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Page:1965 FBI monograph on Nation of Islam.djvu/77

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gang is small, the NOI is great and would welcome these youths. As additional enticement, recruiters promise the gang member he will receive judo and karate training as a member of the cult. Chicago Welfare authorities, who have closely followed this recruitment activity, report the Muslims have had no apparent success. Gang members, when introduced to the religious aspects of the cult and the discipline demanded of members, after only a few meetings lose interest in the NOI.

The cult newspaper, "Muhammad Speaks," and Elijah's exploitation of famous Negro athletes are other approaches to recruitment which will be discussed later in this monograph.

B. Membership Procedures

The "lost-found" Negro who has been "steered" into the temple by NOI recruiters is met there by a well-dressed, polite FOI guard who takes the visitor's name. The guard explains to the visitor that before entering the meeting room he must be searched. Following a frisking, the visitor is seated near the front of the hall, facing the minister. Much of the minister's message is directed to him and his fellow visitors. Guests are always pressed to return to the next meeting.

After the initial visit by a "lost-found," the follow-up methods of the various temples may be slightly different. However, all temples continually urge nonmembers to "unite with your own kind." Those who express a desire