Masjid Jihad identifies and follows the leadership of Imam Wallace Deen Mohammed. It has been established from information provided that our present masjid’s administration communicated via oral tradition that the efforts to start what was to later become Masjid Jihad, began circa 1968. The initial attempts to organize a local movement that would be anaffiliate of the then Nation of Islam, that was led, at that time by the late Honorable Elijah Mohammed, who is the father of Wallace Deen Mohammad, experienced humble beginnings. Holding meetings either in members’ homes or in rented storefronts.
These storefronts and rented facilities symbolized the embryonic stage of Masjid Jihad. Mohammed’s Temple of Islam were two locations, on Barnard Street in the 1200 block of Barnard’s Northeast side. This building still exists though the exact space has been eliminated. Later moving to 509 Barnard Street. This building still exists today, as it did when it was used as a Mohammed’s Temple of Islam. The years in which the two Barnard Street facilities were utilized were 1970-1974.
The early ministers of the local temple were Ministers Charles X Cuspert, Carlton X Woods, Samuel 2X Franklin, Grant X Ellison, and Ahmad Kareem. Through the ministers of the Nation of Islam, a more militant and structural mindset was birthed. The Fruit of Islam or F. O.I (male members), and Muslim Girls Training and General Civilization Class or M.G.T.-G.C.C. (female members).
1970-1971
Mohammed’s Temple of Islam began holding its public meetings with Samuel 2XFranklin, serving in the capacity of Minister in the 1200 block of Barnard Street. Meeting Wednesdays and Fridays at 7:00 pm, and Sundays at 2:00 pm.
1971
In collaboration with the freshman class at Savannah State University,Mohammed’s Temple of Islam hosts a Black History Month lecture delivered by Minister Abdul Rahman, minister of the Nation of Islam of Atlanta.
1972
In collaboration with the freshman class at Savannah State University,Mohammed’s Temple of Islam hosts a Black History Month lecture delivered by Minister Abdul Rahman, minister of the Nation of Islam of Atlanta.
1972
Mohammed’s Temple of Islam’s F. O. I. members: Ezekial X Walker, EricX Walker, Ronald X Flagg, and Reedy X Cooper were subsequently arrested for a physical confrontation with members of the Savannah Police Department on Broughton Street in downtown Savannah. This incident served as the catalyst for a public forum. Savannah State University held the meeting that included local speakers such as Southern Regional Minister Abdul Rahman, who delivered the keynote speech against police brutality.
1971/1973
Reginald X Toby, who worked through the local temple’s fruit of Islam became the temple’s captain. This position that he held until the F.O. I. was dismantled by Imam Wallace Deen Mohammed. Toby received a personal signed letter, from The Honorable Elijah Mohammed, thanking him for these extraordinary efforts of charity to both the national and the local organization’s efforts.
1973-1974
Mohammed’s Temple of Islam moved from the 1200 block of Barnard to 509 Barnard Street. With this move in location, Grant X Ellison was commissioned by the regional Minster Abdur Rahman to serve as the local organization’s minister. This change of the “minister’s” post occurred in January of 1974.
1974
