CONTACT: Raleigh, NC (BlackNews.com) - Would you believe that some of the ground breaking scholarship taking place at some of the most prestigious schools and universities is based on the knowledge of a man with a 3rd grade education? The new book, The Educational Philosophy of Elijah Muhammad, makes such a claim. It also claims that several of the multicultural education concepts are similar to the teachings of Elijah Muhammad which include the "knowledge of self." One of the prime examples used in the book is how the knowledge of self is a well known concept among the elite class in England. The book briefly touches the intellectual genius of Malcolm X, who was taught exclusively by Elijah Muhammad--the "knowledge of self"--which includes the knowledge of God and the Original man along with "true black history." The book provides some insight into how some of Muhammad's students were impacted by his teachings. Malcolm X a well known spokesman for Justice and Human rights was brought to birth by the teachings of Elijah Muhammad. He became, not only a "Prince for Justice", but also a well-known speaker and debater. Boxer, Muhammad Ali, was also a student of Elijah Muhammad. It was Elijah Muhammad who gave the former Cassius Clay the name Muhammad Ali, a name that means one worthy of praise and who is the "most high" or "great." Today Muhammad Ali's is praised by the world and considered the greatest boxer that has ever lived. Elijah Muhammad's most well known contemporary student--Minister Louis Farrakhan is a former calypso singer. In 1995, Minister Farrakhan convened of the Million Man March. It was the largest and most peaceful gathering of men and women ever. The book highlights the efforts of Minister Farrakhan as liberation pedagogy--a concept espoused by critical educational theorists. The book primarily focuses on helping the reader to understand Elijah Muhammad's mission as an educational endeavor that could transform the current educational system, thus, creating a New World. It is the first in depth examination of the educational philosophy of Elijah Muhammad, the founder of the Nation of Islam and a pivotal leader in America's history. This timely book outlines Elijah Muhammad's educational ideas in relation to multicultural education, critical white studies, and critical pedagogy. This is a must-read for those dedicated to creating a new educational paradigm one that can transform individuals, schools, societies, and the world. The new features to this second edition include a foreword by Tynnetta Muhammad, wife and student of Elijah Muhammad; opening comments by world renowned mathematician Dr. Abdulalim Shabazz; a new chapter co-authored with Dr. Dorothy Blake Fardan; plus guided questions and power point notes to stimulate discourse around Elijah Muhammad's educational ideas. Although this book has already been ordered by over 150 colleges and universities including Harvard, Princeton, Yale, Georgetown, Duke, and Stanford, will it be considered "a must read" for educators? Only time will tell. For the conscious and open minded educator, this book may be worth more than its weight in gold.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 26, 2009
Abul Pitre
510-815-4591
LITTLE BOOK MAKES BIG CLAIM: THE SECRET TO GREAT SCHOOLS AND GREAT MEN LIKE MALCOLM X & MUHAMMAD ALI
Dr. Pitre, author of the Educational Philosophy of Elijah Muhammad holds his book while standing in front of a portrait of one of Elijah Muhammad's greatest students.
Abul Pitre is the former Carter G. Woodson Professor of Education at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania and former Professor of Education at Southern University. He currently works in the Educational Department of Fayetteville State University. For more information about the book and/or for book signings and interviews, please call (510) 815-4591.