Farrakhan issues call for unity

Blends message of empowerment with tolerance

Louis Farrakhan defended Islam and black pride in his speech.

CHICAGO - Nation of Islam Minister Louis Farrakhan urged unity among religions, while still preaching a message of black empowerment, at a rare public event yesterday deemed "a new beginning" for the Chicago-based movement.

In the nearly two-hour speech, Farrakhan covered topics including immigration, public schools, violence, and morality. He vaguely referred to the presidential election but did not specifically mention any candidates.

"We are all in a journey to become complete human beings," Farrakhan, 75, told the crowd of thousands gathered inside Mosque Maryam and in white tents outside. "Look how we have become so divided, so hateful, while claiming the same creator."

Farrakhan renewed a call for many to get back to the basic tenants of Islam, while still encouraging black pride.

"Black people must stop seeing themselves as inferior, and whites must stop seeing themselves as superior," he said, adding that black Muslims have to "keep going our own way."

Though other religious leaders and non-Muslims were invited to the public event, most of those in attendance were Nation of Islam followers.

Farrakhan did not lay out any specific plans for the "new beginning," but he offered his opinion on many topics and made a plea for understanding with immigrants south of US borders.

"Our brothers and sisters from South America are not trying to take your jobs. They are trying to survive," Farrakhan said.

Noting the current economic turmoil, he said, "God is troubling America because America can do better."

He noted the theme of change in the presidential election and said change must also come through religious communities.

"The change that will feed our hearts is not necessarily a political change," he said. "Our mission is to help bring in a government of peace."