respect among American Negroes. They approve of the way the Muslims live. Lacking knowledge of the complete teachings of the cult, some Negroes see the economic advantages only. Attracted by constant publicity about the claimed rehabilitation of criminals, and seeing the many photographs of well-dressed ministers and members of the elite guard, Fruit of Islam (FOI), they are impressed with the apparent success the NOI has had in bettering conditions of these members. They feel that anything that could help the Negro must be good.
Those Negroes who read the NOI newspaper, "Muhammad Speaks," see in every issue a list of ten demands--"What the Muslims Want." The first three of these demands--full and complete freedom, equal justice under the law, equality of opportunity--are fundamental principles which make up the American creed and are desired by all segments of our society. But other stated demands of the Muslims include land for a nation of their own, exemption from all taxation, freedom from prisons for all Negroes, and so forth. These are impracticable, but many uneducated Negroes cannot help being receptive to some of these demands.
Also impressed by publicity on the NOI are Negro criminals serving in Federal and State prisons. They are a very receptive group, who see Muslim activity within the prisons as an outlet for protest against their situation.
13
