New Orleans, LA. – On August 5, 2023, Muhammad Mosque No. 46 became a hub of community spirit as Brother Karriem Muhammad, who once walked the halls of this very building as a child, spearheaded a heartwarming Back to School Giveaway. The event saw an outpouring of support from residents in the neighborhood, who braved scorching temperatures to partake in the festivities, which included a variety of treats, school supplies, jump houses, and even snowballs.
When asked about the inspiration behind this initiative, Brother Karriem Muhammad shared, “Our motivation stemmed from the desire to both promote a children’s book we authored and give back to the community that has given us so much. We wanted to forge connections with the youth and identify the essential elements needed to drive progress within our community.”
The objectives of this endeavor were crystal clear. “Our aim was to educate and assist our community in preparing for the upcoming school year, while also gaining insights into the specific needs of our neighborhoods. This knowledge would then guide us in developing programs that contribute to the betterment of our community,” explained Brother Karriem. Happily, his aspirations were fully realized as the event turned out to be a resounding success.
Amid the cheerful atmosphere, one poignant moment stood out. A young boy named Elijah, just seven years old, ventured out alone to engage with his community. Shy at first, he gradually warmed up to the crowd, becoming an integral part of the event and spending hours immersed in the festivities. This heartwarming interaction exemplified the power of positive engagement and the rapid bond that can be forged between the youth and meaningful activities.
This inaugural Back to School Giveaway was far from a solitary occasion. Brother Karriem Muhammad envisions transforming it into an annual tradition. “We’re working hand in hand with local non-profits and the city to provide essential resources and programs that will benefit the community and work towards preventing child homelessness,” he asserted, underlining his commitment to sustainable change.
In the eyes of Bro. Mujahid and Sis. Angele Muhammad, parents of Brother Karriem, this event underscored the profound impact parents can have on their children. “As parents, we often wonder if our values and beliefs have truly taken root in our children. In a world filled with distractions, it can be challenging to discern. Yet, moments like this Back-to-School Giveaway reaffirm our impact and bring us immeasurable joy. We are immensely proud and grateful to see our son give back to the community for which we dedicated our youth. We wish him success in all his righteous endeavors,” they shared with heartfelt sentiment.
The success of this endeavor was a result of collaborative efforts. A committee comprised of members from the MGT, alongside the FOI of Muhammad Mosque 46 and the Peacekeepers, worked closely with Brother Karriem to orchestrate the Back-to-School Giveaway. Their collective dedication and hard work exemplify the strength of community unity and the potential for positive change when like-minded individuals come together. As the sun set on this remarkable day, Muhammad Mosque No. 46 stood not only as a physical structure but as a testament to the power of community, compassion, and the unwavering commitment of individuals like Brother Karriem Muhammad, who strive to uplift and inspire their neighborhoods for generations to come.