Night of faith

Joseph Williams, Community Outreach for the Community Commission for Public Safety and accountability for District Council 007 in Chicago

CHICAGO—In a sacred celebration filled with purpose and prayer, family and friends of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan—including iconic Chicago families, community leaders, Nation of Islam laborers, and extended family—gathered at The Salaam Restaurant to celebrate his 92nd birth anniversary and honor the unwavering strength and grace of his wife, Mother Khadijah Farrakhan, on the occasion of Mother’s Day.

The couple sat side by side, Mother Khadijah adorned in a gold garment with a matching headpiece, and Minister Farrakhan in a dark charcoal gray suit and a matching crown, befitting the nobility of the evening.

The couple, who will celebrate their 72nd wedding anniversary later this year, were surrounded by their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. The evening stood as a tribute to legacy, love, and the spiritual principles that have upheld the Nation of Islam for more than 90 years.

“The fact that today is Mother’s Day and we are here celebrating our brother’s 92nd birthday—this is not just symbolic, it’s sacred,” said Bishop Frank M. Reid III, who traveled from Baltimore, Maryland, to attend the celebration. “He’s our spiritual father, not just to the Nation (of Islam), but to all those who love freedom, justice, and equality.”

---

From the opening prayer to the closing notes of calypso sung by Minister Farrakhan himself, the atmosphere radiated the warmth of a family reunion and the reverence of a divine gathering.

Tears of joy and gratitude filled the restaurant as guests filled the upstairs banquet hall, the main-level atrium, and Elijah’s Garden, where children played and dined, echoing the multigenerational spirit of the evening. Hundreds of attendees were on hand, including Nation of Islam student ministers, laborers and friends from across the country.

The program began with a violin performance by Sister Amirah Hashimah Muhammad, which drew applause, which grew as Minister Farrakhan and Mother Khadijah entered the room. A large screen displayed a touching collage of their shared life journey—images of love, labor, and legacy accented the room.

The evening featured Chicago’s Finest, a live jazz band led by Dwayne Armstrong and featuring Margaret Murphy-Webb for the first set, followed by a stirring solo from Sister Joy X Brown.

The Nation’s women—the M.G.T. and G.C.C.—elevated the elegance of Salaam Restaurant. The upper room was adorned with white linen chairs, green napkins, gold-colored silverware, and ornate chandeliers.

Two ice sculptures, one for Minister Farrakhan and one for Mother Khadijah, and three celebratory cakes added a festive touch. The gold trim of the walls and the intricate maroon and gold carpet created a regal setting for the evening, which began at approximately 5:00 p.m.

Throughout the night, expressions of love and gratitude for Mother Khadijah Farrakhan, known as the First Lady and Mother of the Faithful, rang out with reverence. Her quiet strength, dignity, and commitment to her husband’s divine mission were repeatedly honored.

“She is the wind beneath his wings,” said Student Minister Abdul Rasul Muhammad, general manager of The Final Call and the evening’s emcee, quoting Minister Farrakhan. “She provides support, encouragement, and strength—often behind the scenes—that enables another to soar.”

He added, “She is one of the most beautiful women on the earth and will be remembered for generations to come for her sacrifices—known and unknown.”

Rev. T.L. Barrett, pastor and gospel artist, accompanied by his wife, Cleopatra, shared heartfelt words. “I feel so blessed to share time and proximity with such divine individuals. To know Mother Khadijah is to witness grace wrapped in divine purpose.”

Former Chicago Alderman Dorothy Tillman, founder of the Harold Washington Cultural Center, added, “The Minister might not have been able to do what he’s doing without a strong woman like her.”

During an emotionally powerful tribute, their daughters—Sisters Maria, Khallada, Fatima, and Betsy Jean—delivered heartfelt messages that reflected deep love for their parents, spiritual strength, and family unity.

Sister Maria Farrakhan, who helped organize the evening, shared a deeply moving reflection on her parents’ sacrifices, the family’s unwavering bond, and the care provided to Sister Betsy Jean during her health challenges, emphasizing the depth of love and support that defines the Farrakhan family. Her remarks underscored the healing power of togetherness and the legacy of care passed down through generations.

“My sisters rallied around her (Betsy Jean) 24 hours a day. The upbringing you gave us—your sacrifices—made all of this possible,” she said. She concluded with gratitude for her spiritual roots.

