Imam Rodney Rashid recounts Masjid Khalifa history from Malcolm X era
Imam Rodney Adib Rashid recounts the history of Masjid Abdul-Masjid Khalifa, opened in 1962 by El-Hajj Malik Shabazz (Malcolm X). He describes the community's transformation from blight, the 50-plus years of community work including a pre-K through 8th grade school, and the decision to find a development partner to maintain the institution for another 50-100 years given the aging 100-year-old structure.
Good afternoon, Chairman, Chairwoman Lewis, committee members.
My name is Imam Rodney Adib Rashid.
And next slide.
Continue.
Continue.
Right there.
We'll start there.
Our history.
The doors of that masjid, Masjid Abdul-Masjid Khalifa, was opened in 1962 by El-Hajj Malik Shabazz.
We all know him as Minister Malcolm.
And if you look at this picture, I just want to share with you real briefly that what it doesn't show is that before
Minister Malcolm and their community opened those doors, that community was basically in blight because there was a place called the Asuna Ballroom, which closed down.
The Pillar Factory closed down.
The stores closed down.
And less desirable elements was occupying that space.
But as you can see, Malcolm is engaging the press and community members.
And, of course, we have Imam Muhammad in that picture as well.
Next slide.
Now, that slide represents the community that's there at the same location at least 50 years later, occupying that same space with festivities, a school from
pre-K to eighth grade, community outreach, and things of that nature.
Now, that's the work we've been doing at least 50 plus years.
The point why we're here today is because maintenance for that structure is over 100 years old.
It's wearing on the community, and we have to make a decision.
Our decision was to stay there another 50 to 100 years, God willing.
But we had to find a partner.
And that's where Khalil and companies come in.