Muslim Wellness Foundation

Black Muslim Psychology Conference: On Islamophobia and Anti-Blackness
by Bridge Initiative Team | Published on 04 Aug 2017

On July 21-22, 2017, the Muslim Wellness Foundation organized the 3rd Annual Black Muslim Psychology Conference (BMPC). This year’s theme was “Leading with Compassion.” The conference “explored the role of leaders in facilitating community healing” in the “post-9/11 and post-Ferguson era.” Moreover, the BMPC addressed how “racism, Islamophobia, systemic oppression as well as daily microaggressions impact the emotional well-being of the largest racial group within the American Muslim community ““ Black Muslims.”
Our Beloved Ancestors: Reflections of the Life & Legacy of Minister Jeremiah Shabazz & Sister Clara MuhammadIn one workshop, the descendants of leaders of the Nation of Islam (NOI) reflected on the life and legacy of their respective families and their impact on Black Muslim communities in the U.S. One of the panelists was Laila Muhammad, the daughter of W.D. Muhammad (1933-2008) and granddaughter of the Honorable Elijah Muhammad and Sister Clara Muhammad.
After the death of his father, W.D. Muhammad transitioned the theology of the Nation to Sunni Islam. The Honorable Elijah Muhammad (1897-1975) was the leader of NOI from 1934 until his death. Among the Honorable Elijah Muhammad’s mentors were Malcolm X and Muhammad Ali. Sister Clara Muhammad (1899-1972), known as the “First Lady of the Nation of Islam,” spearheaded the establishment of independent primary and secondary schools across the country, among many other initiatives.
Another panelist was Dr. Safiyya Shabazz, the daughter of Minister Jeremiah Shabazz. Minister Shabazz was the leader of Mosque No. 12 in Philadelphia and traveled frequently with Muhammad Ali.