For decades religion played an intricate role in the Black community. Religion was a vital piece of the dynamic-the family unit was centered around, it was where most social justice campaigns began and it was where most needs were met during hard times, but as society has changed, so has religion’s role. While it may still be a part of the Black community, as a whole, some would say its prominence has faded.
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| JASIRI X |
In an effort to evaluate the role of the church in the Black community and how it’s addressing the issues that are plaguing the community, such as violence, healthcare, economic disparity and more, the New Pittsburgh Courier has been speaking with leaders of the various religious denominations found within Pittsburgh’s Black community.
With a beginning that dates back to 1930, the Nation of Islam, once called the Black Muslims, has made strides to maintain and rebuild the Black culture through its teachings. It began under the leadership of Master W.D. Fard Muhammad and grew under the leadership of Minister Elijah Muhammad, (Malcolm X was his national spokesman), who led it from 1934 to his death in 1975, and after a brief period in which it was dissolved under the leadership of Elijah’s son Wallace D. Muhammad (Warith Deen Mohammed), Min. Louis Farrakhan, who replaced Malcolm X as the head of the New York mosque #7, and later as the national spokesperson, restored it in the late ‘70s and is still the current leader. While Min. Farrakhan is the national leader, despite some serious health problems, locally the Nation of Islam is represented by Student Coordinator Jasiri X, of Pittsburgh Mosque #22, in Wilkinsburg which services the Pittsburgh area.
A mosque is equivalent to a church in the Christian religion. The NOI generally has one or more in each city, and they are numbered, generally according to when it was started.
The NOI has a very detailed belief system, some of which includes: the belief in one God, whose name is Allah; the holy Qur’an and the scriptures of all God’s prophets; the mental resurrection of the dead; justice for all; the non-participation in war; and in the judgment. Under the religion, there is no consumption of drugs or alcohol, cigarettes, adultery or fornication and no pork.
The main focus of the NOI is, “self improvement, self development and self empowerment,” said Jasiri X. He explained that it is basically the teaching of doing for one’s self. “In the ‘50s and ‘60s, Elijah Muhammad was able to reform Black people in a way that no one else was,” he said.
When asked the number of members of the NOI religion, Jasiri X said that information is typically not given out, but added that NOI has a history in Pittsburgh that dates back to 1957.
He said the NOI and the Mosque #22 have several programs to address the needs and issues affecting the Black community.
“The root of our problems is that we do not have a true understanding of ourselves, so that is what we teach first,” he said. “We are also about doing something for ourselves. Violence often stems from economic (hardships), we’re taught to go into business for one’s self, economic empowerment.”
He added that Min. Farrakhan teaches that people also have to look beyond their own personal self-interest; one has to also think about what is best for the community as well. “He teaches that self improvement is the basis for community improvement.”
Besides economic empowerment programs, Jasiri X said some of the other programs the local NOI offers include a junior class, which teaches youth; a martial arts class and a health program that teaches proper eating. “Improper diets are the main cause of so many health issues within the Black community,” he said.
Even though addressing violence, health and economic disparities are some of the NOI’s main concerns, one of their top priorities is the Black family, or what some may say, the lack of. “The Nation of Islam places a high priority on family,” he said. “We are big on marriage and keeping the family dynamic. When we approach marriage it is a process. It is taken very serious, a process that consists of counseling, and seminars.”
Some of the NOI most recognized community engagements, which were led by Minister Farrahkan, have been the Million Man, the Million Woman and the Million Family marches. As a result of the teachings of Minister Farrahkan and the Million Man March, came One Hood, a local community-based organization that promotes peace and unity.
While religion seems to be an intricate foundation for members of the NOI, Jasiri X agrees that the dynamic of religion as a main factor in the Black community has changed. He said one reason is because of the way religion is represented-often times the main focus is on making money and not enough is dedicated toward spiritual growth and outreach. “There is the building of big churches, in some of the worst communities and then little outreach to the individuals within those communities.
“Back in the day churches were involved in social justice, but (they) haven’t been. Preachers aren’t standing strongly and speaking out. When communities see this they begin to lose faith.”
One topic that remains to be taboo is homosexuality in the Black community, especially when it comes to religion. When asked for the NOI’s view on the topic, Jasiri X said, “We say come as you are. Minister Farrakhan has been mislabeled as a homophobic. It would be foolish to hate or ban someone who is homosexual, but welcome those who are adulterers.
“We love our people and we’re here to teach and help our people.”