The Moorish Rite

MARINER
The Official Newsletter of the Ancient Free Moorish Rite
Volume 2 SECOND RE-ISSUE May 2008

Peace, Love, Blessings And Prosperity To

All In Summer 2008!
In this second re-issue of the Mariner's long awaited return, we glance at Sis Estelle
M. Parmer Bey and the Order Of The Moorish Star; the exciting women's component
of the Moorish Rite, Brother Devon Patillo's return home from the front lines in
Iraq, and the christening of Angelo Soliman Lodge No.3 in Florida. Also, under our
Looking For Articles section, Texas Grand Master Bro. Roger Moore pins the
historical jewels on Benjamin Banneker, while New Jersey Grand Master Bro. Quality
El issues a timely clarion call for Moorish unity. And as is customary of the Mariner,
included also are specific Masonic topics as well as topics of general interest. Enjoy!
 THE O.M.S: SOME QUESTIONS
ANSWERED
By Sis. Estelle M. Parmar Bey
(People have been asking questions, both informed
and uninformed, about the Order Of The Moorish
Star; we hope to satisfy some of those questions in
this article.)
Those who know are not joking when they
willingly tell you: “The O.M.S is no joke!”
When Ill. Bro. Clifford E. Hazel Bey said, “There
are no degrees within the Moorish Rite that are more
profound, more sacred, and more necessary than
those which define the OMS...Some of this stuff
soared right over many heads,” he wasn't joking. Not
that he is often inclined to mirth anyway, but he
wasn't sparing words nor anyone's feelings. He
insisted (before the establishment of the O.M.S) that
the Moorish Rite would only sail properly when the
women came aboard. Smart man.
What was so lofty about the O.M.S that compelled
the Grand Commander to add, “soared over many
heads,” in that bold declamation Well, just take a
quick gander at the O.M.S insignia above. Notice the
centered symbol; the word just below (maybe not
legible here but see front page) reads GOBLET. This
one is a golden goblet.
Now regarding the goblet and Bro. Hazel's statement:
a gold goblet (or grail), because of its spherical cast,
reflects light whichever way it is turned. And it
symbolizes, among other things, woman's natural,
uncompromising reflection and essence of the
Creator in all her divine aspects. It is a holy grail! Not
to be confused with the Holy Grail from the King
Arthur legend and recently made more popular by
Dan Brown's blockbuster book turned blockbuster
movie, The Davinci Code. Our goblet or grail, while
it could allude to the same historical similarities , it
has stronger references to elements from Moorish
legends. So, you see; the O.M.S is onto some “deep”
stuff!
It is called the Complementary Rite. Of course, it is
the women's component of the Ancient Free Moorish
Rite, predicated on the natural complementarity
between woman and man. And know this: The Order
of the Moorish Star is absolutely profound! Its
degrees are predicated and established upon ancient
spiritual principles. And sometimes, unfortunately,
the spiritual often “spirits” right over the heads of
many on this material plane on which we toil daily to
survive.
In that sense, the spiritual is akin to birds. Soaring in
the atmosphere above our heads, birds still exist on
in our world, and frequently alight in our realm. But
we have always marveled at their airborne abilities
and associated flying with spirituality. Birds are also
often symbols of spirituality associated with woman.
Thus, our ancient Goddesses were often depicted
with wings. Isis, was one such Goddess; she is
represented on the O.M.S star on which ten historical
Goddesses are memorialized. Moreover, we say in
the O.M.S Ritual, Bringing The Sacred Sail, “You
have the vessel, but we have her wings.” That implies
volumes about the character of the order which
cannot be covered here.
But here are some frequently asked questions—and
answers—about the order. One sunny, mid-winter
Saturday morning in the Newark library (New
Jersey), I sat for a comfortable interview/question &
answer session with a sister from the Urban Times
magazine. As we sipped warm herb tea and munched
on sliced apples and wheat bread with butter, we
talked about the O.M.S. Here is the gist of that
discourse:
Q: Is the O.M.S an “Androgynous” rite?
A: It is not. It is for women inasmuch as men and
women naturally experience peculiar rites of
passage specific to each gender as such
experiences are not mutually shared. As a
Complementary Rite, the O.M.S is not by that
designation an androgynous component of the
Moorish Rite, but is, in fact, an equal and
complementary component, but formally
separate from the Moorish Rite. O.M.S women
do organize with Moorish Rite men, but do not
necessarily hold meetings with them. For
instance, a married couple may share the same
bed, bathroom, bank account, and even the same
dreams and aspirations, etc., but they wont share
the same clothing or undergarments (not to
sound trifling), because those things are specific,
personal—and formal when you think about it.
And it's always been that way in all civilized
societies. In fact, that fine, blurred line between
the sexes is a veritable definition and true
marker of civilization.
Q: Is the O.M.S a secret organization?
