Yesterday, December 24, the Washington DC metropolitan area and entire African community lost one of our beloved brothers, Baba Faruq Muhammad.  Faruq has been a champion for Africans born in America for more than 40 years and has been involved with the UNIA-ACL for what seems like forever. 
Faruq's life mission was to establish a government for Black people.

Heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, loved ones, the UNIA-ACL family,  and the greater African community on the transitioning of Baba Faruq.  May we lift his spirit up and continue to "promote the spirit of pride and love among our race."

On a personal note, Faruq and I became very close over the last few years.  I feel like I have lost a dear uncle but I am comforted by the fact that I had the chance to spend some time and speak with him before he transitioned. 
Faruq was very brave and outspoken about what he was going through and shared his struggles with those who were close to him.  I am very happy that he got to spend his last few days with those who loved him dearly, like Brother Senghor Baye, Fofie Muhammad and others who had been in his corner for many years.

Please remember that this is the time of the year to enjoy the most precious gifts in life. 
There are so very many of us around the world who are thankful that we were given brother Faruq as one of our precious "gifts" in life.  May we not mourn his passing, but celebrate his life!