During Black History Month, we will be featuring interviews from different personalities. We divided our questions into three parts: Past, Present and Future.

In our third Black History Month interview, we are honored to have Preacher Moss answering our questions. Preacher Moss is our mentor and dear brother. He is an educator, motivational speaker, comedian and anti-racism advocate.

Past – Malcolm X was a visionary and he had plans to establish a Muslim identity in North America.

1. Do you feel that our contemporary  generation has lost the connection to Malcolm’s legacies? Please explain (you may include suggestions and action steps)

The issue of connection is important. I don’t believe we’ve lost the connection, but we have not been effective in making that connection salient to a younger generation. As well, the message isn’t as competitive with things going on today. Individualism is an inherent reason why we have a passing understanding of what Malcolm’s message articulated to the people of his time. The young minds of today suffer from strategic amnesia of individualism and immediacy. If something doesn’t happen within a relatively short time, then it loses value. Our
challenge now is to present a true universal that resonates with our youth and it must be enduring.

2. On the eve of the 43rd anniversary of  Malcolm’s death, why do you feel we still have not been able to establish a fraction of Malcolm’s vision?

There are many successful outgrowths of Brother Malcolm’s vision. The problem is that they appear to be isolated in nature and thus, aberrations. Specifically, these outgrowths of Shabazz’s vision do not appear to be something organic to many. As a result, people tend to think that extraordinary measures must be taken to achieve success. From there, some people tend to think they’re limited in skill, conceptual understanding or commitment. Often this is the reason people do not try at all. It is this unmotivated thinking that continues to let us
down. [This also does not allow us to] establish Malcolm’s vision and establish a current vision. We have to establish a tradition on which can be judged by our actions in the future.

Present – Andre Carson and Keith Ellison, new leaders in a new age.

1. Mr. Carson and Mr. Ellison have added a new dimension to American politics. Do you think it is important for them to emphasize their Islamic beliefs to the American public? Why or why not?

Mr Carson and Mr. Ellison, whom I’ve met, will ultimately be judged by their approach to service. Their beliefs will inshallah shape their actions. It is my theory that their beliefs have called them to action into politics and will now lead them to execution of positive action within the political arena. The greatest thing we can do as Muslims is service to God and community. Here they have an opportunity to exercise their faith in a righteous manner without hesitation or consternation.

2. If you were a member of their administration, what advice or suggestions would you offer to them?

My advice to them would be something I say in my comedy routine which is…”Think Black.” Focus on the infrastructure of not Black people, but a working history of a survival narrative in American history. I encourage all of us to do so. It is a spiritual exhortation that we must understand that Pharaoh has never treated the oppressed as an equal…so why would we wait? We have to reassess that covenant we have with G-d and understand that the value in that relationship is the only thing that can bring us peace or salvation. I know Pharaoh may get upset about that comment, but I would also tell him to settle down and “Think Black.”

Future – African American Youth

1. The youth are constantly bombarded by insidious and harmful elements in the media. Which role models would you recommend for our youth to seek inspiration and guidance? (Our Beloved Prophet is the default answer but anyone else that is in our generation?)

I would suggest several people of whom a young mind might study. I would suggest 1) The Honorable Elijah Muhammad 2) Manning Marable 3) Reverend Vernon Johns 4) Shirley Chisolm 5) Miles Davis 6) Dick Gregory/Redd Foxx

2. For many, African pride is strong during the short month of February. What do you recommend to our readers to instill a consistent awareness of African history, past & present contributions and contemporary issues?

In order to maintain consistent awareness of African History, I would suggest your readers to be aware of world history. We should be advocates for having an integrative thought process about any form of history. I formed a theory that if you want to know why someone is interested in you, then you must find out what is interesting in that person and expand that ideas surrounding that person’s core values. History happens everyday, so we can be effective anytime we wish. The 1 million dollar question: Our intent when we expose ourselves that way?

Check out Preacher Moss’ latest project here: http://islamcrunch.com/archives/exclusive-handshake-productions-inaugural-event/

“Time is on the side of the oppressed today, it’s against the oppressor. Truth is on the side of the oppressed today, it’s against the oppressor. You don’t need anything else.” – Malcolm X, 1965

*El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz, Malcolm X, Omowale *
May 19, 1925 – February 21, 1965, 3:10pm

He was shot several times as he began a speech to 400 of his followers at the Audubon Ballroom just outside the district of Harlem in New York.