A: Actually, the “androgyny” question surprised
me because this question is usually the first
question people ask; I guess people are
becoming Masonically literate these days. In all
candor though and to answer the question: No,
we're not a “secret organization. ”At least not in
a “Secret Society” sense, which is a suspicion
most often implied by the question. We do have
secret handshakes and passwords, etc., and I
guess that makes us somewhat “secretive”
concerning certain organizational practices. And
I prefer the word 'private to secret. But it's
certainly not a secret that we exist and we do not
require, nor suggest in any way, that a woman
regard her membership as secret. Please! She
can tell everybody; she should tell everybody!
Q: Must an O.M.S candidate be a spouse or
relative of a Moorish Rite Freemason?
A: No. Any woman can be a candidate, she need
not be the spouse or relative of a Moorish Rite
Freemason, although she can very well be both.
Q: Is the O.M.S just like the Moorish Science
Temples?
A:No, it isn't. At least not in a religious sense, as
the temples are religious; but maybe in a
fraternal sense some similarities between
organizations are perhaps discernible to some.
But as the Moorish Rite is not to be confused
with the Moorish Science Temples by simple dint
of the mutual word Moorish, neither should the
O.M.S be so confused. As the Moorish Rite
does respect the profound legacy of Prophet
Noble Drew Ali, remembering that all such
“A Moorish Star is a
woman of stellar
character and elevated
repute!”
temples today are not necessarily united under
his legacy, the O.M.S maintains the same.
So with respect to the M.S.T of America and the
great work and vitally important legacy of
prophet Noble Drew Ali, the O.M.S is not “just
like” that organization. But some women are
members of both organizations.
Q: Is the O.M.S religious, then?
A: Spiritual but not “religious.” The O.M.S is a
non sectarian organization and will impose
nothing on a woman's individual choice of faith
and practice; a woman's religious preference is
her own. We are, however, a Creator revering
organization. While we do recognize religion as
a wise choice and necessary aspect of people's
lives, we do not espouse any religion or religious
creed as a primary organization tenant. But
there is much here that deals with spirituality
that can help a woman gain added insight into
religious concepts. Religious discussion is so
often emotional and unsettling, we leave that
activity to individuals so inclined, to pursue in
their private or religious lives as they please.
Q: I've heard that men sit in women's
meetings in Freemasonry, controlling them
and telling women what to do...is the O.M.S
the same?
A: While we don't stress ourselves with the
goings on in other Freemasonic rites or
fraternal organizations - nor do we criticize
them, and I won't agree that the question
necessarily applies to them, suffice to say: Men
do not attend O.M.S meetings unless requested
or the Supreme Grand Commander decrees it or
requires an O.M.S audience and visits a meeting.
In other words: O.M.S women are self-governed
in meetings. We can lead ourselves in our own
affairs. And there's nothing wrong with that.
Everything is right about it, in fact.
Q: What exactly is a Moorish Star?
A:Big questions demand big answers. Don't
mind if I prelude this one: Now, of course, the
expression is fraternal and symbolic. A
physical star, we all know, is an elevated
heavenly body which emanates light, light which
is only detected by our eyes three years after its
actual emanation. A shadow of the past
influencing the present. Don't get me started!
Now I'm going to go in another direction with
this question because of its profoundly simple yet
complicated implications. The El Dey thinks I
shouldn't; he says that people must pursue their
own study to uncover profound truths. But he
asked me write this article, and so, true to O.M.S
form, thus must I be a woman, and thus, be
myself, and so, be a true light for my sisters.
That said, I will imply as well a forecast with this
answer. So here goes: Anciently, stars were
always associated with women, because stars
gave birth to the blueprint (or “trestle board,”
as my brothers may prefer to say) of the heavens.
When the sun descended, the stars ascended, to
show us the way as well as delineate where we
were situated on this earthly terrain. In this way,
stars became the invaluable tool of the navigator
at sea. For example, depending on the position
of the Little Dipper relative to the navigator at
sea or on land, navigators knew where they were
within the four cardinal earthly points.
“While we do
recognize
religion as a wise
choice and
necessary aspect
of people's lives,
we do not espouse
any religion or
religious creed as a
primary
organization tenant.”
Copious volumes have been written and spoken
about the Giza pyramids and I only echo here
that they were constructed to reflect the stars in
the heavens and to help astronomers detect the
same. The pyramids were originally glass-like,
smooth structures and when night fell, they were
a truly magnificent star-spangled spectacle. The
casing stones were designed to reflect and
magnify light. That's why the ancients called the
pyramids Ahkket, meaning Light within light,
within light, within light! Three magnificent
heavenly
lights, which also alluded to the ancient
trinitarian teachings surrounding Osiris, Isis,
and Horus. And here's my own two cents: While
historians generally regard obelisks as veritable
masculine symbols, I contend that the pyramids
are feminine symbols.
