The Wendy L. Muhammad Foundation is building a cultural center to exhibit the business and economic developmental impact of Elijah Muhammad, the Nation of Islam and iconic Black entrepreneurs at his former mansion and national home.
Plans for cultural and architectural tours, an entrepreneur think tank, and master mind day retreats are underway.
Featuring exhibits showcasing the single most iconic property in modern day African American history. No property holds the historical reverence of being visited by more significant African American thought leaders in American history.
The cultural center has been named Sajdah House™ and will be the official home to the Mind of an Entrepreneur™ movement.
Chicago, IL — In the 45th year since his physical departure, the former mansion of Elijah Muhammad in the historic Chicago Kenwood neighborhood, home to iconic African Americans such as President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, Minister Louis Farrakhan and former Chicago Mayor Harold Washington, is being restored.
Business and real estate developer Wendy L. Muhammad acquired the home and is currently renovating and reviving the home to landmark status. The new cultural center has been named Sajdah House™. This project is not only a labor of love, dedication and restoration but a symbol of Black history, civil rights, women’s rights, cultural equality, American history and an opportunity to preserve and share a very important part of American history.
“Entrepreneurship is a way out of poverty for marginalized people around the world and the Economic Impact of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad and the Nation of Islam along with the entrepreneurial legacy of African Americans is an important aspect of our history that must be preserved. In our effort to share this story we will use a unique blend of art and technology,”
said Wendy L. Muhammad, property owner. Ms. Muhammad’s commitment to Elijah Muhammad’s Do For Self demonstration of economic development is futuristic, inclusive and will be a multi-sensory experience for all of humanity.
Once the National House of the Nation of Islam, Elijah Muhammad’s home was once the center of economic and political development from the 1950s to the 1970s. There is no other property in the world that has been graced by more iconic African Americans, such as Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Coretta Scott King, Malcolm X, Muhammad Ali, Stokely Carmichael, Sam Cooke, Adam Clayton Powell, Louis Farrakhan and many, many others.
Originally built in 1892, Sajdah House™ has a unique architectural blend of the historical vernacular, Chicago Square, renaissance and arts & craft designs. Much like the neighboring Frederick C. Robie home, Sajdah House™ will host paid tours so that guests can grace the inspirational space that made history in America. Ms. Muhammad is also offering the opportunity for businesses to participate in a sponsorship program that can be used to showcase their businesses and services to visitors.
“To be blessed with the opportunity to share the economic impact of African Americans in one of the most economically and historically impactful American cities is one that I cherish. I am honored to share with the world the great strategic and business developmental impact and program of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad. My goal is to show the world the superior economic development skills and business training offered by the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad and to inspire and support a wave of entrepreneurs in marginalized communities around the world. This history is rich and unique to Chicago; and will impact the spirit of entrepreneurship throughout the city,” said Wendy L. Muhammad, Property Owner and Developer.
Stabilization efforts have been completed and Ms. Muhammad and her team of contractors and preservationists are currently working to carefully restore the home. “It’s like restoring a mansion with a tooth brush. That’s how thoughtfully, carefully and respectfully we are approaching this renovation,” says Ms. Muhammad. Property highlights include elements of the original turn of the century exterior of the home which are carefully being restored, including the restoration of original stained glass windows, copper bay windows and limestone trimming. The exterior upgrade also includes modern artwork, black driveway pavers, a black slate roof and a Coach House restoration that mimics the 1970s garage door style designed for Elijah Muhammad. The main house restoration includes replicating the first floor of the home to its mid century grandeur while the second floor will serve as additional exhibit space. The home boasts a variety of original wood designs, pocket doors, archways, bay window seating and fireplaces. A beautifully combined variety of original wood species, including mahogany, walnut, pine and ash, will be restored. One hundred year old mirrors will be restored and repurposed as artwork and furniture. A table originally owned by Elijah Muhammad will serve as the center of the formal dining room that once boasted the iconic Table Talks™. A gourmet chef’s kitchen will be used to demonstrate Elijah Muhammad’s life saving “How to Eat to Live” dietary program, now commonly referred to as “intermittent fasting”. Augmented reality and holographic technology will be used to create an unforgettable, multi-sensory experience.
The team is working diligently to complete the project in time for a grand opening that celebrates the birth of Elijah Muhammad in October of 2020. Tickets will be sold online only so stay in touch for updates throughout the summer.
About Wendy Muhammad
Wendy Muhammad is an international business woman, global thought leader, philanthropist and master business and real estate developer. Her real estate and operational design developments include ownership of a micro hospital and a wellness franchise. She is proprietor of the Mind of an Entrepreneur™ brand that publishes books, hosts radio and television shows and webinars and offers training on mental business strategies to marginalized people around the world. Her current book entitled Mind of an Entrepreneur is available on Amazon.
Visit www.WendyMuhammad.com
Follow them on Instagram @SajdahHouse and @MOEToday
PRESS CONTACT:
Trina Liggins Sledge
202-792-2471
Toure Muhammad
773-531-9798
For more information about business sponsorship, send an email to SajdahHouse@gmail.com