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/