With
words of empowerment and a knack for finding peaceful resolutions to beefs among
rappers, Minister Louis Farrakhan has become an inspirational force within the
Hip-Hop community. So
much so that Houston rhymesayer Paul Wall is voicing his appreciation for the
revered leader. "From
start to finish, the journey of Minister Farrakhan has been unbelievable. It’s
amazing to see him, after all of these years, still fighting strong. He has inspired
me," said Wall. "Everyone in Hip-Hop should show love to the Minister
because back when many people talked down on our genre, he was one of the few
leaders that took the time to understand us. He helped us grow, took a stand for
us and now it’s only right we show gratitude." Wall
joins a host of emcees who have supported Farrakhan over the years. The Nation
of Islam leader is currently preparing to deliver his Saviour’s Day 2007 public
address, "One Nation Under God," Sunday (Feb. 25) at Ford Field in Detroit,
MI. The
event is being supported by co-chairs Russell Simmons, Jermaine Dupri, Congresswoman
Carolyn Kilpatrick and Detroit mayor Kwame Kilpatrick as well as fellow chairs,
Sean “Diddy” Combs, Susan Taylor Reginald Hudlin, Michael Eric Dyson,
Cathy Hughes, Londell McMillan, Esq., Magic Johnson, Rev. Run, Steve Harvey and
Damon Dash. Farrakhan’s
appearance at the event comes a little more than one month after he underwent
12 hours of surgery on Jan. 5, to correct severe damage caused during treatment
of his prostate cancer. Numerous
celebrities and activists — including Rakim Allah, Common, Black Ice, Will I.
Am, Erykah Badu, RZA, Doug E. Fresh, The Game, Dr. Benjamin Chavis, the Rev. Al
Sharpton, Chuck D, Jim Jones, Capadonna and BET’s Jeff Johnson — are expected
to attend Savior’s Day. Wall,
who recently made a contribution to the Millions More Movement, will be absent
from the event due to a scheduled performance for soldiers in Iraq. The
rapper has also discussed future joint projects with the organization in an effort
to revitalize communities in Houston. The
rapper’s willingness to help serves as "a prime example of the far reaching
influence of the great work done by the Minister and it’s affect on the youth
of America regardless of color", according to MMM spokesman Minister Deric
Muhammad. "This is what the enemy fears. His support should eliminate the
excuses of others who would shun the Minister for fear of industry brass. Paul
Wall and I plan to help a lot of underserved people in the community this year.
The MMM looks forward to working with him". Doors
for the Saviour’s Day program will open at noon. Pre-program starts at 2
p.m. followed by the program at 3:15 p.m. For tickets, visit www.sd2007.com
or www.ticketmaster.com.
