1984-October-12

A.M. Journal

Muhammad Speaks

Imam W. Deen Mohammed

NEW YORK, N.Y. - More than 300 Muslim youth gathered at P.S. 175 on September 15, and listened intently for more than an hour as Imam W. Deen Muhammad, leader of the American Muslim Mission membership answered their questions. Ages in the group ranged from 3 to 25 years.

In upcoming issues, A.M. Journal will print these questions and Imam W. Deen Muhammad's timely responses.

QUESTION: How do you feel about all that's been happening in politics regarding the Rev. Jesse Jackson? (Age 10-12)

WDM:I had the feeling from the very beginning of his campaign that he would contribute to a certain mood and way of behaving in the African-American people that I think is bad, and that is — just moving on emotional impulses.

I thought that specifics — special things in the life of the African-American people regarding our political situations — should have been addressed. Someone with his popularity and influence, I felt, could serve best if they would call our attention back to the need to build ourselves up at home because if we were in his position we could do wonders, I believe.

I would have liked to have seen a combined effort at home and in the neighborhood — support for the African-American efforts in education, etc., etc., etc.

If he had brought us back to the home front and then said as a united home front we're going to—g«r Washington, D.C.. we're going to go to the presidency as a strong people - even if he couldn't foresee that coming about, if he had spoken like that, I think he could have done a lot to correct the situation in the spirit of the African-American people that's not good from where I'm looking.