Modern-Day Harriet Tubman
Yaa Bea was a remarkable individual whose presence had a positive influence on her community and everyone she encountered. Born on July 7, 1949, in Harlem Hospital to Rosalina Stallings, she recognized early on that she possessed something special. The number 7 held significant meaning in her life, symbolizing her divine essence. At the age of 16, she joined the Nation of Islam and adopted the name Brenda 16X while attending the mosque in Harlem, New York. This was a time when the African American population was fighting for civil rights, and Brenda 16X found inspiration in the teachings of the Honorable Elijah Muhammad, which had a profound impact on her. Despite her decision diverging from her family's beliefs, her mother embraced her choice because it brought positivity to Brenda's life and set her on a journey of self-discovery and an African-centered lifestyle.
Brenda 16X eventually became Brenda Muhammad, and she dedicated her career to counseling troubled children living in group homes. She met and married Brodie Harriston, who, like Brenda, was influenced by the teachings of the Honorable Elijah Muhammad, leading him to join the Nation of Islam and change his name to Brodie Muhammad. The couple, along with their biological children Mist and Yazid, adopted Brenda's nephew Mike Pierce, creating a loving and expanding family.
Brenda experienced a spiritual event that profoundly affected her and others in her community. This encounter instilled in her a deep respect for the power of God and Spirit. In 1979, Brenda's family moved from New York to Virginia. Initially, she embraced the role of a dedicated housewife, caring for her children. However, the move brought unforeseen challenges to her marriage, and she and Brodie eventually separated and divorced, leaving Brenda as a single mother. This transition transformed her into a resilient superwoman. Recognizing her artistic talent, she pursued a career in drafting, enrolling in community college to become a professional drafter. This life event propelled her further on a path of self-improvement, as she sought guidance from her inner Creator, envisioning and creating a life for herself and her children.
To support her family and maintain her leadership role, Brenda became an After School Program Counselor, ensuring her children's educational and athletic involvement while keeping them close. Her dedication and experience as a single mother made her a role model, and she became a friend and mentor to many peers facing similar circumstances.
As her children grew and ventured out on their own, Brenda felt a restlessness within her. She began to immerse herself in community activism, drawn naturally to the African-centered community in the Tidewater VA area and Richmond. She eagerly attended scholarly lectures by renowned figures such as Dr. Ishakamusa Barashango, Dr. John Henry Clarke, Dr. Yosef Ben Yochanan, Dr. Khalid Muhammad, Dr. Ronoko Rashidi, and Dr. Ashra Kwesi. Inspired by these intellectuals and their African-centered programs like Kwanzaa and Black History Month, Brenda actively organized events featuring these scholars. This exposure ignited her interest in Norfolk VA politics, and she actively supported candidates she believed would positively impact predominantly African American communities. While expanding her network and making a difference, Brenda soon realized that politics was not her true calling.
In 2006, Brenda obtained a USA passport and joined Ashra Kwesi's KemetNu Educational Bootcamp Tour of Kemet (Egypt). This transformative journey deeply impacted her and sparked her vision of living in Africa. Brenda and her son completed a two-year program with the DeZert Club and were rewarded with a free educational tour of Egypt, where they were joined by Brenda's niece Ayanna, nephew Na'im, and oldest son Mike, who traveled to Egypt separately on the KemetNu tour. In Nubia, the family reunited for a memorable photograph.
The DeZert Club also organized a tour to Ghana, which Brenda and her daughter Mist eagerly participated in. This experience greatly influenced Brenda. During the tour, she unexpectedly encountered Dr. Akbar Muhammad, the International Minister of the Nation of Islam, whom she had known from her days in the N.O.I. This encounter introduced Brenda to an extraordinary opportunity to become part of an African Diaspora Community called Fihankra. Feeling guided by a higher force, Brenda saw the chance to contribute at the grassroots level, utilizing her acquired life skills. She began visiting Ghana annually to explore the possibility of making it her permanent home. With careful planning, Brenda scripted a plan to retire early and relocate to Ghana. Her successful ventures in house flipping allowed her to expand her options. The experience of refurbishing homes and collaborating with skilled and unskilled laborers equipped her with invaluable skills, experience, and confidence to build her own home. Brenda envisioned selling her properties and moving to Ghana with a nest egg, in addition to her social security and retirement funds, ensuring a comfortable life in her new chosen home.
