Raising the Next Generation: A Conversation With Brother Ali and Brother Naim of Saviours Academy

BLXCR Editorial: We extend our deepest appreciation to everyone whose dedication and service continue to make Saviours Academy a success. We especially recognize the tireless work and foresight of Brother James, whose leadership is helping shape the future of young men in Charlotte, North Carolina, with the valued assistance of Muhammad Mosque No. 36. This work stands as proof that when we come together with unity, discipline, and purpose, all things are possible.

Students of Saviours Academy

In a powerful and deeply moving interview, we sat down with Brother Ali and Brother Naim, two 13-year-old students of Saviours Academy, to explore discipline, brotherhood, leadership, and the responsibility of young Black men in a rapidly changing world. What unfolded was not simply an interview—but a window into the future.

Both young brothers spoke with clarity beyond their years, grounded in faith, humility, and a strong sense of responsibility. Their words reflected the impact of structured guidance, righteous example, and a program rooted in love, accountability, and purpose.

Raised With Example, Not Ego

Brother James and Brother Ali

Brother Ali, the son of Brother James, shared what it means to grow up under the leadership of a father who serves without seeking recognition.

“My father is like a superhero without a cape,” Brother Ali said. “He helps everybody, but he doesn’t want the recognition. He teaches me how to deal with pressure and how to stay humble.”

That humility showed clearly throughout the interview. Though confident, Brother Ali repeatedly emphasized that leadership begins with learning, listening, and serving others—not ego or title.

Brother Michael L. Muhammad and Brother Naim

Brother Naim echoed those sentiments when speaking about his own father, Brother Michael L. Muhammad, describing the pride he feels watching a hardworking Black man shoulder responsibility with love and consistency.

“He doesn’t ask for recognition,” Brother Naim shared. “He does it for the love of his family. That’s what I respect the most.”

Brotherhood in Action

One of the most striking moments of the interview came when the brothers described the culture of accountability within Saviours Academy. Drill—often misunderstood as simple marching—was explained as something far deeper.

“Drill is hear and obey,” Brother Naim explained. “It’s discipline. It teaches you how to execute instructions and stay on the right path.”

Brother Ali added that drill builds brotherhood in real time—when one falls, others step in.

He recalled a moment when a young brother struggled during drill and had to step out. Another brother immediately asked that he be allowed back in, not out of pity, but because he felt responsible for him.

“As a squad, if one messes up, we all mess up,” Brother Ali said. “That teaches us teamwork and care for one another.”

That principle—being your brother’s keeper—was woven throughout the conversation and stood as a central pillar of the program.

Thinking Forward: Building the New World

The conversation also explored how Saviours Academy encourages young men to think beyond the present. Brother Ali and Brother Naim spoke proudly about their participation in the Future City Project, where they designed a city 100 years into the future using clean energy, vertical farming, and sustainable infrastructure.

Their city—aptly named “Save Your City”—earned recognition for best planning.

“We’re seeing the world change,” Brother Ali explained. “So we wanted to create a city where people feel safe, free, and protected.”

Brother Naim added that learning how to separate responsibilities—agriculture, energy, economics—while still working together taught them real-world leadership and cooperation.

“Everybody has a role,” he said. “But everything has to work together, or the city doesn’t work.”

Leadership Begins With Humility

When asked whether they see themselves as leaders, both brothers answered honestly—and humbly. “Not yet,” Brother Ali said. “I still have a lot to learn.”

Rather than ambition, both expressed reverence for experience, especially the example set by their elders. Yet it was clear through their words that leadership is already being formed—not through titles, but through character.

As was later affirmed, true leadership is often revealed not when one seeks the position, but when one is willing to step forward for the sake of others.

Why Saviours Academy Matters

When asked what they would say to parents considering Saviours Academy for their sons, both brothers spoke with conviction.

Brother Ali explained that the program changes how young men think, speak, and see themselves.

“You’ll see your son talking about reading, science, discipline, and responsibility,” he said. “You’ll start asking yourself—is that my son?” Brother Naim described the transformation as a rebirth.

“You gain confidence,” he said. “You feel like you can accomplish anything. You walk differently. You think differently.”

A Word From Brother James

Closing the interview, Brother James reflected on the purpose of Saviours Academy.

“We’re family,” he said. “I see these young men as my sons. There are no favorites—only love, structure, and responsibility.”

He reminded us that the foundation of the program is rooted in divine understanding.

“The scripture says, ‘Ye are gods, children of the Most High.’ If they are gods, then we must teach them to act accordingly.”

A Promising Future

This interview stands as clear evidence that when young men are given structure, faith-based guidance, discipline, and love, the future becomes less uncertain and more hopeful.

As the old world struggles and a new world begins to take shape, voices like Brother Ali and Brother Naim remind us that with proper guidance, the next generation is ready—not just to inherit the future, but to build it.

And with programs like Saviours Academy, that future looks promising indeed.