1/17/25

I feel an immense sense of gratitude when I reflect on my experiences at Clair Muhammad School and WD Muhammad High School. My journey began in 1992 when I entered Clair Muhammad Elementary School as a second-grader. My family had recently moved to Atlanta, Georgia, leaving the North behind specifically so that my siblings and I could attend a Muslim school that aligned more closely with our religious and cultural identity. My parents believed it was a far better alternative to public schools, offering an environment where we could learn and grow among peers and educators who shared our values.

I attended Clara Muhammad for 2nd and 3rd grade before my family relocated back north. Those early years left a lasting impression on me, but after years of navigating public school systems, we returned to Georgia, and once again, my siblings and I were enrolled in Clair Muhammad and later WD Muhammad High School. I joined WD Muhammad High during my 11th and 12th grades and had the privilege of playing basketball for the school team, the Caliphs. That experience was not just about sports; it deepened my connection to my community and made me feel truly at home.

One of the most impactful aspects of my time there was the curriculum, which included subjects like Islamic Philosophy. Weekly Jumah prayers were woven into our routine, and those moments of collective worship instilled a profound sense of unity and spiritual grounding. I appreciated being in an environment that celebrated my faith and identity. The relationships I built there allowed me to rise in popularity and establish meaningful connections.

One pivotal moment during my time at WD Muhammad High was in 2001, during my 11th-grade year, when the tragic events of 9/11 unfolded. I will forever be grateful for being in that supportive environment at such a critical time. As a class, we analyzed the event through the lens of the Quran and discussed its implications for Muslim minorities in America. This critical examination went beyond academics—it shaped how I understood the intersection of my faith and identity in a global context.

Following those discussions, our class participated in an interfaith dialogue at a local university. I vividly recall standing as a representative of the African American Muslim community, speaking about the shared values of peace and resilience. The comments I made during that event left a lasting impression; to this day, my former teacher still reminds me of that moment whenever I encounter him in the community.

Looking back, my time at Clair Muhammad School and WD Muhammad High School was transformative. It gave me a strong foundation and a sense of pride in my identity as an African American Muslim. These experiences not only shaped my perspective but also instilled in me a commitment to being an active, thoughtful voice for my community. For that, I remain deeply appreciative.