On Saturday, June 18, 2022, Muhammad Mosque 98, located in Pensacola, Florida unveiled its, “Elijah’s Free Community Market.”
The market, located under the breezeway outside of the mosque, includes a dry pantry for non-perishable food items and personal hygiene supplies, and a community refrigerator for water, healthy snacks and fresh produce.
According to www.welfareinfo.org, Pensacola has a poverty rate of nearly 20 percent—a problem that the mosque is aiming to address with the both the community market and additional resources that are provided to community.
Sister Student Captain Candance Muhammad is excited about the opportunity presented to not only feed the community, but also to educate the community on what it means to eat to live, and how healthier food options are connected to other parts of our development.
“With America in free fall, millions of our people cannot afford to feed their families. The food that is being offered in our communities is the same as the slave masters offered to our people during slavery– the worst parts that they didn’t want themselves.” Sis. Captain continued, “We, the followers of The Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad, under the divine leadership and guidance of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan, follow their example in serving the people. Good food is a necessity in order to sustain the life we have been given. This pantry will not only feed the people, but feed them better, good simple foods.”
When the plans for the market were introduced to the believers, Brother Akil Muhammad accepted the duty of lending his talent of carpentry to the project.
“It’s always a blessing to have a skill to give back to our people,” said Bro. Akil. “I see the pantry being able to take care of some of the needs of our people. We in the Nation of Islam, our duty is to serve our people.”
Although dry goods are often distributed to the community, the market’s inclusion of a refrigerator to offer fresh produce was much appreciated by people who stopped by for a cold drink, fresh piece of fruit and other items that are offered 24 hours a day.
Sis. Christian X, who is also the owner of “Hooked and Flavored,” a restaurant located in Milton, Florida, was excited at the opportunity to donate the refrigerator for the project.
When asked about her motivation to donate on behalf of her business, Sis. Christian stated, “Simply put, there was a need, and I was able. More of our people will begin to view us as allies in the community.”
Carter J, local artist and muralist, donated his time and added the finishing touches with his artwork.
“Elijah’s Free Community Market” is open to the public 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for the community to have what they need, and leave what they can for others, should they choose.
Muhammad Mosque 98’s Student Minister, Brother Tarus X, said that the heavy flow of people in the community who are utilizing the market speaks directly to the need and the work that must that still needs to be done, and noted, that by the grace of Allah, the Believers are excited to continue to put faith to work.
Submitted by: Sis. Student Protocol Mariah X
Student Protocol Director for Muhammad Mosque 98