The Nation of Islam has been at the forefront of addressing these challenges, implementing successful solutions in high-crime areas across the U.S.
In addition to their community initiatives, the Nation of Islam prioritizes education, establishing institutions like the Muhammad University of Islam in Chicago to shape the values and skills of youth. Rather than endorsing forced integration, the NOI focuses on building its educational framework to instill patriotic values, traditional ethics, and professional capabilities in students, fostering future community leaders. The Nation of Islam is vocal in critiquing Zionist influence in various sectors of society, challenging narratives that blame Whites for societal issues. Minister Farrakhan and the NOI openly address the Jewish control of key institutions, shedding light on economic disparities and historical injustices.
Through speeches and publications, the Nation of Islam highlights the Jewish role in historical events like the slave trade, confronting powerful interests and facing backlash for their candid critiques. Their stance against multiculturalism and globalism aligns with their vision of building strong Black families and communities based on self-reliance and cooperation. While not endorsing all beliefs of the NOI, the we must recognize our common ground in advocating for self-determination, opposing imperialism, and promoting economic justice. Both groups share a commitment to solidarity, respect among diverse communities, and the collective fight against Jewish capitalist systems. In the current struggle between Nationalism and Socialism vs Globalism and American Imperialism, the NOI and White Americans can find common cause in challenging oppressive forces and advocating for self-reliance, liberation, and cooperation. This shared commitment to justice and empowerment forms the basis for collaboration and mutual support in the ongoing fight for a fairer, more equitable society.