The ancient hieroglyphs show the revered
Goddess Nut (pronounced newt) depicted as the
heavens enveloping earth as her star-specked
body stretches across the earthly expanse,
associating womanhood with divine and
heavenly light—and much more. This necessarily
calls up the zodiac and Zudiakus, which alludes
to woman or the feminine reproductive aspect of
the universe. Anciently, stars were named
according to feminine phonetics. Isis was first
the name of a star before its personification as a
human Goddess. Now with that said, I will end
this answer adding only this: A Moorish Star is a
woman of stellar character and elevated repute!
Q: I understand that a male wrote the O.M.S
ritual and other Order materials, why so?
A: You mean Bro. Aalim Bey El Dey. Well, as
the Supreme Grand Commander of the Moorish
Rite and one of its Founding Fathers, he
necessarily assumed that charge. Moreover, we
could not have been more blessed with a better
“Drafter” of the O.M.S ritual than he. While the
SGC is certainly “ultra” male in demeanor and
personality, he is very capable of left brained
writing. Now as that may be an uncommon
concept for those not acutely familiar with the
writing process, it serves the SGC particularly
well for such literary work requiring a feminine
tenor. And know this: Bro. Aalim brainstormed
the O.M.S ritual concepts and the literary design
of other O.M.S materials with the express
contribution of women; his literary “ink”
followed their spiritual feminine flow. Thus, the
O.M.S material is, in essence, reflective of
womanhood. Bro. El Dey simply “penned” the
palpitations of our pulse. It's like how we say
that the prophets actually penned the scriptures,
but it's still the word of God.
Q: Why is the O.M.S even necessary?
A: Well, our people aren't exactly the picture of
righteousness these days. And the reputation of
our women is less than desirable. I think we
could use all of the moral teaching we can get.
We women, especially, should clean up our act.
Look at the way we dress and carry on
sometimes; we've lost all self respect and self
worth. Much of this “cheap” clothing signals
that we are exactly that, and it is “designed” to
accentuate one thing: our physical “ass-ets!”
And even some of us who claim a degree of
social sophistication are not inclined to morality
in it's proper applications. We don't respect our
men and they don't respect us. We are so quick to
lead or follow men in sin and fornication, but if
that same man selects a path of righteousness
and moral excellence, we will not follow or lead
if it kills us. We women will sometimes tempt
men right through the gates of hell to exert our
carnal influence over a man's lower passions
and weaknesses, but we won't dare lead the way
to heaven even if we know a shortcut to get
there. We say we want a man of God; but if we
find him, we become Delilahs in haste. We
hurriedly strive to defeat God and then take
God's place in our men's lives. What we so often
blame men for, we are ourselves the true
culprits, we should blame ourselves. You can't
tell me otherwise; I am a woman. I know that we
possess a mighty power to influence men, nature
gave that to us, but how have we used that
influence. You're looking at it today. We are poor
examples for our men and children. That's why
men really have no regard for our mental and
intellectual assets, we are merely physical
objects to satisfy their abusive carnal appetites.
I'm not advocating religion when I say this, but
study and read the biblical account of Adam and
Eve. We succumbed to the adversary's influence
and we continually do it today. Who told you to
put on that dress?
Q: O.k...but some of us do dress decently,
respect ourselves and our men and children,
and cultivate our brains instead of desecrating
our bodies. You talk like all of us are back-
wards and whoreish.
A: Hey, I am throwing some mean punches here
because I certainly don't mean to pull any; but if
I'm not hitting you, then don't cry “ouch.” And
moreover, we've got to be more sophisticated in
our thinking, in our sense of conversation: When
the man said that all Cretans are liars, he didn't
have to mean “all” and every last one of them. It
is paradoxical because Epimenides could not
have known every single Cretan, thus he could
not literally speak for “all” of them. But what he
was speaking about was that Crete culture had
become a cesspool of prevarication because a
socio-religious, tongue-twisting clergy had
greatly influenced the behavioral and religious
outlook of the average citizen. He was talking
religious oppression. I know I've gone Greek lore
on you, but the discourse does have
contemporary merit and meaning. So If you say,
'Americans love apple pie,' I hope I'm not
included in that insanity, because I abhor apple
pie—as a food choice. But “Americans”
generally do love it as a desert of choice and
they love it as a socio-political symbol as well.
Q: Whoa! You really drove that point home; I
think I got your meaning. Are you always so
passionate about Greek Philosophy—and
apple pie.
A: You got jokes. I am always passionate about
erudition and intellectual discussion. The
Epimenides paradox always stimulated my
intellectual appetite. Apple pie just doesn't do
anything for me. But I am speaking to a much
broader and specific concern here. Much of
these immoral behavioral norms we see with our
women—and men—are vividly symptomatic of
an oppressed people. But that should not be an
excuse. Other people have overcome oppression
using morality as a primary weapon against it.