Thanks to Sidi Omar Mahmood for the link.

During Black History Month, we will be featuring interviews from different personalities. We divided our questions into three parts: Past, Present and Future.

In our second Black History Month interview, we are honored to have Abdul-Malik of Native Deen answering our questions. Check bandmate Joshua Salaam’s interview here.

Past – Malcolm X was a visionary and he had plans to establish a Muslim identity in North America.

1. Do you feel that our contemporary  generation has lost the connection to Malcolm’s legacies? Please explain (you may include suggestions and action steps)

During the height civil rights era, youth were at the center of the impetus for change and revolution. Malcolm X grew up in this climate and it directly affected his perspective on life and the great legacy that left. Today, youth have been afforded the opportunities [that] many people in civil rights era never had. However, these legacies of faith, leadership and tolerance that Malcolm X [upheld] are not encouraged in the media that youth are watching day after day. During the time of Malcolm, there were blatant injustices embedded in the culture of America that needed to be eradicated. As youth of today, we need to put a spotlight on the aspects of our culture that [are] negative and do as much as we can to remove them from our lives and the lives of those around us. Malcolm’s legacy was one of change. Societal ills such as the pervasiveness of drug abuse and fornication need to be tackled immediately.

2. On the eve of the 43rd anniversary of  Malcolm’s death, why do you feel we still have not been able to establish a fraction of Malcolm’s vision?

Malcolm was about revolution. The Prophet SAW advised us to change any situation with our hands, then with our voice, then at least abhor it in our hearts. The reason that many times our goals have not been accomplished or visions be realized is that we aren’t following those steps that he, Prophet SAW, mentioned are the ways to make change. We may try to outwardly change something, but we may not really believe in the change. Or we may believe in the change in our hearts, but we don’t try to change it with our voice or hands. The Quran mentions many times “Belief and righteous works” – both going hand in hand. Once we establish our belief, we must put our faith into action.

Future – African American Youth

1. The youth are constantly bombarded by insidious and harmful elements in the media. Which role models would you recommend for our youth to seek inspiration and guidance? (Our Beloved Prophet is the default answer but anyone else that is in our generation?)

Artists, athletes and musicians have a tremendous [role] in inspiring and guiding the youth of today. Many famous artists only wish to entertain and not inspire which is one of the causes of many ills in society. Hip hop artists will rap about drug[s], sex and violence in their lyrics for the purpose of entertainment. Even some Muslim rappers fall into the trap of being “popular” and riding the wave of the industry. However, there are a few that craft their art for the benefit of the youth. These can be good [role] models for our youth. Hakeem Olajuwon is a good example of a sports figure who kept to his beliefs and also out-performed other players on the basketball court.

2. For many, African pride is strong during the short month of February. What do you recommend to our readers to instill a consistent awareness of African history, past & present contributions and contemporary issues?

As Muslims, we realize that we are a creation of Allah SWA and we are all equal except for our righteousness. He made us into nations and tribe so that we can get to know one another. But its also important for us as African Americans to be proud of our heritage. If we feel an inferiority complex towards any other group of people or race, we are in essence not accepting Allah’s ultimate knowledge and wisdom.  In order to instill this pride, we have to let our family and friends realize the great advancements in science, technology, medicine and other areas by African Americans. There are many youth and immigrants who don’t realize how great the African nation once was. This has to be mentioned and instilled into people – so that there is a genuine respect for each other and we can learn from each other equally as Allah commanded.

Purchase Native Deen’s new album, Not Afraid to Stand Alone, here. Also, check out their MySpace and Facebook pages. Here is a video of their previous single, Small Deeds.

Small Deeds – Native Deen, posted on www.IslamCrunch.com

During Black History Month, we will be featuring interviews from different personalities. We divided our questions into three parts: Past, Present and Future.

We begin our series of interviews with Joshua Salaam from Native Deen and ADAMS Center Youth Director.

