FARRAKHAN SERIOUSLY ILL: GIVES UP DAY-TO-DAY OPERATIONS

Minister Louis Farrakhan, Nation of Islam leader.

This very sad article was written by Sophia Tareen with The Associated Press. CHICAGO -- Minister Louis Farrakhan said in a letter to followers this month that he is seriously ill, and he asked the Nation of Islam's leaders to carry on in his absence to make sure the movement "will live long after I and we have gone." Farrakhan, 73, said he began suffering pain earlier this year similiar to 1998, when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer and underwent surgery. He said doctors discovered an ulcer in his anal area during a visit to Cuba in March. Since then, he has dropped more than 20 pounds while battling "serious infection and inflammation," Farrakhan said in a letter dated Sept. 11 and published in the Nation of Islam's The Final Call newspaper. Officials at Howard University didn't return a phone call seeking comment on Farrakhan's condition. A man who answered the phone at the Nation of Islam headquarters in Chicago said the organization had no comment on Farrakhan's condition. Farrakhan said he will work hard to recover "because I do not believe my earthly work is done." He said he asked his executive board to solve problems during his recovery. Farrakhan liked his situtation to that of Fidel Castro, who temporarily relinquished power because of illness. "While many rejoiced_believing and thinking that if Fidel Castro and the Cuban Revolution expired they could move Cuba and the Revolution in a new direction_ his absence from the helm only proved that Cuba will not fall apart over the absence or passing of their illustrious leader, "Farrakhan wrote in the letter. He also warned followers to be "ever watchful for any smart, crooked deceiver and hypocrite who would create confusion over my present condition." Experts said Farrakhan's death could seriously alter the future of the group. "Through the organization's history, the death of a leader has meant a number of divisions," said Lawrence Mamiya, a professor of religion and Africana studies at Vassar College in Poughkeepisie, N.Y. "Whether members of the Nation will follow aboard is up for grabs." After the death of Nation leader Elijah Muhammad in 1975, the organization split. Since then there have been several smaller divisions. **************************** The Black Fist Organization would like to first and foremost extend our prayers and warm wishes for a speedy recover to our dear brother, the minister, Louis Farrakhan. We'd like to see him back on his feet, in full health and back at the helm of the Nation of Islam as soon as possible. Secondly, to ALL THE BLACK MEN who read this blog: A MESSAGE TO THE BLACK MAN: Please get regular prostate check-ups and follow-up by seeing your doctor on a regular basis! You are the head(s) of the BLACK NATION, you are our fathers, sons, brothers, uncles, cousins, husbands, lovers and friends. The Black woman needs you and the black nation as a whole needs you more. We love you Black man, and your health, wealth, well-being, safety, emotional and mental stabilities and overall physical health are of our natural concern. Please don't delay-- make an appointment to see your doctor as soon as possible, take all the necessary test and follow-up test, eat right, exercise daily, pray and live life to the fullest. I will encourage every black man I know and those I do not know through this blogspot, to do this not only for yourselves but for those in your life who need and depend upon you most and for the continued survival of the Black Nation! Because EVERY nation has a leader and you, Black man are OURS! Black Man, You are the original man of the planet Earth, You are a special King! Take care of yourselves and know that we here at The Black Fist Blog love and care about YOU! Black Power AND Peace Be Unto You!