We must understand that and do the same! As a
people, we have got to get our act together and
understand that immorality is a byproduct of
oppression and poverty. And believe it or not,
many people rely on immoral behavior as a
means of survival in a world run amuck with
immorality.
The point is that we sometimes generalize;
but because we do, that doesn't mean the listener
should place “all” our words in a specific
context. We must stay within the context of a
conversation to better comprehend its contents.
And to get back to my initial answer: Yes, we do
have fine examples of womanhood out here. And
I strive for that in my life as well. But we are few
and far apart. We need to increase the examples
to insure a righteous future for our children and
nation. The merchants of our ignorance are
filthy rich from our filth and getting richer every
second. Aids and herpes have taken up
permanent residence in our communities. And
drugs have ever reigned on the “urban” throne.
Teen pregnancy is out of control and homicide is
the norm. Listen: I won a $5,000 scholarship in
college for a paper I wrote on street vigils in the
Black communities across America. Now that
award doesn't make me so special, this is no self
aggrandizement moment for me, I didn't think I
would win a literary award for something it
seemed that no one cared about or even noticed.
And people who live outside of certain urban
communities couldn't even relate to my paper.
It's true. They were like, “Oh-my- gosh! I can't
imagine! Poor, dear; and she survived this! We
need to give this child an award! Somebody
write a check, please.”
I was in absolute shock all the way to the bank.
And somehow I felt that I owed something to all
the fallen victims of urban violence; some of
them even family members I grew up with.
Q; I understand that you donated $2000 of
that award to an anti gun organization, is that
why?
A: Yes. Street vigils have become a cultural art
form in urban America; they are directly linked
to guns and killing in America's “poor”
communities. And most of the victims are Black
males under 22 who live in single parent
households headed by women under 35. Don't
make me go statistic here!
I grew up walking to school every morning,
passing by vigils on every corner. It was like,
“O.K, let's see who got shot last night.” You
could count on at least one vigil popping up
every three days or so; you became desensitized
to death. And on weekends, forget about it...was
like the OK corral in the hood! Guys were
always trying to impress girls by showing us
their guns—and I don't mean biceps. In the hood
you can get a gun before you can get a job. And
chances are high you will find your best friend
shot dead before you find your daddy whom you
have never seen!
El Dey often says, “When you declare war on a
people, you arm them with guns.”
You see, this message is not for the timid or lame
women. It's for those who are committed and
poised to stand up for change. But for those
women insistent on being wanton whores or
professionals in the office by day and
“professionals” in the sheets by night, this
message isn't for them. They could certainly
stand to benefit from it, but if they're not looking
for us, we're not looking for them.
Look, I'm a young woman who grew up in the
“hood;” I wasn't raised on an exurban farm. I've
seen what our woman do; I've witnessed woman,
even in my own family, run the streets and sweat
the sheets while young, only to flock to the
churches the moment their breast sag and age
knocks on the door. It's like they think about God
for the first time in their adult lives with the
appearance of their first gray hair.
I know that Sometimes the bold and brutal truth
hurts, and sometimes I tend to speak and write
candidly, as I mean not offend anyone, but we
have to face truth order to deal with it and
minimize its painful effects, because it's truth
that will make us free, not our denial of it. Our
people are gravely in denial about so much
that goes on in our communities. We have
created a denial culture. Most devastating is our
denial of righteousness and morality as a
necessary, chief good in our lives. Instead we've
become the world's chief hypocrites!
'Why do we need the O.M.S?' Why not? Our
sisters are in trouble out here! It doesn't require
rocket science to discern that much.
Q: I notice you use the word “Black.” A lot of
the Moors don't use that word.
A: All of my comments are not restricted
exclusively to “Black” people; and besides, I try
not to get caught up in all of that wordplay, it
has its place. Although I could argue quite
convincingly from both sides of Moor vs. Black
people coin.
Q: Who is Sis. Estelle M. Parmar Bey?
A: I didn't see this question coming; but since I
am one of my favorite subjects, I'll try to be brief
if that is at all possible. About nine years ago, I
was a student in a middle-grade creative writing
course Bro. Aalim taught at a public library. He
immediately recognized my passion for writing
and always chose me for special class
assignments; I was like a teacher's favorite. He
took a sincere interest in me as an aspiring
writer and we became close; he was like a
surrogate dad to me (I'd never knew anything
about my biological father). Bro. Aalim (of
course I only knew him then as Mr. Bey) used to
take me to libraries and book readings and
literary clubs and chess tournaments, often
introducing me to people as his daughter. I didn't
complain. In fact, I thought it was cool—so cool,
I used to tell friends that he was my dad back
into my life after so many years. He didn't
complain. He gave me a PC after my mom told
him she couldn't afford to buy me my own. I
finally felt like a real writer! My first computer.
You see, I'd been writing poetry for as long as I
can remember, but I'd never owned a computer.
Now I owned one and it was great. That first
day, I wrote until I ran out of words (I cherished
that machine and still use it sometimes today).
