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Aurora
Newbie Poster
Username: Aurora
Post Number: 39
Registered: 04-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, October 02, 2006 - 12:48 pm: | 
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Citing Health Concerns, Farrakhan turns over Control of NOI to Administrative Body
by George E. Curry
NNPA Editor-in-Chief
WASHINGTON (NNPA) – Likening his predicament to that of Cuba’s Fidel Castro, Minister Louis Farrakhan says he is facing some serious health challenges, causing him to turn over administration of the Nation of Islam to its executive board and cancel all appointments and personal appearances until further notice.
Farrakhan said his illness is related to the heavy dosage of radiation he received as a result of having prostate cancer in the late 1990s. He underwent surgery in November 2000 at Howard University and on a recent visit there was found to have an infection and inflammation.
“I have been suffering from the after-effects of an extremely high dose of radiated seed implantation that indeed killed the cancer cells that had broken the prostate capsule, but over time, these seeds have done severe internal damage,” he explained.
Farrakhan said his illness represents “a period of testing” for his organization.
“In this period of testing, you can prove to the world that the Nation of Islam is more than the charisma, eloquence and personality of Louis Farrakhan,” he said in a letter to his supporters.
“In this period of testing, you can prove that the Nation of Islam is under-girded by an Idea that represents the Kingdom of God on Earth, an Idea that can never be uprooted, never be destroyed and can only increase its power, effect and influence over the hearts and minds of the people of the Earth.”
During this period of recovery and testing, Farrakhan said, “I will be available to give guidance in any major situation that may arise, but I would prefer that the Executive Board of the Nation of Islam help solve the problems of the Nation, without asking me.”
The Nation of Islam leader is recovering on his large farm in Michigan.
In his letter, Farrakhan said: “Commandante Fidel Castro had a very serious operation and he relinquished power to his brother and all those who were trained to carry on in his absence. While many rejoiced – believing and thinking that, if Fidel Castro and the Cuban Revolution expired, they could move Cuba and the Revolution in a new direction – his absence from the helm only proved that Cuba will not fall apart over the absence or passing of their illustrious leader. Such a challenge is before us.”
Ironically, it was on a trip to Cuba in March that Farrakhan’s current illness was diagnosed. Upset by the slow response to Hurricane Katrina, Minister Farrakhan led a 23-member delegation on a 9-day fact-finding mission to learn how Cuba prepared for and reacted to natural disasters.
“On my trip to Cuba to learn disaster management preparedness, I spent most of my time there being examined and tested by some of the finest doctors in Cuba,” Farrakhan said.
“They discovered an ulcer in the anal area, similar to the ulcer that I had in 1998-1999 that almost caused the loss of my life.
“The doctors in Cuba felt that my health at that time was near perfect, except for that ulcer; but from that time, March 2006, I have been steadily fighting serious pain and infection. In the last month, I had lost nearly 15 lbs. And over the last six weeks, I have lost over 20 lbs.”
Upon being examined at Howard University Hospital, Farrakhan said it was discovered that he was dehydrated, anemic, low in protein, albumen and iron.
“Although I have some of the finest cooks who always prepare the finest meals for me, I was in a seriously nutritionally depleted state, because the pain that I was in took away my appetite,” Farrakhan said.
“The Howard University doctors discovered serious infection and inflammation, which is presently being treated, and now I am forced to do what is necessary to restore myself nutritionally. Otherwise, my present condition could be life threatening.”
Farrakhan made it clear that he is not stepping down for good.
“I do not believe that my earthly work is done,” he said. “I know that you (the Believers) will accept the challenge to move our Nation forward, being ever watchful for any smart, crooked deceiver and hypocrite who would create confusion over my present condition.” |
Abm
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Abm
Post Number: 6502
Registered: 04-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, October 02, 2006 - 12:55 pm: |
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If Farrakhan were REALLY concerned about the future of the NOI he and/or some governing board would name his PERMANENT successor so that the NOI can begin to prepare to survive and thrive after he's gone.
