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7 Things To Know About Wasim Muhammad, Community And Political Powerhouse Of Camden, New Jersey

7 Things To Know About Wasim Muhammad, Community And Political Powerhouse Of Camden, New Jersey

Wasim Muhammad
7 Things To Know About Wasim Muhammad, Community and Political Powerhouse Of Camden, New Jersey. Photo: Facebook

Community leader, activist and education advocate are just a few of the words to describe Wasim Muhammad. Here are seven things to know about this community and political powerhouse of Camden, New Jersey.

1. Minister in the Nation of Islam

Wasim Muhammad, 52, is a full-time minister who leads Nation of Islam Muhammad’s Temple of Islam No. 20. On social media, he identifies himself as “The Local Representative of The Hon. Elijah Muhammad and The Nation of Islam.” He is known for preaching from the Qu’ran and frequently sharing its teachings on social media.

He once advised someone to “seek refuge in Allah because Allah is the best knower, is the best teacher.”

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2. President of the Camden City school board

After Camden City School District (CCSD) President Martha Wilson died in April, Muhammad was appointed to replace her. He expressed his condolences over her death and said he would continue serving the district’s children and following Wilson’s example.

Topping his list of priorities was helping students through the difficult times of the pandemic.

“That’s most important right now,” Muhammad told Tap Into Camden. “I plan to work closely with Superintendent McCombs to make sure we get our children ready for college, their career, seeking ways to help our community, and of course get through covid-19.” 

3. Passionate holistic education advocate

Muhammad believes in holistic education that includes spiritual study. He gave a passionate speech about the subject in 2018.

“Education should not only just start with the reading, writing and arithmetic. Education should start with God,” Muhammad said. “When you understand who you are and our relationship with God that would inspire because in education you need information and inspiration.”

He uses his position to advocate for the community’s students and families.

“As a member of the school district I understand the position I’m in to help the traditional public schools, however, I believe our young people in Camden should have the ability to choose the school types they are a part of,” Muhammad said in a separate Tap Into Camden article.

4. Running for re-election on ‘Education For Everyone’ platform

While Muhammad has served on the Camden, New Jersey School Board for more than six years and is its current board president, he is running for re-election.

He is part of a slate of candidates that also includes Karen R. Merricks and Clayton Gonzalez. Their platform is “Education For Everyone”

5. Hosts a namesake TV show on YouTube

Minister Wasim Muhammad hosts a TV show called “The Wasim Muhammad Show.” It airs on Camden City School District TV (CCSD-TV) and episodes can also be found on YouTube.

He calls himself “a servant leader” and said the purpose of broadcasting the show is to “share information with the community.”

On the show, Muhammad discusses issues that are important to the local Camden community.

6. Lifelong Camden resident

Born and raised in Camden, New Jersey, Muhammad lived across the street from Camden High School. His mother was from Glassboro and his father from Savannah, Georgia. He said he has fond memories of his childhood home.

“It was the greatest thing in the world to hear that every day, to be around some of the great football teams this city has had,” Muhammad told TAPinto Camden in an interview. “There’s nothing like growing up around that group of people and that energy.”

7. Former basketball player

Born Donnie Walker, Muhammad played basketball at Camden High School and was starting guard for its undefeated 1986 team. He attended the University of Mexico, where he continued his basketball career.

He eventually returned home and became an entrepreneur and teacher who worked hard to improve his community. He credits his parents with instilling in him the value of giving back to his hometown.

“I believe it had to do with my upbringing. I was taught through my father that I should take the education that I had the opportunity to be blessed with and come back to help my community,” Muhammad told Tap Into Camden.