All the while, Bro. Aalim encouraged me to
pursue education, be a “good girl,” love God,
and he always said, “Keep writing, Sister. You
have a God given gift with a pen!” Well, I
certainly started gifting myself with them,
collecting all kinds of pens, and now I have over
two thousand in an extensive collection. I've got
vintage ink pens the type of which Benjamin
Banneker probably used to cartograph D.C and
high tech do-it-all camping pens that Indiana
Jones could find useful raiding ancient Egyptian
tombs. I even own a few fancy, vintage ostrich
quills. Those things are so beautiful! Natural
pieces of art. No wonder our ancestors
spiritualized the ostrich feather.
“All I did was to show
your mom and brother the
water; they were
themselves inclined to
drink.”
Anyway. Later, when my older brother became a
Freemason, and my mom an Eastern Star in the
same year, I somehow caught on that both had
been influenced by “Mr. Bey.” Suspicious, one
day I just boldly asked him about it. Just took it
right to him! And I'll never forget his answer. He
said, “Yes, I am a Freemason. But that's just
door number one, you still haven't seen what's
behind number two and three.” And that's when
I really took notice for the first time, of the
Masonic ring on his finger. He continued, “It's a
very big part of my life, you know. And now it
has become a part of yours. All I did was to
show your mom and brother the water; they were
themselves inclined to drink. They didn't drink
simply because of thirst; they drank because they
discerned the spirit of God moving on the face of
those waters.” I said to him, “One day I'm going
to write what you just said, just the way you said
it.” And he responded “I pray that the Creator
will allow you to write for our people one day. I
think it's your destiny, M, and I'd like to be there
when that day arrives—it will truly be my honor
—and God's glory.” (Mary is my middle name
and most people used to use “M” as a moniker
for me.)
I knew very little or nothing, consciously, about
Freemasonry at the time, so I sat watching from
the sidelines, if you will, and my interest grew.
From time to time I would strike up mean
conversations with Bro. Aalim on the subject and
he would talk until my ears would go numb.
Much of it was over my head, but it was still
nevertheless intriguing. Then when I would be in
school in Social Studies or Science classes, some
of the same topics he talked about would come
up. He sometimes talked about the Moors, but
not too much; he always said, “You won't learn
much about Moors in school right now, so I
won't say much until it's time. Right now, it's all
a fuzzy puzzle on the general academic canvass.
But in time, you will learn to put the pieces
together and bring them into focus.”
I even went to a few Freemasonic events,
conventions, etc., incognito. But staying out of
site and mind of everyone, no one really noticed
me much; I was around 13 or 14 at the time, a
rather gawky, shy and pimple-faced naive
teenager. And I wrapped a turban so awkwardly,
my hair would fall out or slip through the folds. I
was far from a Mooress; I as a mess! But
because I read books on the subjects of Moors,
Freemasonry, religion and spirituality, and
peeped into Masonic and Eastern Star rituals,
too, so I knew a little”sumthin-sumthin.” I
wasn't just a droopy-eyed child all lost in a
grown up fraternal wonderland. I mean, look at
my teacher!
When El Dey would refer to me as his “Sacred
daughter,” I told him “Daughter” worked fine
for me. I asked, “Why can't you just continue to
say I'm your daughter?” He answered, “Because
these people may believe it...and we can't have
that!” Umm.
Later when his “other” daughter, my sister, was
born, I will admit that I was little jealous for a
hot hour, but I got over it. Then, when I went off
to college, I majored in Journalism on his advice
and graduated with honors. At my graduation, I
gave my flowers to my mother and my diploma
to Bro. Aalim. And I will proudly tell you: Aalim
Bey Al Dey is my father! I care not what he or
anyone else has to say about that! All things are
not “...best remained in the sound, in the deep,
unexplained.” Read the Sacred Legend Of Ariem
Abef Bey, People!
Q:Is that your eye in the picture heading this
article...I've seen it with some of your other
writings?
Yes, that's a hieroglyphic type rendition of my
left eye on papyri. I was in Egypt two years ago,
and you know they have these artist/vendors
everywhere around the Giza touring site; they'll
pull out papyri and do a picture of you right
there on the spot; they'll put the pyramids
behind you and all of that, right there on the
spot! It's rather impressive. An elderly woman
did this for me. Just my left eye, which is
anciently symbolic of feminine insight and
spirituality. It took her no more than an hour and
she charged me $10 (American dollars), but I
gave her $20 because she did such a great job.
The whole piece itself, isn't much bigger than an
American bill, about the size of a standard
envelope. But the artwork, the precision and
detail, is beautiful as you can see. Yes, I use it as
a signature for my writing. Get used to it.
Q: What do you mean by that...can we expect
more from you in the future?
