“Part II: Building a Safe and Decent Community. Brother Ishmael Muhammad on the Mission of the Black Man”

Monday night’s gathering was a meaningful reminder of the power of fellowship among Black men devoted to real change. Whether the room held 200 brothers or only 20, the spirit of transformation does not require numbers—only the willingness of even one man to submit to divine direction. In our reporting, we aim to always maintain honest transparency to protect the integrity of our conversations. The following is our assessment of an evening that continues to shape the work ahead.

Black men across the nation were invited back for Part Two of the men’s meeting, a continuation of the call for us to return to our communities and make them safe and decent places to live. The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan once remarked that while many come out to hear him speak, attendance often shifts when it is time to do the same work on the same day without his presence. He questioned whether it truly matters who delivers the truth—are we seeking entertainment or seeking change?

Though these were not his exact words, the sentiment serves as a warning against idol worship and a reminder to seek wisdom from those who have been guided by a Master Teacher. The meeting opened with a clear message: we were not gathered for feel-good speeches designed to tickle our ears. We were gathered to be instructed on what must be done.

Student Minister Ishmael Muhammad delivered the message with his usual clarity and depth, leaving the brothers with powerful takeaways that demand action. One of his strongest themes was the essence of brotherhood. We should never desire harm for one another. When we look at a brother, we must desire for him what we desire for ourselves.

Brother Ishmael reminded us that we do not need weapons because Allah (God) is sufficient for us. Too many times, anger pushes men to react with violence. He described the scenario of two men fighting, one becoming so consumed with rage that he retrieves a weapon and fires it without regard for who may be struck—an act he described as cowardice. It was a direct acknowledgment of the Black-on-Black violence we must confront and correct.

He then pushed us to reflect on the fact that many of us walk through life with physical protection, yet few have mastered how to walk with God. This is a message that demands deeper contemplation, especially within communities wrestling with internal conflict. He emphasized that the men’s meeting has nothing to do with the white man, the Hispanic man, or the Asian man. It is a private conversation among

Black men addressing the issues we must fix ourselves. Just as no outsider sits at the table when a family discusses its internal problems, no outsider belongs at this table either.

Brother Ishmael spoke further about the things we make into gods—alcohol, cigarettes, drugs, lust, and anything that calls our name and to which we submit. Whatever rules us becomes our god. This is especially sobering in a world designed to promote everything contrary to the will of God. When we free ourselves from harmful desires, our minds become clearer and our spiritual vision becomes stronger. As he reminded us, nothing clean comes from a mind filled with trash, and impure thoughts lead to impure actions.

Accountability also emerged as a central message. We cannot continue blaming a “mystery devil” for our bad behavior. We must confront the devil within and tap into the God within. Every action we take is a choice, good or bad, and those choices reflect whom—and what—we submit to. True change requires work, and that work begins with self. Separating ourselves from a world steeped in unrighteousness is necessary if we want to purify our lives and uplift our communities. Continuing to follow the ways of a deviant world leads to spiritual and physical death.

Economics became a key discussion point when the brothers were asked how many were employed. Brother Ishmael taught that money alone is not the answer; the knowledge of what to do with money is far more vital. The issue is not the presence of foreign businesses in our neighborhoods—many are simply responding to the economic opportunities we offer them. If we were to remove these outside entities, we would still need to build businesses, institutions, and services of our own. We did this once during segregation, when Black businesses thrived, circulated the Black dollar, and sustained strong communities.

The lesson is clear: if we are to separate from systems that do not treat us fairly, we must create generational wealth and economic independence for our families and our people.

In the closing portion of his message, Brother Ishmael addressed how the treatment of Black women reflects the condition of the Black man. Our women are our report card. The existence of strip clubs in our community alone is evidence that we are not fully on our post. No man who has a daughter would want her degraded or exploited, and no righteous man preys on another brother’s wife, daughter, or sister. That is not brotherhood—it is savage behavior.

When the Black man rises into his rightful position, he protects his woman, elevates her, and creates the conditions for her and the family to thrive. This tied powerfully into the crisis of missing Black women and children. Too many of our families are unprotected because too many men are not standing watch.

The truth is that we have more than enough organizations that address the very issues raised in this meeting. We can join them, support them, or create new ones. But we cannot sit idle. These meetings are not designed for us to simply hear a good lecture; they are intended to ignite thought, spark action, and move us toward divine instruction. The work begins when the meeting ends. If we truly listen to the guidance, we will leave with more than inspiration—we will leave with responsibility.

We pray that these gatherings continue to open doors for us to make our communities safer, better, and more righteous places to live. The opportunity is before us. The work is in our hands