The Coalition for the Remembrance of the Honorable Elijah Muhammad (C.R.O.E.) celebrated their 15^th Annual Founders’ Day Celebration Sunday evening, February 10, 2002 at the C.R.O.E. headquarters located in Chicago. The who’s who of Chicago are sure to turn out to show their respect to the co-founders, Munir Muhammad, Shahid Muslim, and Halif Muhammad. However, for these three men, it is much more than a day of praise for the organization, it is a day of praise for the man the organization was founded for, the Honorable Elijah Muhammad, the Messenger of Allah and leader of the Nation of Islam.

Fifteen years ago, this group began in the face of much opposition. At the time, the Honorable Elijah Muhammad’s name drew criticism from many within our community. Others knew the truth, but sat silently offering no defense for this great man. It is obvious that the Black community suffered great pain from the loss of his presence. His strong voice of criticism of not only Whites, but also of Blacks and what we must do for ourselves seemed harsh at times. In truth, he laced his words with love for a people who had never witnessed the love of a man that did not run from us but to us. More importantly, he displayed consistent examples of what we can do ourselves and how to love ourselves.

As members of the Nation of Islam under the leadership of the Honorable Elijah Muhammad, the co-founders witnessed first hand the leadership and impact of the Honorable Elijah Muhammad on our community and the world. They were unaccustomed to restraint when they heard disparaging remarks about the Messenger in public. This was often met with a speedy response directly from the Messenger and/or his followers. Moreover, it was not unusual for a person to make a public apology.

The departure of the Messenger in 1975 left the Nation of Islam in turmoil. It was the end for many who would never recover. While many were still grieving, the son of the Honorable Elijah Muhammad inflicted more pain. The gradual erosion of the Messenger’s teachings began under the leadership of his son, Wallace Muhammad. One of the earliest examples was the gradual departure from his father’s teachings. Later, he banned the books, audiotapes, videotapes, writings, and any articles acquired while a member of the Nation of Islam. He assembled the broken and fragile followers for a barn fire of his father’s works. With the chaos internally, it opened the door for critics to deal what they believed would be the final blow to the Nation of Islam.

The vicious attacks against the Messenger became one of the catalysts to jump-start the organization. In addition, a clear recognition that avoidance of the malicious venom would do little to lower the rhetoric enough to make a case in defense of the Messenger. With no contenders, the ignorance could be perpetrated without opposition.

To combat this, they set out to dispel the misinformation that ran rampant within our community.

"If Allah allows or causes me to be killed or die a natural death that does not mean that you should turn back or take what I have taught to be false," said, the Honorable Elijah Muhammad. This became one of their most often quotes that provided them comfort as they began their journey back home without the Messenger and the support of a few faithful followers. Education was the key.

A very straightforward approach, "It is best that you teach the people what you heard me teach. You are bearing witness to the people that I am the man from God—do not make the mistake of not keeping the Messenger in front," said the Honorable Elijah Muhammad in March 1965. Without the structure of the mosque, primarily due to the co-founders position that they were not qualified to stand over anyone, they began with what they knew from first hand experience in the Nation of Islam.

In a humble beginning, they assembled former followers and Christians in their homes to discuss the Messenger. The next step followed with swift responses to ignorant callers on local radio stations about the Messenger. This raised the eyebrows of former followers and sympathizers who wanted the identification of the lone voice crying in the wilderness. While many still wanted to hold on to the structure of the mosque, they found it difficult to find the stability provided by the Messenger in any place for very long. Therefore, their visits expressed gratitude for remembering and a gift of some writing, audio, or videotape of the Honorable Elijah Muhammad. Even a word of confirmation for this group of brothers who did not have the opportunity to have discussions or sit at the table of Muhammad only verified they were on the right track. The organization single focus became clearer with each day, teach the people of him. What could another do but echo his words?

In the face of constant criticism and isolation, more yesterday than today; they found themselves held to a different standard than other Black historians of our day for not only their faith and belief in the Messenger, but also their desire to remain steadfast to his teachings. Critics charged them with worshipping a dead man and much more. Why did they remain true against all odds? It served as a safety valve to remind themselves and others that just as the disciple Peter began to sink when he took his eyes off Jesus, so did they sink when they took their eyes off the Messenger and his words.

For these brothers, C.R.O.E. is a place to remember. Munir Muhammad states that their success can be characterized in a verse, ‘If it had been a near gain and a short journey… but the hard journey was too long for them," Holy Qur’an 9:42. Because of his words and the examples he set forth, C.R.O.E. continues to reach new heights. Everyday they celebrate the past that forms the basis of the present, and the future taught to them by a man, a Messenger of God who accomplished what many have said was the impossible.

As senior producer of Muhammad & Friends and an active member of C.R.O.E., I would like to thank the co-founders for their love and commitment to a man I never met or knew. Their commitment to preserving the history of the Honorable Elijah Muhammad helped me to understand a man who continues to be greatly misunderstood in our community. I join them in their celebration of the past, the present, and I look forward to the future.

I invite you to visit C.R.O.E. and learn more about the Honorable Elijah Muhammad and his works. It is a history lesson you can’t find anywhere else. C.R.O.E. is an institution of higher learning. C.R.O.E. is open seven days a week and they are located at 2435 W. 71^st Street in Chicago or call them at 773-925-1600.