Black leaders are NOTORIOUSLY bad at succession! And THAT'S why many of our business and organization do NOT endure. |
Mzuri
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Mzuri
Post Number: 1712
Registered: 01-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, October 02, 2006 - 01:04 pm: |
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That's probably because Black men have such humungous egos. They consistently place their own self-interest before considering the good of the many. And who in the world has a larger ego than Louis Farrakhan??? |
Schakspir
Veteran Poster
Username: Schakspir
Post Number: 687
Registered: 12-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, October 02, 2006 - 02:06 pm: |
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Honestly, I never thought Farrakhan was much of a leader, anyway--much more of a flamboyant showman. If he were a real black leader, he would have been dead already. |
Renata
Veteran Poster
Username: Renata
Post Number: 1397
Registered: 08-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, October 02, 2006 - 02:23 pm: |
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I don't know about that, Shakspir. I don't really agree with Mr. Farrakhan on a lot of things. But I see those NOI kids around town, and look at the families of members who own restaurants/businesses and work together (making their teenage sons work there to learn work ethics, etc.), and realize they must be doing SOMETHING right.
If I had a daughter, and with her not being Muslim, I would STILL prefer that she go to one of those Clara Muhammad schools and find a potential boyfriend/husband over taking her chances with those other knuckleheads. |
Va_sis
Regular Poster
Username: Va_sis
Post Number: 133
Registered: 02-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, October 02, 2006 - 02:34 pm: |
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Renata, I wasn't aware of all the community-based initiatives that NOI launched. Thanks for that heads up, I'll have to do some digging on them to learn more.
I honestly thought they didn't do anything in the community besides create a bunch of bitching & moaning, newspaper toting men.
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Renata
Veteran Poster
Username: Renata
Post Number: 1402
Registered: 08-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, October 02, 2006 - 02:44 pm: |
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Well, they own a lot of restaurants here in Atlanta....the members, not necessarily the organizations. And they have Clara Muhammad schools in a few states at least.
I once asked a guy why they sold newspapers the way they do. His answer: they have to dress their best and stand in the heat in a long sleeve and a jacket all day for little pay with everyone seeing them, to teach them to be thankful if they can get a job wearing a more comfortable uniform in the air conditioned buildings. That way, even if they have to work at McDonald's, it's more comfortable than doing that work and they'll be happy to have a job instead of bitching and complaining about having to go to work, and they won't be ashamed of people seeing them.
A friend of mine is in the NOI along with her husband and he is very intelligent and kind and the only way she can be on ANY kind of aid is if he literally dropped dead and was put into the ground. He said the reason black men don't get any respect is because the government knows that a good percentage (too high for the number of blacks in the US) are DEPENDANT on the government to take care of their children. And he ain't about to let the government take better care of his children than he does. And this is what he teaches his male students (he's a teacher).
So, whatever the NOI is doing....they're doing SOMETHING right. |
Va_sis
Regular Poster
Username: Va_sis
Post Number: 136
Registered: 02-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, October 02, 2006 - 02:49 pm: |
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Thank you so much for that, Renata.
I try to read about issues & organizations that impact our community, but NOI was one that I was prejudiced against and had no interest in learning more about.
I guess it's because I confused them with Five Percenters...they don't believe in marriage, and a lot of them seem like deadbeats. I'd better read up on them, too. |
Renata
Veteran Poster
Username: Renata
Post Number: 1403
Registered: 08-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, October 02, 2006 - 02:54 pm: |
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And I SWEAR to you, if you were to get on a bus in the afternoon near their school when they're going home, they're as respectful as if their parents were sitting right there with them, and you won't hear even one foul word out of their mouths.
Get on the bus near a public school and you'll hear so much screaming and cursing that you'll almost expect an impending shootout. |
Lil_ze
Veteran Poster
Username: Lil_ze
Post Number: 529
Registered: 01-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, October 02, 2006 - 11:41 pm: |
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im no muslim, and have never been a part of the noi, but they are involved in many positive activities.
the noi and the things that they practice are due to the work of the honorable elijah muhammed. louis farrakhan learned everything he knows from the honorable elijah muhammed. the noi is not dependant upon a self-serving showman for their existance.
malcolm x and louis farrakhan were taught by the honorable elijah muhammed.
the teachings of the honorable elijah muhammed are what the noi is founded on. the noi will continue with or without louis farrakhan. |
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