Proclaiming March 6th Precious Crystal Queen Day
& The Passing of a Beloved Pioneer (Sis.Karriem)
Message from His Excellency Minister Ahmed Assalaam, S.G.M.
UNIA Potentate & Supreme Commissioner

L-R: Kwabena Nana Prempeh (UNIA High Commmissioner to Ghana), Ahmed Assalam (UNIA Potentate & Supreme Commsisioner)

[Our Beloved Brother Prempeh,] It was late evening of January 28th that I became aware of the transitioning of your wife and our beloved mother, as did other members of the High Executive Council who met via teleconference and agreed that a resolution or proclamation should be issued in memorium.

I count myself fortunate that about a year ago I was able to attend the Homegoing Celebration in Atlanta for our former first lady and yourself, and I am pleased in the sense of knowing that our sister lived to see her dream of spending her remaining days on African soil fulfilled.

Now that the appointed time has come we truly extend to you our hearts, our voice, and our ears, so that in a small way we can help you fill the void.

In honor of our beloved sister Akomfo Prempeh, I have issued the attached Proclamation which I will forward to all members of the High Executive Council as well as to Division Presidents and Secretaries.

I am requesting the High Executive Council hold a Tribute via teleconference from 12:00 PM until 12:30 PM on Thursday, March 6, 2008, with the order of service as follows:

1. Opening Hymn: "Universal Ethiopian Anthem"

2. Brief Remarks from Potentate

3. Brief Remarks from President General Miller

4. Brief words of encouragement from a few members

5. Reading of the names of all participants in the tribute

6. Closing remarks by the Honorable Nana Kwabena Prempeh

7. Closing Hymn: "God Bless Our President"


It is with deep sorrow also that I announce the passing of our most noble Sister Shahadah Karriem, the beloved wife of Minister Elijah Karriem. Both are and shall forever be of my dearest friends.

Sister Shahadah has always held a special place and I have often stated publically that her spirit reminded me of my mother. She was so kind, gentle, giving, and loving, and by her faith and dedication was the closest example of Sister Clara Muhammad, wife of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad, that I could imagine encountering in my lifetime.

Until the time of her passing, Sister Shahadah was a devout follower of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad, never straying from or faltering in her devotion to the Messenger's Teachings. With countless others such as Sheikh Akbar Hasson Sherriff, brother Benjamin and sister Clara Muhammad to name just a few, Sister Shahadah was a distinquished member of the Muslim Pioneers in America, where I, the Potentate and Supreme Commissioner, for all these years has had the honor of sitting at their feet, and serving as their Minister.

We should remember that the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad always spoke highly of the Right Execellent Marcus Mosiah Garvey and the UNIA-ACL, and Sister Shahadah, Minster Elijah, Minister Ben, and other Muslim Pioneers have given nothing less than love and support of my service to the Negro Peoples of the World as your Potentate and Supreme Commissioner.

I ASK THAT THE WORLD PRAY FOR MINISTER ELIJAH KARRIEM. THOSE WHO KNOW OF HIM KNOW THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO BETTER EXAMPLE OF GENEROSITY AND SACRIFICE FOR THE CAUSE OF TRUTH AND GENERAL UPLIFT OF THE RACE. HIS ONLY WORDS THAT REFLECT HIS SERVICE HAS BEEN THE REMINDER: "TO HIM WHO MUCH IS GIVEN, MUCH IS REQUIRED."

IN ALL THAT HE HAS GIVEN US, WE SHOULD NOW GIVE HIM THROUGH OUR LOVE AND PERPETUAL SUPPORT WHILE HE IS STILL HERE TO RECEIVE IT.

I THANK YOU.

ONE GOD! ONE AIM! ONE DESTINY!

UNIA NEWS & VIEWS Vol.1