Founders Tribute ContinuedAnd So, the merchants are depended on the residents of the community for their family's financial survival, and in turn the merchants should become like the farmer. Merchants must stake an interest in the land around them, (our community) and assist in the moral and mental development of its residency, so that they are able to be fruitful human beings. This is imperative for the survival of all, year after year.
Mr. Muhammad was also founder of the Showcase Community Services Inc. a non-profit organization established in 1981, to build community support and interest in long term economic development programs. Through Showcase he provided an array of services to the resident community, aiding assistance in Legal Referrals, Counseling, Advertising, Printing, Notary Public, and Religious Leadership, along with providing administrative assistance to the senior citizens of the community, he as a Historian lectured at local and regional Educational Institutions.
Mr. Muhammad was a beacon in the community, and the founder of the "Showcase Community News" designed for and remains a true "voice of and educating the community." The Showcase Community Newspaper, is the physical representation of his vision. A sixteen page tabloid compiled of information that connects the community as a whole, linked by Lancaster Avenue Business District, communities of Mantua, Powelton, Belmont, Mill Creek & Overbrook of the West Philadelphia area. The tabloid transitioned through "41" years before his demise. It was through this effort Mr. Muhammad contributed the concept of communities connecting as one... through the original design of the now recognize"Pieces of the Puzzle" housed by People's Emergency Center-CDC... Through his contribution, and support in the design of the newsletter and selected name... The Pieces of the Puzzle was first introduced as an insert of the "SHOWCASE COMMUNITY NEWS"... and was carried in the community news for a minimum of three years. His legacy has left an impression touched by his grace. He talked, walked, and lived his dream, to initiate and encourage development.
In addition to giving the community a voice, Mr. Muhammad also recognized individuals within the communities, whose works of community rejuvenation often gone unrecognized. He established an "Annual Showcase Everyday People Recognition Awards Banquet," in which public recognition of these everyday people doing extraordinary things, is acknowledged. This Annual Event is still a major part of the current initiatives offered by the Showcase Community Services Inc. in collaboration with the Lancaster Avenue Business Association-CDC.
While Mr. Muhammad's physical being is no longer with us, the spirit of his vision through the works of his wife, cultivating the seed her husband planted, is phenomenal to say the least. Sister Aisamah Muhammad, resumed leadership, recognized along the corridor and through the community as (Sister Muhammad) continues to keep the torch of the community partnership aflame striving to build on the foundation her husband laid.
(Click on Leadership Profile to learn more about Sister Muhammad)
In memory of the late Sheikh Abdul Malik Muhammad, SIster Aisamah through the support of Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell, and her community collaborative with the Murals Arts Program of Philadelphia, placed a Mural Tribute in his honor at the corner of 43rd & Lancaster Avenue, on the wall of the 4255 Lancaster Avenue the original location of the Showcase / LABA-CDC offices, currently closed... At this location Mr. Muhammad transacted many years of community service. Daily people from all around visit the site, recalling services rendered, and reflecting on the man, community leader, and friend, admiring his portrait.
Sister Aisamah is seeking support for the LABA-CDC -Showcase Community Newsletter, in respect for "41" years contribution of Mr. Muhammad, as a major fixture in this community. Currently to maintain its presence The Community News is issued as a six page Newsletter, in support of the Showcase Inc. / Lancaster Avenue Business Association Inc. inclusive initiative.
Interested Volunteers in public relations seeking to render support in the efforts of reinstating the tabloid, are requested to submit your interest of participation in writing to LABA-CDC-"Showcase Community News" Educating the Communities... WE INVITE YOUR EXPERTISE... contact us via email to lancasteraveba@aol.com or mail your interest to LABA-CDC-SHOWCASE COMMUNITY NEWS - 228 South 40th Street, Suite 31898.
ALL SERVICES, PROGRAMS AND INITIATIVES OF THE SHOWCASE INC./LABA-CDC ARE MADE POSSIBLE THROUGH MEMBERSHIP PARTICIPATION, VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTIONS, INSTITUTIONS, GRANTS, PRIVATE DONATIONS AND SPONSORSHIP FROM CARING INDIVIDUALS LIKE YOU. YOUR SUPPORT IS GREATLY APPRECIATED ...THANK-YOU
I WISH TO CONTRIBUTE THE FOLLOWING AMOUNT
( )$100.00 ( )$ 50.00 ( ) $25.00 ( ) Other $______________
( ) Check Enclosed: Please Make Check or Money Order Payable to... SHOWCASE INC.
Name: ______________________________________________________________________________
Business Address: ______________________________________________________________________________
Address: ______________________________________________________________________________
Telephone: ______________________________ Fax: _________________________________
Email: ______________________________________________________________________________
2013 / 2014