“We would not be here if it were not for you. I thank Allah (God) every day that you chose  Islam. There’s no other place I would be but right here with you.”

Sister Fatima also delivered one of the most tender moments of the evening. When Sister Fatima fretted that she didn’t have a gift to present to their parents, Sister Khallada comforted her with a profound response. “We are presenting Betsy as a gift,” as they laughed, recalling that moment.

Sister Betsy Jean Farrakhan shared a message of love and gratitude in a spiritual address, reminding attendees of the divine purpose behind the gathering. Though unable to attend in person, her presence was deeply felt: “I wanted to be there, but circumstances do not permit me to physically be there. But I am there spiritually.”

Sister Fatima Farrakhan offered a heartfelt tribute celebrating the enduring love between her parents and the example they have set for the Nation and the world: “I am so happy to be alive, to be able to see my father reach the age of 92, and Mother Khadijah to be by his side.”

She praised their character and unconditional love: “He is a man who loves people unconditionally—and so does Mother Khadijah.” Sister Fatima closed her message with a tender declaration: “Dad, I love you so much. You are the love of my life. And Mother Khadijah, I love you so much.”

A deeply personal video montage message of words from Minister Farrakhan about his wife was presented on marriage, what she means to him and the spiritual bond and loyalty of his wife.

“My wife has been with me throughout all of my striving. She knew me in the days of my ignorance, and she knows me in the days of my struggle. She stood by me. When I decided to rebuild the work of the Honorable Elijah Muhammad, she was the first in my family to say, ‘Go on with it. I’m with you.’”

The video captured the moment he gave her the name Khadijah: “I would like her to wear the name of the wife of that servant of Allah, the Prophet Muhammad—Khadijah. From this day forward, she will be known in this community and any other as Khadijah Farrakhan Muhammad.”

“Khadijah was so special to me, I was blinded to all the beautiful women who wanted me. To hell with them—I was focused on her,” he added.

The tribute illustrated the Nation of Islam’s belief that marriage is half of one’s faith, showing how Minister Farrakhan’s devotion to the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad mirrored his devotion to his wife.

Minister Farrakhan and Mother Khadijah’s son, Nation of Islam Student Supreme Captain Mustapha Farrakhan,  spoke powerfully on legacy and accountability. “He’s been teaching us for over seven decades. My mother and my father—alive, together at this time—this is a tremendous blessing.”

Referring to the names Farrakhan and Muhammad, and quoting Proverbs 3, he added, “A standard has been set. And we must live up to that standard to access the blessings that come with these great names.”

Santita Jackson, speaking on behalf of the Jackson family, offered her own tribute. “Minister Farrakhan, you have always been a light of truth and strength. I thank you in a special way.”

Chicago Alderman David Moore

She laughed as she said that Minister Farrakhan was “the only one who could get all the Jacksons in one room,” highlighting the presence of both her dad and mom, Rev. Jesse and Jacqueline Jackson. Their sons, U.S. Congressman Jonathan and former U.S. Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr., were present.

Musician Steve Cobb, who performed during the event, acknowledged Minister Farrakhan’s cultural and spiritual influence: “He has made us see ourselves clearly and realize our possibilities. That’s why I’m here—to be part of this mission.”

Student Minister Dr. Wesley Muhammad is a member of the Nation of Islam Shura Executive Council. Speaking to The Final Call, he made a poignant statement in reference to what would be the best gift the community can give to Minister Farrakhan and Mother Khadijah. “The greatest gift we can give him is love among ourselves. That’s what he wants more than anything.”

Long-time friend Rev. Al Sampson and others echoed these sentiments, recognizing Minister Farrakhan’s global impact and divine commitment to upliftment.

As the night drew to a close, Minister Farrakhan exchanged private words with attendees. Then, in a surprise shift of energy, legendary entertainer Doug E. Fresh took the mic to perform, followed by Minister Farrakhan who sung a few verses of a calypso song. The room filled with laughter, cheers, and tears of gratitude.

“This celebration is not just for them—it is for all of us who have been guided, nurtured, and loved through their example,” said Sister Maria Farrakhan.

Serving the community

 

Orlando, Florida

The F.O.I. (Fruit of Islam) are the men of the Nation of Islam. They are students and followers of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad, under the leadership of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan.

The F.O.I. strive to share the truth and vital information from The Final Call newspaper with their communities. We thank the brothers for their continued service. May Allah continue to bless and strengthen our Nation.

