Farrakhan to give keynote at Saviours' Day in Rosemont
Rosemont plays host to the Nation of Islam this weekend as the Black Muslim group marks its annual Saviours' Day, moved to the suburbs for the first time in what some say is a matter of cost and convenience rather than an overture beyond the group's Chicago base.
Saviours' Day usually takes place in Chicago, where the Nation of Islam is based with its National Center on the South Side, although it has gone on the road to cities like Detroit and Los Angeles.
"In this economy, it makes more sense to have it in a suburban location," said Jacqueline Trussell, an adjunct professor of African-American Studies and religion at Roosevelt University. "I'm thinking cost-effectiveness is definitely a factor, plus the convenience of the airport."
In previous years when the annual event has remained in town, Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan has given his address at sites such as the United Center, the University of Illinois at Chicago Pavilion and McCormick Place. The move to the suburbs might seem unconventional for Farrakhan's group, but it's not unusual from any number of perspectives.
The shift, however, was probably not entirely dictated by the recent economic downturn. Grant Bailey, assistant general manager of the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, said the Nation of Islam began negotiating to use the space about a year ago.
"Imam Wallace Dean Mohammad, Elijah Muhammad's son, with his organization, the American Muslim Mission, has also held events there," Trussell added. "They were often held at Rosemont. This would not be the first time they've hosted a Muslim group."
Even so, the American Muslim Mission split off from the Nation of Islam in part because it advocated a nonracial approach, while Farrakhan's group maintained more direct opposition to the white world. That has softened over the years, especially with the recent rise and election of President Obama, so that the move to Rosemont might signal more engagement.
The event commemorates the birth on Feb. 26, 1877, of Master Wallace Fard Muhammad in Mecca, Arabia. He came to the United States in the early 1900s and eventually settled in Detroit, where he founded the Nation of Islam in the early '30s. He is considered a deity in the religion.
Farrakhan will give a keynote address on "Accepting Responsibility to Build Our Community" at the Rosemont Theatre at noon Sunday, but before that the Nation of Islam will hold dozens of workshops at the Stephens Convention Center today and Saturday.
The workshops include subjects such as home-foreclosure prevention and "Black Responsibility in Film." Other topics include "The Michelle Obama Effect," "The Theology of Chess" and "Making Media Work for You." Rapper Rakim, Chicago music producer No I.D. and Professor Griff of Public Enemy will all talk on the influence of Islam on hip hop.
There is also an extensive vendors' area for groups and agencies affiliated with the Nation of Islam.
Tickets are $50 for adults for the workshop sessions, $25 for seniors and college students, youths 13 to 17 free, but $10 for a "Children's Village" for 5- to 12-year-olds on Saturday (including a lunch). Ticketed seats for Minister Farrakhan's address are $100, General admission is $20.
Repeated attempts to reach officials with the Nation of Islam were unsuccessful, as were attempts to reach the nation's media relations through its publication The Final Call.