Najm Muhammad

The applied learning program that I participated in was in the form of a Community Engagement Initiative entitled the Saviours' Day Quilt Auction. This spectacular event was held by The Nation of Islam, and I had the honor of being featured as the introductory host for the auction. My duties consisted of opening up the auction with peaceful greetings, a self-introduction, and holding a moment of silence for the sacrifices of our ancestors and pioneers who are no longer with us. This cultural, virtual session consisted of the community members within the Islamic community auctioning off artistic quilts to raise awareness, education, and funds for The Nation of Islam. Each quilt was designed with symbolic messages from the period when African Americans were enslaved. Escape passages tied to the Underground Railroad, as well as the cultural expression of art, were highlighted by our ancestors. This experience has opened my eyes to the cultural perspectives of the quilts that my ancestors did not only make for beauty, but also for strategic escape strategies during their enslavement. This history has humbled me so greatly that we can bring it forward, along with the stories, for many more generations to come. I will say that this experience has stretched me out of my comfort zone by making me lead in a silent emotional moment. Within the past few months, many of the members in our Islamic community have passed on, and standing up to lead the commemoration was not only an emotional act but also something that I had never done before. This act has shaped my communication, leadership, and collaborative skills, where I have strengthened my ability to lead the way, easing my community members with my words of comfort in these trying times. I have also grown as a collaborator, now not only in spaces relating to my major in animal science or my music career, but also in cultural events raising awareness and education of black history! In this experience, I have applied my classroom knowledge and skills from classes where I’ve engaged in public speaking, most notably my African American History class (HIST 103). In both the quilt auction and my history class, I have obtained and discussed historical knowledge with those in the academic and virtual settings.

To conclude the holy month of Ramadan, I, along with several Muslims in Greensboro, NC, went out among our community to give away free chicken dinners to those in need. Food was given to those who are homeless, physically/mentally impaired, and who may not have the means to purchase food, out of the love of Muhammad Mosque Number 92. Before the chicken dinner giveaway, we made sure that our Mosque was secure during our sisters' Muslim Girls in Training and General Civilization Class.

For this year’s Honors Weekend, I have facilitated ice breaking with the honors students interviewing for 1/3 of the scholarships. I have also given vital college advice for the students on things to expect and prepare for every day in their lives at A&T. I received an excellent opportunity to get personal, bond, and connect with the new honors students coming in for the 2026 academic school year.

Today I donated two books related to black history to go to local high schools!

On this day, the Misters of ZeTa Phi BeTa Sorority INC have represented the ZeTa Alpha Chapter in being door holders for our Z - Hooked For Hope event! The purpose of this event was to crochet miniature beanies for babies. The event was a success and we were able to provide a lovely service and donate these hand crafted items.

Today in the prevet club I have participated in dog socialization and team clean up reorganizing dog and cat food on shelves. Allowing for multiple dogs to come out and be a dog exercising, playing, fetching, play wrestling and more has made the dogs day. It is such a relief that these animals are able to go out and roam instead of staying in the cage remaining still all day. Additional activities consisted of cleaning kennels within the shelter and dog walking. I am so grateful to have volunteered at Happy Hills Animal Shelter, to give an organization the priceless gift of service.

On this day, I assisted a Black-owned farmer in the sales of his farm-grown collard greens, turnip greens, and sweet potatoes. This farmers’ market featured many farmers who have grown their own produce, but I had the honor of assisting an older gentleman who was an A&T 2022 Small Farmer of the Year Finalist!

On this day, I, along with my Islamic community in the city of Greensboro, took the initiative to clean the Hampton Homes apartment complex of its trash and contaminants. Together, we have engaged in this noble act while also bonding, having meaningful conversations with the residents, and bringing cleanliness to our black communities.

Today we helped the daycare children plant strawberry, watermelon, and various kinds of herb seeds. It was monumental for many of them gardening and watering for the first time!