Was The Honorable Elijah Muhammad Right When He Said We Must Seperate And Do For Self?

The Honorable Elijah Muhammad has frequently emphasized the need for separation within black America. This call for separation does not signify hatred; rather, it highlights the ongoing cycle of challenges that plague the black community today. If we look back in history, we find that during the time of segregation, there were more black marriages and thriving businesses. One might expect that, in our modern times, the situation would have significantly improved. However, we continue to grapple with issues like mass incarceration, unjust predatory lending, and financial systems that engage in redlining, which deny our community access to quality food and healthcare. Despite our voting efforts, our interests often go unaddressed—a clear indication of the historical struggles that black America has endured in this country.

Just like in a troubled marriage, if one partner is constantly subjected to verbal or physical abuse, a sensible person would agree that love cannot exist in such an environment. The ongoing pain serves as a reminder of how one truly feels about the other. The Honorable Elijah Muhammad has consistently stated that while we strive for peaceful coexistence, it appears that the agenda often involves keeping us in a state of hostility.

Using the metaphor of a damaging relationship, one must consider at what point black Americans will choose to stay in a situation with no intention of reconciliation. Take, for example, the Amish community; they demonstrate remarkable self-sufficiency and seldom engage in protests or marches. Given the abundant land available in America, why don't we acquire our own land to establish our communities? While some might argue that we have built our towns, indeed, these efforts have often been thwarted by racism and violence. However, consider the resilience of ants: if you destroy an ant hill, they will regroup and rebuild, becoming even more efficient. Similarly, if you disturb a wasp nest, they will reassemble and defend themselves instinctively.

Separation means we must focus on re-educating ourselves economically, returning to agriculture, and rediscovering the fundamentals of self-sufficiency. The more reliant we become on a system that does not serve our best interests, the further we see issues like rising divorce rates, declining education, and worsening health conditions. The same applies to the black community; just as a football team that struggles in the first half must gather in the locker room to strategize, we, too, need to regroup, re-evaluate our goals, and make plans for a brighter future.

How It Can Work Today:

• Supporting Black-owned banks and credit unions: By directing savings, investments, and loans to Black financial institutions, we can help them grow and increase their lending capacity, which in turn would allow for more Black business ventures and homeownership opportunities.

  
  

• Financial literacy programs: Offering community-based financial education can empower individuals to make informed decisions about saving, investing, and building wealth.

Reducing Dependence on Government Systems

The Honorable Elijah Muhammad advocated for Black Americans to reduce their reliance on government assistance and systems that he believed were designed to undermine their independence. His idea of separation wasn't about isolation but rather about developing systems and institutions that serve the Black community's needs without dependence on external forces.

How It Can Work Today:

• Independent social services: Black communities can develop their networks for healthcare, education, housing, and social welfare, reducing their reliance on underfunded public systems that have historically underserved them.

  
  

• Community-led initiatives: By building grassroots organizations that focus on meeting the community's needs, Black Americans can take control of their own welfare, creating a safety net that doesn't rely on a flawed system.

The Honorable Elijah Muhammad's economic blueprint for Black America is about creating an autonomous, self-sufficient community that can thrive outside the oppressive structures that historically held it back. By building businesses, pooling resources, acquiring land, re-educating the community, and focusing on collective empowerment, Black America can reduce its dependency on systems that do not prioritize its interests.

While many of Mr.Muhammad's ideas were controversial, their relevance persists today. With modern tools such as technology, social media, and global connectivity, Black America has unprecedented opportunities to implement some of these ideas on a larger scale. By embracing economic independence, education, and self-sufficiency, Black Americans can work toward creating a more prosperous and sustainable future for themselves and generations to come.

The Honorable Elijah Muhammad's economic blueprint presents an excellent framework for our advancement. The only thing holding us back is the need for more belief in our capacity to work together as a unified force. This is why separation becomes vital—it helps keep toxic influences from infiltrating our community and enables us to identify those individuals within our ranks who hamper our progress. By creating more black independence, and promoting the circulation of our dollar, we can surmount any obstacles we face now and in the future for generations to come.