Brenda made the decision to acquire a plot of land at Ye Fa Ogyamu, Fihankra, located in the Eastern Region of Ghana. This move marked the beginning of her legacy for her children to follow. She devised a business plan for a roller skating rink, envisioning an edutainment center for the youth in the wider community. During her previous visits to Ghana, Brenda had observed idle youth on the streets, reminiscent of the situation she witnessed in New York before the devastating impact of drugs. Enlisting the help of her son Yazid, she embarked on the journey to settle in Ghana and establish her business. During her 2009 vacation, Brenda invested in a Kia Bongo pickup truck and constructed a chalet using natural materials in just 40 days. After completing the structure, she returned to Virginia to prepare for her retirement parties. On October 1, 2009, Brenda and her son repatriated themselves to Ghana, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter in their lives.
Yaa Brenda Muhammad, a visionary repatriate from the USA to Ghana, has always been dedicated to the development of African-centered communities. Her strong focus on community development led her to take a significant step towards her life in Ghana, where she had a well-thought-out plan to establish an Edutainment Center catering to youth and families.
Yaa Brenda Muhammad enlisted the support of her son, Yaw Yazid, to join her in Ghana, and their working relationship proved to be the key to successful repatriation. Their bond as a mother and son, rooted in unconditional love, provided unwavering support during challenging times, facilitating a smoother transition into Ghana.
Leaving a lasting legacy was of utmost importance to Yaa Brenda Muhammad. She was driven to make a profound impact and ensure her presence was felt. Undoubtedly, she left a positive and indelible impression on everyone she encountered.
Her vision materialized with the establishment of the Born Again Afrikan Play Ground, an Edutainment Center that has become a reality. This center offers the youth a safe and enriching environment where they can play and learn. Yaa Brenda Muhammad transformed a part of the Akosombo Area, adjacent to the Adomi Bridge, into a vibrant hub for education and entertainment.
Yaa Bea, Yazid, Mike, Ayanna, Na'im
Mike, Mist, Yaa Bea, Yazid, Ayanna, Na'im
Yaa Bea acquired a 100'X100' plot at Ye Fa Ogyamu, Fihankra. Her intention was to be a part of developing a community for African Diaspora to have for a village.
Yaa Bea with her experience working as drafter drew her own plans and submitted them to the District Counsel. Then contracted a competent contractor named Yaw.
Yaa Bea came to Ghana on a 40-day vacation in 2009 and started and finished the super structure of her chalet. On her return a few months later lived in it.
Yaa Bea's vision is to build transitional living spaces for people in the process of repatriation. Today it is now named "Brendiafie" Twi meaning Brenda's House.
A.M.C was visited by the African for Africans Tour group. They were pleasantly surprised to meet our business. A.M.C is unique in that it is not common to see African Diaspora and Ghanaian-owned businesses.
Atimpoku Media Center (AMC) the 1st African Diaspora owned business in Atimpoku
2010 Grand Opening Yazid, Honorable (Asougyaman D.C.E) Johnson, Honorable Eastern Region M.P.), Atimpoku Imam
AMC Internet Cafe and Business Center
AMC Video Game Room
Atimpoku Media Center Internet Cafe, Business Center, Computer Training School, and Sports Bar
I.C.T Training School that taught basic computer training skills.
Yazid Muhammad and Brenda Muhammad giving out Certification of Completion of MS Office training.
A.M.C developed out of a sports bar and into a meeting place the African Diaspora Community met to discuss our issues.
African Unity Day Celebration comes to Atimpoku. It was a beautful event held at B.A.A. Dr. Hamet Maulana delivered a powerful speech about the right of the African Diaspora to return home that captivated the audience. Even as the rain began to pour down the event was quickly shifted in doors and Dr. Maulana stood on a bar stool to finish his speech.
