The Greatest Award I Never Received
For me, the greatest accolades come from peers—fellow warriors who've walked the same path. While being acknowledged is always an honor, the most prestigious award I've ever received was from the NNPA. However, another award that holds a special place in my heart is one I never actually received.
It all began in September 2022 as summer gave way to fall. I was relaxing in my special chair when my phone rang. It was my good friend Robert Dickerson from the Unity Community Center. Rob, whom I know as Robert Muhammad, and I go way back to the late '70s during the rebuilding efforts of the Nation of Islam (NOI). Rob took the teachings and made a move reminiscent of Clarence 13X—but without the vices. He dedicated his entire being to the youth, using the teachings of the Nation of Islam to create something spectacular that benefited thousands on every level.
"Brother Michael," he said, "you have been selected to be one of our honorees at this year's fundraising banquet." I could hardly believe my ears. Rob had been sick, so I didn’t want to keep him on the phone too long. We exchanged cordial goodbyes, but the feeling I had after receiving that news was like a crown being placed on my head. For me, it was one of the highest honors I had ever been given.
Rob had built the Unity Community Center through sticks and stones—no small task. He developed a multifaceted youth program based on the teachings of the Honorable Elijah Muhammad, with a foundation in African culture. The Universal Dance and Drum Ensemble, birthed by the Unity Community Center, is acclaimed worldwide—all without a single cent of outsider funding. This is where my award was coming from, akin to recognition from the Nation of Islam for square work put in. Rob's last words were, “Get me your bio.” And that I did.
The banquet was scheduled for early October. As time passed, my excitement grew. But as the date approached, I found it odd that I hadn’t heard back from Rob. On the day of the event, I decided to call and confirm. Much to my concern, I was told Rob had been rushed to the hospital and the event was canceled. By the end of the month, my great-brother Robert Muhammad had transitioned, and things, as they say, got lost in the sauce. The banquet was rescheduled but without honorees. Thus, the greatest award I would have ever received—the Unity Community Annual Banquet Award—vanished into oblivion.
This story is a memorial to a great human being. Robert Muhammad was one of the unsung heroes who made a tremendous impact through community-based programs. His work, rooted in the teachings of the Honorable Elijah Muhammad, continues to inspire. While I never received the physical award, the recognition from someone of Rob’s stature is an honor that will stay with me forever.
May we always remember and celebrate the unsung heroes who work tirelessly to uplift ou
r communities, overcoming adversity and making the world a better place.