A Conversation With Mayoral Candidate Mr. Anthony Muhammad: Service, Sacrifice, and a Vision for Washington, D.C.

Mayoral Canidate Mr. Anthony Muhammad

BLXCR EDITORIAL NOTE: Mr. Anthony Muhammad is a United States Air Force veteran who served this country honorably. His military service reflects a commitment to discipline, sacrifice, and duty. His patriotism should not be questioned. We thank Mr. Anthony Muhammad for his service and recognize his continued dedication to serving the people and communities of Washington, D.C.

Mr. Muhammad is no stranger to politics or community leadership..

For years, Mr. Muhammad has been active in local governance, most notably serving as an Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner (ANC) in Ward 8—an unpaid, elected role where he represented residents on issues ranging from neighborhood development and public safety to zoning and community resources. He has also served as a Ward 8 Committeeman on the D.C. Democratic Committee, a party leadership role that involves organizing, voter engagement, and representing the concerns of residents within the local political process.

Mr. Anthony Muhammad: The Voice of the Unheard in Washington, D.C.

In a political climate often driven by noise, labels, and distractions, there are moments when clarity cuts through. This conversation with mayoral candidate Mr. Anthony Muhammad was one of those moments—rooted in service, guided by principle, and centered on people.

(L)Mr. Anthony Muhammad with Current Mayor Muriel Bowser. (R) Mr. Muhammad with his greatest supporter wife Joy Muhammad

When asked how long he has served the public, Mr. Muhammad did not hesitate. He shared that he has been a non-paid public servant for over 35 years. For him, service has never been about compensation or recognition. It has been about sacrifice. He explained that his calling comes from a willingness to help change conditions that Black people, in particular, have endured for over 400 years. His motivation is not political ambition, but responsibility.

As a Muslim candidate running in a diverse city like Washington, D.C., Mr. Muhammad addressed the often-misplaced focus on religion in politics. He made it clear that his faith does not interfere with public responsibility. In his words, “Right has no faith connected to it. Right is right, and wrong is wrong.” He emphasized that people, regardless of background, can feel the difference between justice and injustice.

When asked how he redirects conversations that attempt to reduce him to his religion rather than his qualifications, Mr. Muhammad said the focus should always be on results—whether a person’s actions helped or harmed the people. If it helped, then it was right, regardless of who delivered it.

On leadership and resolve, Mr. Muhammad pointed to his record. He described himself as someone who stays committed regardless of obstacles, pressure, or political shifts. He stated plainly that he is not a quitter and that commitment is proven over time, not promised during campaigns.

Addressing the unique challenges of governing Washington, D.C.—a city without full statehood and limited authority—Mr. Muhammad spoke candidly about the realities of local governance. He noted that the city operates within city law, while much of the land is under federal control. Officials, he said, must follow the rules they have sworn to uphold. His approach is rooted in enforcing what is already on the books rather than making empty declarations that exceed the mayor’s authority.

On immigration, Mr. Muhammad took a fact-based approach. He acknowledged that previous administrations deported large numbers of immigrants, reminding readers that political narratives often ignore uncomfortable truths. As mayor, he emphasized that Washington, D.C. has not seen documented cases of mass deportations under current local enforcement and stated that his responsibility would be to continue enforcing existing law while addressing each situation on its merits—right versus wrong—rather than political optics.

Turning to employment and economic opportunity, Mr. Muhammad focused on structural fairness. He proposed changing current hiring rules for D.C. government jobs so that graduates of Washington, D.C. high schools would be eligible for employment, even if they no longer reside in the city. His goal is to give young people raised and educated in D.C. a real advantage, rather than prioritizing residency alone.

He also addressed barriers that discourage business growth, particularly parking enforcement. Mr. Muhammad criticized the city’s aggressive ticketing and booting practices, explaining how they deter residents, visitors, and entrepreneurs from supporting local businesses. As mayor, he said he would adjust parking regulations—ending enforcement earlier in the evening—to make Washington more inviting and accessible for diners, shoppers, and small business owners.

When discussing mom-and-pop establishments, Mr. Muhammad emphasized community responsibility. He argued that businesses must hire locally and give back to the neighborhoods they profit from. He noted that many small businesses are owned by non-residents and stressed that reinvestment and local hiring would make those businesses stronger, safer, and more connected to the city.

Education emerged as one of the most urgent issues in the conversation. Mr. Muhammad did not shy away from criticism, stating plainly that Washington, D.C. currently has one of the worst school systems in the country. He condemned the practice of social promotion, where students advance based on age rather than academic readiness. His plan includes requiring sports complexes and major facilities in the city to contribute directly to schools, ensuring access to books, equipment, training, and qualified teachers.

To attract top educators, Mr. Muhammad proposed a direct solution: pay teachers more. He stated that teachers should start at $80,000 annually, arguing that those responsible for shaping the future deserve financial stability and respect. In his view, if Washington wants world-class students, it must invest in world-class educators.

Youth development was another cornerstone of his vision. Reflecting on the legacy of Mayor Marion Barry’s summer youth programs, Mr. Muhammad praised the original model that combined employment, responsibility, and pride. He criticized later attempts that diluted the program’s effectiveness and committed to reinstating a permanent, meaningful youth employment and leadership initiative.

Mr. Muhammad receiving an award for community service from Willie Dandridge, 7D MPD Commander.(2015)

When asked about his overall vision for Washington, D.C., Mr. Muhammad framed his leadership through service to the most vulnerable. He said his administration would focus on “helping the least, the last, and the left out,” trusting that by doing so, God would assist him in leading the city. His approach is rooted in humility, accountability, and moral responsibility.

In closing, Mr. Muhammad addressed homelessness with striking clarity. He questioned why cities can fund dog parks but fail to provide basic human necessities. He called for shower facilities and dignified services for the unhoused, stating that Washington must not become a city that pushes homeless people out rather than helping them up.

The conversation closed with mutual respect and gratitude. It was clear that while one interview cannot capture the entirety of a campaign, it can offer insight into character, conviction, and intent. Mr. Muhammad presented himself not as a polished politician, but as a committed servant—focused on justice, fairness, and the people of Washington, D.C.

This interview stands as an introduction to a vision grounded not in rhetoric, but in responsibility.