After Farrakhan, who will fill void? (he has cancer and is stepping aside)

[Doondoo]

DETROIT -- When City Councilwoman JoAnn Watson was growing up in Detroit in the 1960s, African-Americans were still struggling for political power. But she says she saw role models who helped her realize that she "could do anything" and that African-Americans would rise.

"The Nation of Islam's Mosque No. 1 happened to be located right across the street from my high school, Central High School," Watson said. "It had a profound influence on people who were coming of age during that period."

At the time, Minister Louis Farrakhan played a prominent role as a chief lieutenant to leader Elijah Muhammad. Since becoming leader in the late 1970s, his influence has only grown.

On Sunday, Farrakhan will deliver what may be his last major address, and many in Metro Detroit are contemplating the future of the Nation of Islam, which for many has become synonymous with its enigmatic leader.

Farrakhan, 73, who has battled prostate cancer since 1991, has not appeared in public in six months. His keynote address will be the culmination of the Saviour's Day Convention, an annual gathering of the Nation of Islam that is expected to draw tens of thousands to Ford Field in the city where the faith was established 77 years ago. And his failing health leaves many African-Americans -- Christian and Muslim alike -- concerned about the future of a movement that, however divisive, has been so integrally tied to black empowerment.

"I am very concerned about what will happen after the transition from Minister Farrakhan and that the group may splinter, as it has before," said Malik Shabazz-El, Bey, assistant pastor of a Christian Detroit church and head of the New Marcus Garvey Movement/Black Panther Nation. "I am praying for a full and speedy recovery for Minister Farrakhan, and we all need him."


http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070222/LIFESTYLE04/702220409

[Ian David]

1. Maybe Professor Friday Okonofua will replace Calypso Louie?

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=221&topic_id=48874&mesg_id=48874

[jaysunb]

2. Calypso Louie ???

What's that supposed to mean ? :evilfrown:

[Ian David]

3. He used to be a Calypso singer called "The Charmer."

That was before he decided to get into the hate-and-bigotry business.

[jaysunb]

4. So did Harry Belafonte....

before he got into the peace and justice movement.

[Bronyraurus]

6. And that's why he's called

Calypso Harry.

[Bronyraurus]

5. Likely some other racist douche

[Superman Returns]

7. He helped kill Malcolm X