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Detroit PBS and NETA are pleased to offer The Evolution of the Nation of Islam, a one hour documentary that reveals how the once separatist Nation of Islam evolved into a world community of universal humanity. Containing remarkable footage and interviews, the story begins with the early days of the movement and its leader Elijah Muhammad. It goes on to tell the story of the iconic personalities that the movement produced, such as Malcolm X and Muhammad Ali. It continues with life after Elijah Muhammad, showing how his son Wallace Muhammad transitioned the Nation of Islam's members from a "race consciousness" to "human consciousness." The program reveals that under Wallace Muhammad's leadership, the community came to accept the idea of American diversity and embrace the idea of the American Dream.
Through honest dialogue with many of the original high-ranking members of the Nation of Islam, viewers of The Evolution of the Nation of Islam get an in-depth look at the organization's transformation and life after Elijah Muhammad, a change that parallels the growth of many organizations into the mainstream over time.
Cities featured in The Evolution of the Nation of Islam include New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Atlanta, Washington DC, St. Paul, Jackson MS, and Fresno.
Here are producer Shareef Nasir's own words about the documentary:
 After reading the autobiography of Malcolm X and looking at his transformation from a low level street hustler to a man of world recognition, it sparked my interest to conduct a more in-depth study into the movement which Malcolm said was responsible for his rehabilitation. During this study I was astonished by the structure of the Nation of Islam and how it was used to revitilize a group of people who had lost their self-worth; as I found others who were confronted with the same challenges as those of Malcolm. While the rehabilitative work of Mr. Muhammad was truly remarkable, his son raised the bar and took the people to a new level of consciousness. He set aside racial and ethnic superiority and introduced a spiritual awakening of universal humanity.
The Evolution of the Nation of Islam is produced by Shareef Nasir, Mizan Studios. It is presented by Detroit Public Television and distributed to PBS stations by NETA. Self-funded, local underwriting is permissible.
Please contact me if you have questions. I'll be in touch with you about your carriage plans over the next months. Or, when you know them, please zap them over to me. A fact sheet follows.
Very truly yours,
Regina
Regina Eisenberg
R Eisenberg Presents
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