A: I am honored to announce that I will pen
much of the new O.M.S material forthcoming
(with El Dey's input, if necessary, and of course
with his consent). To me, that charge has been
assigned, and I humbly submit that I am up to
the task—and I pray that you will welcome me in
that charge, so that I might be proved worthy of
the task.
Q: I understand that the O.M.S was very
active some years ago, but then things
suddenly came to a halt and all the sisters
went separate ways. Are the numbers better
today?
A: You always have to render a due and
respectful acknowledgment to those who have
pioneered. And I respect and acknowledge those
women who were there at the establishment of
the O.M.S. Today, I clearly stand on some of the
work they did yesterday.
It's not easy for women to walk this walk. As I
was expressing earlier, we are up against a lot
out here; the pressures are all but crushing.
Those women, like other people involved with
the Rite in the beginning, did their part and have
moved on; it wasn't for them to stay the whole
course. That's why the El Dey salutes everyone
on the website, whether they are still around or
not. He knew that the ship was moving in an
onward
direction and gathering an increased pace. His
salutation was more of a goodbye than a
hello to some. You see, the ship was pulling away
from the dock.
So the O.M.S is currently undergoing a
necessary rebuilding. A younger generation of
serious minded and concerned women are more
in touch with some of the things I already spoke
about than the old guard was. We have taken
hold of the mantle and a new day emerges on the
horizon.
So there you have it. I hope your questions are
answered for now and not over-answered (smile). I
thank you profoundly, and...good bye for
now...and...true peace...always
 All Hail Angelo Soliman
Lodge N0.3!
(Bro. Kenneth El and a cadre of courageous
Moors establish first Moorish Rite lodge in the
orange state.)
Brother Kenneth El is ever a wise and industrious
Freemason. Not only was he industrious enough to
move to Florida (from New Jersey) four years ago
and build the Moorish Rite there, he was as well,
wise enough to style and name his first lodge (the
first Chartered Moorish Rite lodge in the state) after
the Illustrious Angelo Soliman. When Bro. Clifford
E. Hazel Bey learned that a Moorish Rite lodge in
Florida was to be established in honor of the historic
Moor (historically recognized as the first Moorish
Freemason in the occident), he said only two words:
“Praise Allah!”
What else would we expect from the Moorish Rite
Khalif? How Kenneth El initially came to be a
Moorish Rite Freemason is the stuff of future
Moorish Rite lore—and a very rich and telling story
for another day. But today, we hail him and all the
Moorish Rite Freemasons in the state of Florida. With
sound mind and open hearts, we solemnly recognize
Angelo Soliman Jariyyah N0.3 in the state of Florida!
In Grand Master Kenneth El's own words, let's look
at some impressive navigational maneuvers credited
to Angelo Soliman Lodge N0.3 thus far:
“We now have doubled our membership since the last
newsletter. We participated in the 4th of July parade
in the City of Opa Locka, Florida. We are making
alliances for the purpose of feeding the needy in Opa
Locka. When we are in Opa Locka, we feel like we
are home because of the Moorish Architecture and
the street names (which are Moorish). We are co-
sponsoring a food distribution in the Brownsville
section of Miami on the 19th of August with the Make
A Wish veterans organization. They have been
instrumental in our efforts to feed the needy in the
city of Opa Locka. A special 'Thank you' goes to
Brother Charles Buford (Director of Make A Wish
Veterans) for his support and guidance. We look
forward to a long and prosperous relationship with
the Make A Wish veterans and admire their efforts in
these trying times. We have plans on the trestle board
to develop more fundraising events in order to
accomplish our goals of "Uplifting Fallen Humanity
Through Nourishment"
Of course, we could not have said it better and we
won't foolishly attempt to. Let's just say simply:
All hail Angelo Soliman Jariyyah N0.3!
We look forward to enjoying the progress of Angelo
Soliman Jariyyah N0.3 for many, many years to
come.
Moorish Rite Freemasons Feed
Newark, NJ. Homeless For
Holiday
(Bros. Sol Al and Clauzenei Santos
comb Newark streets to give plates to Homeless on
Thanksgiving Day)
While Thanksgiving Day is indeed a day designated
for giving and goodwill, Newark, New Jersey, like all
American metropolises, is not short of its “needy”
population. Many local organizations follow a long
standing city tradition and set up food stations at
major thoroughfares throughout the city and at
shelters and churches for people to eat, drink, and
socialize for the holiday. While these charitable
efforts are certainly always good for the city and the
Homeless population, there are always people who
slip through the cracks, and sadly never make it to the
picnic, so to speak..
Realizing this, Bros. Sol Ali and Clauzenei Santos
loaded a car with about fifty plates of home-cooked
meals, including the usual turkey with stuffing and
cornbread and candied yams, and together, they rode
all over the city slipping into those obscure cracks
where the homeless so often lurk and fed a segment
of the “needy” populous which may have otherwise
gone without “daily bread” another day.