Houston

Boston

New York Student Eastern Re

Miami

Kenosha, Wisconsin

Boston

Milwaukee

Rise

Amid rising consumert prices and inflation likely to increase due to President Donald Trump's mercurial tariffs, a poll published Tuesday revealed that a mojority of surveyed voters disapprove of the U.S. leader's fiscal stewardship and blame him for the nation's economic woes.

Groundwork Collaborative and Data for Progress surveyed 1,213 likely U.S. voters, 55% of whom said they somewhat or strongly disapprove of the way Trump is handling rising prices. That figure soared to 90% among Democratic respondents, while 79% of Republicans said they approve of the president's leadership on the issue.

Nearly two-thirds of those surveyed said they blame Trump for current inflation levels, including 96% of Democrats, 73% of Independents, and 31% of Republicans.

"Prices are on the rise, and so are Americans' doubts in President Trump's ability to do anything about it."

A majority of respondents also indicated concern over the rising cost of groceries, clothing, electronics, furniture and home goods, and new automobiles.

On Tuesday, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics announced that the pace of inflation eased slightly last month to 2.3%, down from 2.4% in March. Meanwhile, the bureau's consumer price index (CPI)—which measures the average change over time for the cost of a basket of staple goods—inched up 0.2% on a seasonably adjusted basis in April.

"Prices are on the rise, and so are Americans' doubts in President Trump's ability to do anything about it," Groundwork Collaborative executive director Lindsay Owens said on Tuesday. "Working families are seeing their grocery bills and other prices skyrocketing thanks to President Trump's erratic trade policies, and they know full well who is to blame."

"Instead of working to bring down costs, Trump and his allies in Congress are doing exactly the opposite: slashing the safety net and asking working families to shoulder the burden to pay for a massive tax handout to billionaires and corporations," Owens added.

Experts warned of even higher consumer prices in the near future as the effects of Trump's tariffs take hold. Some of his taxes on imports are active, while others are being negotiated.

"There isn't a lot of evidence of tariffs boosting the CPI in April, but this shouldn't be surprising as it takes time," said Ryan Sweet, the chief U.S. economist at Oxford Economics.

Seema Shah, chief global strategist at Principal Asset Management, said in a note to investors that "inflation numbers will now be further whipsawed by the U.S./China trade truce announcement."

The new survey also comes as House Republicans push a bill that would dramatically slash spending on vital social programs in order to pay for a massive tax cut that would overwhelmingly benefit corporations and the wealthiest households. Former Democratic U.S. Labor Secretary Robert Reich slammed the proposal as "trickle-down economics on steroids."

A separate survey conducted by Harris and published Monday by The Guardian showed that Americans are reconsidering major events like marriage, having children, and buying a home amid rising economic anxiety stoked by Trump's policies.

Families

Charity workers fill food orders at the Poverello Food Pantry on May 14, 2025 in Wilton Manors, Florida.

 (Photo: Jason R-One/Arhó)

GOP plan may result in some states opting to end SNAP entirely if they are unable to come up with the state funds required to fill the hole left by deep federal cuts.

State and local officials, anti-hunger organizations, farmers, and families across the United States are bracing for impact as congressional Republicans plow ahead with legislation that would slash federal nutrition assistance by hundreds of billions of dollars, a potentially devastating blow to low-income Americans that would reverberate in every community across the country.

A centerpiece of the Republican measure, which passed out of the House Agriculture Committee on Wednesday, is a proposal to force states to pay a percentage of the funding for food aid provided under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Currently, SNAP food benefits are 100% funded by the federal government, with states picking up roughly half of the costs of administering the program.

If enacted, the Republican plan would require states to pay between 5% and 25% of the cost of SNAP food aid, depending on payment error rates. The legislation would also force states to pick up 75% of the program's administrative costs, effective immediately.

In a letter to lawmakers earlier this week, Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey warned that the GOP proposal would shift "significant costs to states that they did not plan for and cannot afford."

Healey estimated that the Republican plan would cost her state up to $650 million annually, which the Democratic governor called "an exorbitant burden" that neither Massachusetts nor other states would be able to absorb.

"These proposed changes would create an impossible situation for our most vulnerable families and residents," Healey wrote. "SNAP supports more than one million Massachusetts residents, one-third of whom are elderly, one-quarter of them are children, and a quarter of those who receive SNAP in our state have a disability."

