Dr. Ava Muhammad, the first woman in Islamic history to head a Mosque and the Southern Region of the Nation of Islam, addressed a capacity crowd last Friday at Safari World Tapas Bar on South Main. (Photo by Wiley Henry)

Muhammad’s message caught the attention of Reginald French (left), who addressed the role of law enforcement in community building while Jeffrey Higgs discussed the role of economic development.

Muhammad is presented an Award of Excellence for her work in ministry and community service by Kareem Ali (left), local organizer of the Million Father March, and attorney Van Turner, chairman of the Shelby County Democratic Party. (Photo by Ansar El Muhammad)

The role of the black man and woman must be elevated in society and governed by black people, according to the Nation of Islam’s national spokesperson, Dr. Ava Muhammad.

Muhammad, the first woman in Islamic history to head a Mosque and the Southern Region of the Nation of Islam, was in Memphis last Friday to give the keynote address at a forum and luncheon at Safari World Tapas Bar on South Main.

Sponsored by The Memphis Black Bar Association, the evening was focused on the role of the black attorney and black professional in building the African-American community.

The dialog also included a talk by Reginald French who addressed the role of law enforcement in building the community.  Willie Henry discussed the roles of civic and social organizations while Jeffrey Higgs focused on economic development.

Muhammad, an attorney and published author, was quick to point out that the embattled Nation of Islam is not a hate group, as it is often portrayed.

Her message of self-reliance provoked a thoughtful conversation for the crowd of 50 who filled Safari’s basement to capacity.

The Million Father March and the Southaven Study Group were co-sponsors.