We commend these compassionate brothers for doing
what Moorish Rite Freemasons do best, carrying on a
fraternal tradition of charity and goodwill to the
human family. And what is most impressive is that
they initiated this campaign by means of their own
largess; Bro. Clauzenei reached into his own pantry
for most of the food, while Bro. Sol broke open his
own piggy bank to purchase over a dozen turkeys.
They cooked the turkeys one day before the holiday
and then rose hours before dawn the next day, put on
their aprons back on (not the kind they wear in the
lodge, but still symbolic of honor all the same), and
hit the kitchen. Caught up in the electric spirit of
charity, Sol and Clauzenei cooked until mid afternoon
and until they felt like stuffed turkey themselves.
Hey; we all know: when you cook a lot of food you
nibble a lot of food.
SUPREME COUNCIL FUNDRAISER

Now it was time for the brothers to load up and hit

the infamous Newark “Boweries.”

We may never know how many people got full

tummys that day at all the shelters and bus terminals We can always stand to raise funds for the Supreme
and churches, etc.; but we do know that “somebody” Council as it exists under the Sovereignty of our beloved
was thankful that day for two Moorish Rite brother Clifford E. Hazel Bey and Sister Supreme Grand
Freemasons who, just for one glimmering moment, Matron Bessie Hazel Bey.
invaded their abandoned stairwell or hallway or park As a Council fund raiser item, the Moorish Rite is
bench or even makeshift cardboard-box shelter, to offering the engaging book
remind him or her that the All Seeing Eye does Bessie Hazel: Fraternal Matron & Freedom
indeed see all and has a hand to extend as well. Fighter
Visit our online store at
And what this demonstrates for Moorish Rite http://www.moorishriteonline.org/apps/webstore/
Freemasons is that, as the Most High is moving to
inspire his people to make every day a Thanksgiving
Day, Moorish Rite Freemasons throughout the
country, must model this example and make it a
Moorish Rite tradition. Let's seek out and “feed”
those who would otherwise remain at a perpetual
distance.

We have offered this book as a fund raiser item in the

pictures have been included to make it available as an
EDITORS NOTE
Sometimes, proofreading, double checking and even spell-check
and word-check are only so accurate and foolproof due to human
error. We humbly apologize for any word misplacements, spelling
errors, word omissions, etc. We only hope to bring you an
informative newsletter, reflecting in the main, the Ancient Free
Moorish Rite effort to propagate positive information through an
on line e-zine venue.
past, but now, we have revised the text and more
on line e-book.
Donations start at $50 and 70% of all proceeds go to
the Supreme Council.
Please show Sister Bessie some real love and
participate in this fund raiser while you aid the
Supreme Council.
Click on the link above to participate.

Thank You
 LOOKING FOR
ARTICLES
Who was General Hannibal?
What was his historical
contribution to Moors?
Was he a Freemason?
Perhaps you can furnish answers to
the above questions!
We are looking for contributing
articles on this great Moorish
ancestor. We reserve the right to
select the articles we publish from
those submitted as well as edit them
for this publication. All submitted
articles are subject to editing.
Editing, if necessary, is for text
structure, formatting and
presentation; not necessarily for
modification or distortion of content.
Authors will be given proper
attribution for articles selected and
published in the Mariner. If
interested, please submit articles
with your name to:
moorishrite@yahoo.com
A SOLDIER SURVIVES!
Bro. Devon Patillo Returns From The Front Lines
to reveal that combat was the least of his survival concerns
Aalim Bey El Dey
Brother Devon Patillo is a true soldier in every
sense. Not only is he a beloved Freemason; he is
a devoted father, husband, and humanitarian.
And now he is a decorated enlisted Naval
Officer, returned home from the front lines of
Iraq. And we are proud and honored to welcome
him back.
In this article, he shares some poignant active-
duty experiences with us. And Some of it may
not be pleasing to our ears, but it is the truth as
only a soldier of honor who has “been there” can
tell it. And trust me, if Bro. Devon says it, you
can take it to the bank and cash it. While he is
one the most mild mannered and genuinely
kindest individuals I have ever had the pleasure
of close proximity with, he takes no prisoners!
This is not a man to be taken any other way but
seriously. To do otherwise will be to confront his
soldier side. And that's never good at all. In fact,
that's tantamount to suicide.
Devon Patillo (P.O. 2nd class), was stationed at
Camp Arifjahn in Kuwait City, Kuwait before
being called to active duty in Iraq. While
surviving combat should have been his primary
concern, it ceased to be that, as racism was alive
and well in the military, presenting itself as a
formidable enemy to a soldier of color. Listen as
he expresses his concerns in his own words.
“I am sharing this because I love America and
would never betray my country. But so many
times I felt betrayed by men who should have
been arm-and-arm with me, and color not a
factor at all. But that was not the case. The level
of racism in the military disappointed me.