Past – Malcolm X was a visionary and he had plans to establish a Muslim identity in North America.

1. Do you feel that our contemporary  generation has lost the connection to Malcolm’s legacies? Please explain (you may include suggestions and action steps)

Yes. Without a doubt we have lost the spirit, drive, integrity, etc. that Malik Al-Shabaz stood for. I say “we” because I myself have been victim to becoming complacent. His life’s message for everyone was to seek the truth and stand for it, no matter what the consequences.

2. On the eve of the 43rd anniversary of  Malcolm’s death, why do you feel we still have not been able to establish a fraction of Malcolm’s vision?

Hard to say. Perhaps we have realized some of his dream. But its less of a goal and more of a lifestyle. A lifestyle of bravery and strength. There will always be battles to be fought. Maybe with different tactics but we must be ever vigilant against racism, discrimination and hatred.

Present – Andre Carson and Keith Ellison, new leaders in a new age.

1. Mr. Carson and Mr. Ellison have added a new dimension to American politics. Do you think it is important for them to emphasize their Islamic beliefs to the American public? Why or why not?

I don’t think its important for them to emphasize their beliefs. I think it is crucial for them to stick by their beliefs. Maintain their beliefs. Everyone is a product of their upbringing. So they should keep whatever fundamental good they brought into their position and just live it. People will see for themselves. They won’t have to emphasize anything.

2. If you were a member of their administration, what advice or suggestions would you offer to them?

Its your time. Make the most of it.

Future – African American Youth

1. The youth are constantly bombarded by insidious and harmful elements in the media. Which role models would you recommend for our youth to seek inspiration and guidance? (Our Beloved Prophet is the default answer but anyone else that is in our generation?)

I think role models are local. Your neighbor, your teacher, your friends. You see them deal with stress on a day to day basis. People on TV are able to hide their true reactions. Therefore, it is also very important for everyone to remember, we are all role models and there are many little eyes looking at us searching for examples to live their lives by. We are all role models. Let’s be good ones.

2. For many, African pride is strong during the short month of February. What do you recommend to our readers to instill a consistent awareness of African history, past & present contributions and contemporary issues?

It must be a culture. If a guy play extremely well on the court, someone may shout out, “Jordan!!!” If someone is extremely smart we may shout out “Einstein!!!” But how many African American names can we shout out for academic achievements. We have to learn them and make it a culture of reminding people what our achievements are.

Purchase Native Deen’s new album, Not Afraid to Stand Alone, here. Also, check out their MySpace and Facebook pages. Here is a video of their new single, Stand Alone.

One of the most highly anticipated tech events rolls into the San Francisco Bay Area in April. We have already scored ourselves some expo passes. Thanks to the organizers of the event, we are able to provide our readers a code to receive a $100 discount off the expo pass. This means you can get an expo pass for FREE!

To receive the code, please drop a comment and tell us which web 2.0 you have submitted this post to: StumbleUpon, Digg, Pownce, Twitter, Facebook, etc.

Facebook Event page: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=16554925133

Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Web-20-Expo-San-Francisco/6972960853

Main page: http://en.oreilly.com/webexsf2008/public/content/home

Web 2.0 technologies are empowering us in ways we could only have imagined even just a few years ago. We’re able to build more, connect more, have more fun, sell more stuff, share more than ever before—and do it all faster. But as the pace of change and innovation accelerates, separating signal from noise, useful from annoying, genuine from fluff becomes increasingly challenging.

What tools and applications are right for a given project? How can we provide a more meaningful experience for users and customers? How can we have a positive impact on the world we live in? What are the ways we can create more value for our businesses? How do we gather and focus datapoints to deliver relevant information? How can we increase conversation and collaboration?

The second Web 2.0 Expo San Francisco takes the pulse of the Web ecosystem and looks to its future, training a spotlight across the Web 2.0 universe to illuminate how the Internet Revolution is being created and delivered. Web 2.0 Expo is for the builders of the next generation web: designers, developers, entrepreneurs, marketers, business strategists, and venture capitalists, people who have experiences to share and a passion for learning–the hot new thing, lessons from failures, innovations and inspirations, and the practical applications of all of the above. What will you do with the power of Web 2.0?