The Coalition for the Remembrance of Elijah Muhammad (C.R.O.E.) will celebrate its 38th anniversary on March 9. The organization, founded in 1987 by Munir Muhammad, business manager; Halif Muhammad, secretary; and Shahid Muslim, director, serves as an archival library and information center.
Located at 2435 W. 71st St., C.R.O.E. houses an extensive collection of historical photographs, print materials, audio and visual recordings, speeches, interviews, documentaries, and other memorabilia related to the life, work, and accomplishments of the Nation of Islam and its leader, the Honorable Elijah Muhammad. The organization remains dedicated to educating and re-educating the public about Muhammad, adhering to its guiding principle of using only the words of the last messenger.
In 1994, C.R.O.E. expanded beyond its physical location by launching C.R.O.E. Media. The late founder and television host Munir Muhammad, who passed away in 2019, spearheaded the initiative. His vision led to the renovation of an old tavern into a television studio in 1998, outfitted with modern cameras and editing equipment. Since then, C.R.O.E. Media has grown significantly, broadcasting from locations such as London, Accra, Ghana, and even Cook County Jail, maintaining an independent and authentic approach to its mission.
Each week, C.R.O.E. Media features guests from various fields. In the past three months, television guests have included former Mr. Olympia Lee Haney, former Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx, 1st District U.S. Rep. Jonathan Jackson, and most recently, Chicago and Gary Crusader Publisher Dorothy R. Leavell, who appeared on a live call-in show. C.R.O.E. Media streams content in Brooklyn and Manhattan, New York; Prince George’s County, Maryland; and Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Over the years, speakers at C.R.O.E.’s annual Founders Day event have included Minister Louis Farrakhan, author Shahrazad Ali, former FBI agent and Baltimore native Dr. Tyrone Powers, and actor Harry Lennix, all of whom have emphasized the importance of maintaining independent institutions. Founders Day, the organization’s sole major fundraising event, aims to raise funds for new television cameras, software, and editing equipment.
For ticket information or to donate, contact C.R.O.E. at 773-925-1600 or email [email protected]. C.R.O.E. is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization.