Before his posting to Atlanta as Southern Regional Representative of the Hon. Louis Farrakhan, Abdul Shareef Muhammed was National Captain of the N.O.I. After ten years in Chicago he was assigned to head up operations in Georgia, Mississippi, Tennessee, Alabama and a little more.

"This is the beginning of my fourth year in Atlanta, and I like it just fine. Doors are opening, and God's plan is unfolding. There is always room for improvement, but we are making steady progress, especially here in Atlanta".

I feel we have been accepted and the hand of cooperation has been extended to us by local pastors such as Bishop Jasper Williams of Salem Bible Church, Rev. Tim McDonald of First Iconium Baptist Church, Providence's Rev. Gerald Durley and True Light's Darrell Ellington. We have differences but we've all chosen to put them aside and work for the greater good, for God's greater glory, by cooperating and concentrating on ending the violence in our communities. We work under what we call the Unity Coalition, and I can see great possibilities that will flow from this.

We've been able, in some cases to get out on the ground and help change lives. Ultimately we hope to change the ways that whole communities live their lives. We can all see how the word of God heals people and changes how we treat one another, how it enables us to respect and protect each other.

"Of course we know that economics is a key part of any true ministry. We encourage our sisters and brothers to get out here and start their own enterprises, their own businesses, and create opportunities That's something we stress all the time, and we expect to be working with Bishop Jasper Williams and some other far-sighted local leaders on that too. The Nation of Islam does have its own farm here in Georgia. There is land available and we are not the first black mosque or church to grow produce to sell at our own farmers markets at reduced prices in the towns and cities where most of our people live. Bypassing some of the middlemen like this wherever we can has tremendous advantages for all our community. All this has been done in fact, by local churches in the Atlanta area before, and it's time to try to do it again."

"We truly believe in educating our people to start businesses, to do business with local business, with black businesses wherever possible, and we preach that businesses people should know that while they have to make a profit, that to those whom much is given, much is asked. They have to find ways to give back to the community three ways, by reinvesting in the community, by respecting customers and people generally, and by charity, actually giving something of their substance to the needy right in front of us. We are certain that churches, mosques and businesses all need to work hand in hand to advance the economic and spiritual fortunes of our people."

The BRC's idea, of being a bridge to facilitate that cooperation between churches, mosques and our local business people is a wonderful one that we are really enthusiastic about. It is something that we would like to help push out not just on a local level, but nationally. If that's where the BRC and the Overground Railroad are going, we are most happy to be on board."

Oliver Williams is a busy man. For eight years, his company has performed state of the art home and business inspections for sellers, buyers and holders of residential and commercial real estate.

"It's a crowded field and there are lots of fly by night operators out there, and lots of franchise operators not that I am equating the two. But when you call A&A Home and Stucco Inspection you don't talk to an answering service or some part time employee. You talk to me, Oliver Williams, or to someone daily and directly accountable to me.

When you're thinking about putting that property on the market, you need to know what the underlying problems are. You need to know this, even if you plan on holding on to a piece of property, so that small and seemingly insignificant problems don't become large and costly ones down the road. Buyers also need to beware. Independent inspections are often necessary to keep you from purchasing someone else's hidden problem.

Toward that end we offer a variety of services for buyers, sellers and those who intend to hold onto and safeguard the value of their properties ranging from energy conservation audits and code compliance inspections to radon inspections and more. Our capabilities are expanding all the time, and we look forward to serving the Atlanta area another eight years and beyond.

As for the BRC's idea that we ought to tie our African American business community closer to its customer base through the churches, it's about time somebody tried that. It really seems like a win-win situation. Churches benefit by being involved on a deeper level with businesses, and with starting and enabling business people among their members. The businesses can take advantage of some marketing opportunities there, and again, churches can impart ethical and moral leadership to the business community, which some business people really do need. For all these reasons, the BRC is a valuable resource that more of our churches and businesses ought to be taking advantage of.

The clock is ticking down to the debut of the BRC's new web site. BRC's new site will contain a wealth of information, connections and opportunities available nowhere else for member businesses, churches and community alliances.

On the new web site, BRC church affiliates can show videos of their special events, pastoral greetings, sermons, lectures and more at no charge. Current BRC business members are invited to call for 404-346-0808 for appointments to film their own video web commercials, anywhere from 30 seconds to two full minutes. The BRC will even assist you in writing the script for your promotional video. Alternatively, BRC businesses may film and edit their own promotional spots or special events, and send them into the BRC office. Edited videos should be in .AVI or .FLV format. Call 404-346-0808 for details.

The train is coming. Get ready to get on board.

On Sunday, December 16 at 4:30 PM in the Ray of Hope Sanctuary, Urban Alliance, Inc. will present its Christmas benefit concert event: "Sharing Love Through Giving" which will benefit the families of Dunair Elementary School. featuring Christoper Lewis and Destiny Praise, along with Kevin Lemons and Higher Calling, Comedian "NATE", David Walker & High Praise. and Monica Lisa Stevenson, hosted and sponsored by Ray of Hope Outreach Ministry. For more information, call 770-696-5100. Click here for flyer.

On December 8, 2007 at 6:30pm the Virtue Dance Ministry of International Christian Fellowship will pour out a performance of spiritual healing, of chain-breaking freedom and of purpose. The 14 member dance troupe, founded by ICF's former choir director include people from many walks of life all of whom are deeply passionate about the ministry of dance. Tickets are $5 in advance, $7 at the door. Doors open at 6:30 PM. Contact Ciatta-Mae Stubblefield, 678-612-7651, or 404-363-3300 for more information, or visit www.icfministriesatl.org and www.africanexperience.org.

From December 19 through December 30 True Colors Theatre Company presents its annual production of The Wiz, directed by Kenny Leon, choreographed by Pedro Harris and with musical direction by J. Michael. Featuring an all-youth cast, Frank Baum's classic Wizard of Oz gets a soulful makeover in this hip, funky, multicultural musical based on the William F. Brown book with lyrics and music by Charlie Smalls.

Tickets are available online at www.truecolorstheatrecompany.com . Groups of 10 or more should call 404-588-0308, ext. 201. Groups of 25 or more receive one pair of complimentary tickets with each paid order.

On Saturday, December 22 and Sunday December 23, Hillside Chapel and Truth Center's Youth of Truth Ministry presents its free Holiday Youth Summit. Saturday at 7 PM will kick off "Be Ye Transformed", as talented youth fellowship through spoken word, special guests, dance, and much more. Sunday at 10 AM service the special guest will be Mr. Fonzworth Bentley, entertainer, hip-hop artist and the author of "Advance Your Swagger". Roundtable discussion and book signing immediately after the service.