Dr. Hamet Maulana Founder of Ministry of The Future speaking at the 1st Annual African Unity Day Celebration at Born Again Afrikan.
Due to inclement weather, the program had to be shifted un doors. Dr. Maulana quickly improvised and stood on a bar stool to address the audience.
Born Again Afrikan Event Space. Contact: 0530154849/ 0247560016 for enquires.
BAA & NYA
2016 1st Annual
African Unity Day Event
The meeting was opened by Yaa Bea and the esteemed Elder Rufus Martin.
Honorable Dr. Kwesi Quartey Ambassador at the African Union made a speech and answered questions Pertaining to the Right of Return of the African Diaspora.
The African Diaspora Community in attendance consisted of African Americans and African Caribbean.
Yaa Bea worked tirelessly along with the Ministry of The Future organizing and attending meetings to get our collective issue of Right of Return on the desk of President John Mahama. We were all rewarded by the first 32 returnees from African Diaspora granted Ghana Citizenship in a historic fashion.
Historic Ghana Citizenship Ceremony held at the Dubois Center in Accra 2016.
Picture Laura Agbenyo, Janet Muhammad, Yazid Muhammad, and Yaa Bea
President John Mahama presented each recipient with their documents and welcomed them home.
A packed house of supporters from the African Diaspora community and Ghanaians were there to celebrate the historic occasion.
The 2016 Ghana Citizenship Ceremony at the Dubois Center in Accra was a shot heard all around the Black World. The African Diaspora Community in Benin formed a delegation and came to meet with the Ministry of The Future. They want to know the roadmap to petition the government of Benin citizenship.
The Benin Delegation meeting with the Ministry of the Future and members of the Ghanaian African Diaspora Community.
Sister Brenda opened up the meeting with the Benin Delegation.
The African Diaspora Benin Delegation
Dr. Hamet Maulana shared the roadmap with the community.
2017 African Unity Day Celebration organized by YZ Born Again Afrikan & Ghana National Youth Authority. Morning Health walk through Atimpoku and across the Adomi Bridge.
National Youth Authority Asougyaman District Coordinator
Luyusah Mohammed
Picture taken at the Historic Adomi Bridge on 2017 A.U. Day
Donation made to NYA
One of her primary focus when she visited the USA she promoted repatriation as a healthy alternative. Yaa Bea returned to the African-Centered Community in Norfolk Va. She put on a presentation to inspire and show people a practical way of repatriation to Ghana using her journey as an example to follow. She also educated people about the "Right of Return" initiative had the opportunity to gain Ghanaian Citizenship.
Yaa Bea consistently networked and put in the work to spread the word of Repatriation. On her last visit to the USA in 2017 she met Former African Union Ambassador to the USA Arikana Chihombori-Quao at the Afropolitian Event in Washington D.C.
Yaa Brenda Kareema Muhammad, who transitioned to the Ancestor Realm on February 2nd, 2018, has become an invaluable presence for her loved ones. We can always reach out to her, knowing that she will hear us and witness our efforts to uphold her legacy. Even in her passing, she made history as a trailblazer, being the first African from the Diaspora to be laid to rest in Mafi-Kumasi, Adidome Volta Region of Ghana. Her lasting impact is safeguarded by her children, who embody her strong work ethic, kind spirit, and commitment to African Centered community development. She has laid a solid foundation upon which her legacy will continue to thrive and flourish. The community where she resided and dedicated herself to is filled with fond memories of her.
My mother should be remembered as a contemporary Harriet Tubman. She selflessly devoted herself to community development and tirelessly advocated for repatriation to Ghana as a positive alternative for Black individuals in America. Drawing from her personal experience, she inspired others to join her cause. Her well-conceived plan for repatriation on a budget, involving the acquisition of land, a vehicle, and the establishment of a home and business, has now become the guiding framework employed by Real Repatriation Consultations to advise individuals seeking sustainable repatriation. She will always be cherished, and with the recent arrival of her grandchildren Rose, Mike, and Yazid Jr., her DNA ensures that her legacy will endure far into the future.