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Writer's pictureHasan Salam

Restoring Your Identity: The Importance of Education and Self-Determination

# Restoring Your Identity: The Importance of Education and Self-Determination


In the words of the Honorable Elijah Muhammad, "There is no people on earth (even the little savage Pygmie of Africa and the Malayan Islands of the Pacific love their own) who will let anyone change or destroy their identity and culture without a fight." This sentiment underscores the critical importance of preserving and restoring one's identity, a concept that is deeply tied to the struggle for human rights and self-determination.


The Honorable Elijah Muhammad recognized that the first step in this process is to educate one's children. He went to jail for this very purpose, understanding that the key to restoring one's identity lies in the hands of the next generation. As he eloquently stated, "You let a stranger educate your children," a truth that has had far-reaching consequences for the community he sought to empower.



The definition of identity, as outlined by the Honorable Elijah Muhammad, is "the distinguishing character or personality of an individual." In the case of the "Lost and Found Nation in North America," this identity has been largely shaped by the legacy of slavery and the persistent influence of the "slavemaster." Just as a white man from America is immediately recognizable in Europe, the community in question has adopted the character and personality of their former oppressors, speaking their language, celebrating their holidays, and even consuming their food.


The Honorable Elijah Muhammad's message is clear: this state of affairs cannot be allowed to continue. The time has come for the community to reclaim its rightful identity and to take its place on the world stage. This is not merely a personal or individual pursuit, but a collective, political, and legal endeavor. Every budding nation has a fundamental right to its identity and human rights, and the nations of the world recognize the significance of these concepts.


The Honorable Elijah Muhammad's words serve as a rallying cry, a call to action for the community to take ownership of its past, present, and future. By educating their children and reclaiming their distinctive character and personality, they can break the chains of oppression and assert their rightful place in the global community. This is not a battle that can be won overnight, but it is a fight that must be waged with unwavering determination and a deep understanding of the stakes involved.

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