"Beyond the direct benefits to families, SNAP is essential to the state's economy," she added. "Every dollar in SNAP benefits generates up to $1.50 in local economic activity, supporting thousands of Massachusetts jobs across many different industries, including farmers, grocers, manufacturers, delivery drivers, and other positions throughout the food supply chain."

"They know damn well that neither states nor individuals can meet the new requirements put on them by these changes, and that this is how they plan to force millions of people off of SNAP."

The impacts of the SNAP cuts would be far-reaching, with direct and indirect consequences in states nationwide. One independent grocery store owner in Opelika, Alabama toldThe Washington Post that "in all my years of business, I don't remember laying anybody off."

"These reductions may make it where I have to visit that for the first time," he said.

The National Grocers Association, the top trade organization for the independent grocery industry, estimated earlier this month that SNAP funding backs roughly 388,000 jobs, accounts for more than $20 billion in direct wages, and helps generate billions of dollars in state and federal revenue.

The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities warned Tuesday that "if every state had needed to pay 5% of food benefit costs last year, states would have needed to collectively pay about $4.7 billion."

"Because SNAP is an optional program for states," the group said, "these deep federal funding cuts may result in some states opting to end SNAP entirely if they are unable to come up with the state funds required to fill the hole left by deep federal cuts."

Farmers have joined independent grocers, state leaders, and others in advocating against the GOP's proposed cuts.

Crystal FitzSimons, president of the Food Research & Action Center, stressed Wednesday that the proposed SNAP cuts "do not exist in a vacuum."

"While framed as a fiscal measure, the impact of these changes would ripple across entire sectors—harming families, farmers, grocers, local governments, and local economies," said FitzSimons. "This bill is a cruel attempt to drastically shrink access to critical food assistance and deter enrollment."

On top of the cost-sharing provisions, the Republican bill would significantly expand SNAP work requirements, adding another layer of bureaucracy that could put millions at risk of losing benefits.

"This bill is unacceptable, inhumane, and reckless," said Abby Leibman, the president and CEO of MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger. "Republicans in the White House and Congress know that these proposed changes to SNAP—which go even further than the budget reconciliation directives—are outrageous and destructive."

"In fact, that's the point," Leibman said. "They know damn well that neither states nor individuals can meet the new requirements put on them by these changes, and that this is how they plan to force millions of people off of SNAP while giving tax breaks to their wealthiest donors."

 

Egg

 The only egg prices Trump is lowering is our nest egg

Organic pasture-raised eggs are seen on sale for the "low price" of $14.99 per dozen at an Amazon Whole Foods market in San Francisco on March 27, 2025.

 (Photo: Earl Byte /Arhó)

For the third straight month, U.S retail egg prices have hit a record high, despite falling wholesale prices, no bird flu outbreaks, and President Donald Trump's campaign promises—and recent misleading claims.

On Thursday, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Consumer Price Index (CPI) reported the average retail cost of a dozen eggs rose from $5.90 in February to $6.23 last month.

Earlier this week, Trump claimed that "eggs are down 79%" due to his administration's work, a possible reference to the wholesale price, which does not reflect retail cost due to the role that profit-hungry industrial producers and grocery cartels play in inflating prices.

Trump also said that egg prices "are going down more," a statement that contradicts not only recent trends but also his own administration's Food Price Outlook, which forecasts a 57.6% increase in egg prices for 2025, with a prediction interval of 31.1%-91.5%.

Recent record egg prices have largely been driven by an avian flu epidemic that has forced farmers to cull over 166 million birds, most of them egg-laying hens. However, no farms are currently reporting any bird flu outbreaks.

On Tuesday, Cal-Maine Foods, the nation's largest egg producer, announced quarterly profits of $509 million, more than triple its gains from a year ago. The Mississippi-based company, which produces around 20% of U.S. eggs, also enjoyed a more than 600% increase in gross profits between fiscal years 2021-23, according to the consumer advocacy group Food & Water Watch (FWW).

Yet even as its profits soared, Cal-Maine still took $42 million in federal compensation for losses due to bird flu.

Last month, the U.S. Justice Department's antitrust division launched an investigation of alleged price-fixing by the nation's largest egg producers, including Cal-Maine, which isn't even the largest recipient of avian flu-related government assistance. Versova, which operates farms in Iowa and Ohio, has been allotted more than $107 million in federal bird flu relief, The Washington Postreported Wednesday. Hillandale Farms, a Pennsylvania-based company sold last month to Global Eggs, received $53 million in avian flu-related subsidies.

