The Final Call | National News

A major message with serious impact at Morgan State University

By Ashahed M. Muhammad -Assistant Editor- | Last updated: Dec 1, 2014 - 12:58:01 PM

What's your opinion on this article?

Pi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi fraternity at Morgan State presents Min Farrakhan with lifetime achievement award following his speech at the Black university. Photo: Richard B. Muhammad

BALTIMORE (FinalCall.com) - The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan delivered a memorable message from the Murphy Fine Arts Center on the campus of Morgan State University November 22.

Those who heard it said the experience was something they will never forget, and what they heard will guide their actions in the future.

Dr. Ray Winbush

“I can’t think of a message more timely than what I heard tonight,” said Dr. Ray Winbush, a prominent researcher and professor at Morgan State University. “It was so relevant on so many levels. We overuse the word relevant but the entire thing about Ferguson, the obligations of young people, ministers, educators, parents, I’ve never heard so much in such a short period of time that was so relevant,” Dr. Winbush added.

Trevon James, a 20-year old Social Work major who is also the 2014 Mister Collegiate 100 for MSU could hardly speak.

“It was nothing short of inspirational. I’m at a loss for words right now. I’m just inspired and motivated to get out there and do work for my people,” he said.

Long time revolutionary grassroots activist Pam Africa of MOVE who celebrated her 60th birthday a day earlier said she is ready for whatever comes down regarding Ferguson or anything else affecting Black people. She said she agreed with Minister Farrakhan’s words, and his spirit. The young people she is talking to “are sick and tired, ready to fight and prepared to die.”

“He’s raising consciousness and that is what we need,” said Pam Africa. “He called everyone to order, and that is what we have to do, we can’t mince words. He charged all the elders. It’s a posse of good people in here who want to teach but don’t have the nerve because they are afraid of the White man. What he did is something that every minister should be doing from every pulpit that they have! Tell the Truth! And when you tell the truth, you make a lot of enemies.”

Before a dais of distinguished leaders, faculty, students and guests, Minister Farrakhan (center) speaks at the Murphy Fine Arts Center, at Morgan State University, Nov. 22. Minister Farrakhan warned the elders that God will not let them into The Promised Land because they have too much of Pharaoh in them. He reminded the elders not to be an apologist to White people. Photo: Mikal Veale/choiceimagery

Pam Africa said she works constantly to form the group ready to live their lives to serve the people and bring forth liberation.

“I love Minister Farrakhan, that’s why I’m here today. I love all that Minister Farrakhan brings with him. I’m here today because I collect warriors and potential warriors so when the Minister makes the call, it is all of our duty to do exactly what he says do,” said Pam Africa. “Some of us are doing it already. A lot of people got his back.”

Phile Chionesu, activist and convener of the Million Woman March, was also present. She plans to meet shortly with the Minister to discuss her national campaign to address violations against women covering trafficking, rape, domestic violence, mutilation and murder of Black women.. She said the Minister and the Nation of Islam has always been a consistent advocate of the protection of the Black woman in word and deed.

“The Million Woman March is always here to support the Minister in any way possible,” said Ms. Chionesu. “We want to look at the real causes. While our women are being victimized, the fact remains, what has created the behavior?”

Shaquayah McKenzie, 23, a graduate of Morgan State University and former Student Government President at MSU had dinner with other student leaders the night before, and found his words a powerful continuation of the guidance she has heard throughout the time she has spent listening to him.

“It was profound truth through personal testimony and wisdom,” said Ms. Mckenzie. “Take it from the elders, we’ve got to keep moving forward, it is simple as that and we have to transform our minds to understand that these are not individual issues, this is a collective problem, and we have to come to a collective solution,” she added.

21-year-old Leon Ford spoke to the Final Call from his wheelchair. He’s paralyzed from the waist down after being shot by Pittsburgh police. He was charged with aggravated assault and reckless endangerment, but found not guilty. He is still organizing and fighting against police brutality. He was a participant in the conference, was present for a private meeting with the Minister and then heard the message on Nov. 22.

“It was powerful and monumental for my growth as a man, I felt like I had to be here. I wouldn’t have chosen to be anywhere else in the world but here today. You all are going to see some great things coming from me,” he said. “I will never be the same,” Mr. Ford said.

State Delegate Jill P. Carter

State Delegate Jill P. Carter blasted the Baltimore Sun for publishing a misguided and inaccurate OpEd by local Jewish leader Jay Bernstein. Mr. Bernstein was apparently upset Morgan State University officials permitted the students to host the appearance by Minister Farrakhan.

“It was completely inappropriate, especially in a city that is majority Black,” said Ms. Carter. “I think the Baltimore Sun often forgets that, and even though the editors didn’t write it, they were decision makers as to deciding what content goes into the paper and what does not.”

Ms. Scott found the Minister’s message to be just what the people of Baltimore needed, particularly the young people and students.

“The Minister is on point, his message was timely elevating and what we needed to hear right now, especially for the young people. It was my honor to be here. I think it was significant that he addressed the police brutality issue at length. That is one of the biggest issues facing us and young people and our responsibility to do something not only by way of protest in the streets, but those of us who are policy makers to do something legislatively,” Ms. Scott said.

“He is a significant person and a person that we need and frankly anyone that goes and finds the people that are the most vulnerable and lifts them up and gives them a reason not only to live, but something to live for, and to strive to be their best God-selves, I don’t see how anybody can argue with that,” she added.