"For those companies to be bailed out and then turn around and set exploitative prices, it just adds insult to injury for consumers," Thomas Gremillion, director of food policy at the Consumer Federation of America, told the Post. "Absolutely, it's unfair."

FWW research director Amanda Starbuck took aim at the corporate food system, saying Thursday that "the industry is proving itself effective at extracting enormous profits out of American consumers."

"We are all paying for it—at the store, with food shortages, and with the growing threat of the next pandemic," she continued.

"Restoring sanity to the grocery aisle will require immediate action to transform our food system," Starbuck added. "To lower egg prices, the Trump administration must take on the food monopolies, hasten and prioritize its investigation into corporate price fixing, and stop the spread of factory farms."

The fresh CPI figures weren't all bad news, as the index saw its first decline in five years, falling 0.1% mainly on the strength of lower oil prices. The 12-month increase in consumer prices also slowed from 2.8% to 2.4%.

However, the mildly positive CPI news was overshadowed by the economic uncertainty caused by Trump's mercurial global trade war, including a ramped-up 145% tariff on imports from China, one of the top U.S. trading partners, and ongoing stock market chaos.

"The only egg prices Donald Trump is lowering," Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin quipped earlier this week, "is our nest eggs."

 

Level

 The scaries part of today's plunging consumer sentiment numbers is that we might be looking at the high-water mark

A customer shops for eggs at a grocery store on March 12, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. 

(Photo: Albert Arhó)

Consumer sentiment in the United States continued its sharp plunge this month under President Donald Trump as Americans grew increasingly concerned about the prospect of a job-destroying recession in the near future—fears fueled in large part by the administration's erratic tariff policies.

The University of Michigan's Surveys of Consumers, released Friday, found that U.S. consumer sentiment plunged 11% at the start of April compared to last month, a decline that was "pervasive and unanimous across age, income, education, geographic region, and political affiliation."

That's according to the survey project's director, Joanne Hsu, who said that "sentiment has now lost more than 30% since December 2024 amid growing worries about trade war developments that have oscillated over the course of the year."

Friday's assessment shows that overall consumer sentiment has fallen to its second-lowest level since the early 1950s.

"Consumers report multiple warning signs that raise the risk of recession: expectations for business conditions, personal finances, incomes, inflation, and labor markets all continued to deteriorate this month," said Hsu. "The share of consumers expecting unemployment to rise in the year ahead increased for the fifth consecutive month and is now more than double the November 2024 reading and the highest since 2009."

"This lack of labor market confidence," Hsu added, "lies in sharp contrast to the past several years, when robust spending was supported primarily by strong labor markets and incomes."

"President Trump isn't executing an economic agenda, he's piloting a kamikaze mission."

Lindsay Owens, executive director of the Groundwork Collaborative, said in a statement that "the scariest part of today's plunging consumer sentiment numbers is that we might be looking at the high-water mark."

"The president's reckless trade policies have roiled markets, shattered retirement accounts, and halted shipping orders. We could be looking at price spikes, shortages, and even a recession in the weeks and months to come," said Owens. "Worst of all, while consumers are bracing for impact, Congress is gutting the safety net they'll need to rely on if the economic devastation continues. President Trump isn't executing an economic agenda, he's piloting a kamikaze mission."

Trump himself has admitted that his tariffs, which he partially paused for 90 days earlier this week, could spark a recession.

The Wall Street Journal reported that the president "told advisers that he was willing to take 'pain'" and "privately acknowledged that his trade policy could trigger a recession but said he wanted to be sure it didn't cause a depression."

While Goldman Sachs withdrew its recession forecast after Trump announced the partial tariff pause, Moody's chief economist Mark Zandi toldFortune that he took "no solace in the president’s announcement to delay the reciprocal tariffs for 90 days."

"Even if the administration can cut a few deals during this period, it will leave us with significantly higher tariffs, which are tax increases on American consumers and businesses," said Zandi. "This will weigh heavily on the U.S. and global economies and likely result in a recession."

"To what end?" he asked. "There will be no boost to investment in the U.S. The trade deficit will be no smaller. And there won't be any reliable increase in government revenues. It is impossible to fathom why the world is being put through all this unnecessary drama."