Don't get me wrong; it's great to be home and I
am a soldier at heart, but over there it seemed
like more military politics than actual war. Yes, I
saw buddies slaughtered on the battlefield and
even saw a whole platoon wiped out in a matter
of seconds; and these were soldiers that I trained
with, even shared bunkers with. Friends. But
those of us who would survive combat missions,
would get back to camp and it was like another
war going on, waged by whites against blacks
and Latinos or anyone not white. Sometimes I
would think to myself, 'This cannot be
happening...this cannot be happening!'
The truth is: some of the Iraqi citizens treated me
with more respect than some of my white
commanding officers. So I often I felt like we
were fighting a war that wasn't ours. And I'm not
ashamed to say that. I commend those Iraqi
people who were able to lift their humanity
above the politics of war. Meanwhile, there I
was, a proud soldier of the greatest country in
the world, and my commanding officers were
treating me like a I was less than dirt because of
my skin color. I was like,'this is some old-school
racist BS right here.' I would question who the
'We' meant in '“We the people.”' I thought that
all men were created equal and that we were all
soldiers, side by side, protecting democracy.
I was always proud to be a soldier, it's a
fundamental part of who I am, it's a family
legacy starting with my father and uncles; but
sometimes the way those white officers, ranking
and non ranking, would act, I must say that I
was sometimes ashamed to be called an
American. Throughout my entire Naval career,
racism has been an uncomfortable factor, not
“Listen; war is ugly,
there's nothing
beautiful or glorious
about it; it's not a movie.
On the combat field, it's
bloody, it's brutal, it's
kill or be killed. It's that
simple, yet that harsh a
reality.”
just for me, but for many soldiers of color—and
many military racial issues to this day remain
misaddressed. Racial epithets like ”Nigger”
spewing from the hostile mouths of white
soldiers and commanding officers alike, was
nothing unusual; it was an everyday thing.
Listen; war is ugly, there's nothing beautiful or
glorious about it; it's not a movie. On the combat
field, it's bloody, it's brutal, it's kill or be killed.
It's that simple, yet that harsh a reality. You go in
prepared and equipped to survive, but you know
that death can come at the blinking of an eye,
and if it does come, then you've served your
country and died for it too. And you are ready
for that reality if you should come face to face
with it. That's what makes us soldiers. And
believe me, I've come face to face with death on
the battle field more times than I want to
remember.
But when you consider the fact that racism
prevails off the battlefield, within our ranks, you
sometimes wonder what you're fighting for or
who against. You wonder if it's all worth it.
Again, war has an ugly face, but it can look
beautiful next to the face of racism. Racism can
brandish the face of an odious and vicious
monster. And it has menaced our nation for too
long now. I'm not implying that it's new in the
military, it isn't, but it can feel that way when an
individual doesn't expect it and finds him or
herself confronting it on a daily basis.”
While bombs exploded at his feet on the
battlefield and racism erupted in his face on the
bunker. Bro. Patillo's thoughts often flew to his
pregnant wife back home. She was carrying their
first son and he wondered if he would survive the
war or even racism to see his child.
“The truth is: some of the Iraqi
citizens treated me with more
respect than some of my white
commanding officers.”
“Yeah, sometimes things would become so
hostile between blacks and whites, I wondered if
I would just survive camp, let alone combat,
without somebody putting a bullet in my head, It
would get that serious! Racial fights in the
barracks packed more explosives than combat
minefields.
Now I wish for no one to see my views as all
sour. Not all white military personnel are given
to racist actions. I've had some very good white
buddies in active-duty and they were exceptions.
I can tell you now, that one of my white
commanding officers had much to do with my
honorary discharge. I loved that man and there
wasn't a racist bone in him. But there are too few
of him in the military. The problem I speak of is
a real one and we must solve it with the same
valor and courage that we bring onto the
battlefield. As a country, are we at once a
military super power able to defeat the world's
strongest armies and a moral coward unable to
even wrestle with our own demons?
Racism and its ugly history is an embarrassing
stain on the white American psyche, and because
of that embarrassment whites would prefer that
others forget about racism, put it to rest. And we
can forget about it and put it to rest; we would
love nothing more; that actually works for
people of color; but white people just won't let
go of racism. They are the people who must
forget about it and put it to rest, but they just
refuse to let it go!
So, as military people, we are the front lines. We
are the nation's defense, so we must set the
example for civilians. Racism must not continue
to exist in the military. I think America has a
proven track record of defeating racism or at
least overcoming it at times when our nation
depends that we do. It's time to close the chapter
once and for all.
“Freemasonry too, is alive
and well in the military and
just as it took “brothers”
(meaning Freemasons)
yesterday to resolve
conflict between brothers in
the Civil War, today it must be
the same. The change will
have to start with the
Freemasons.”
Whether it was Dr. King or President Clinton,
committed leaders had to be willing to lead the
way. It is that sense of true commitment to
change that has made America the great nation
it is today. Yes, racism is alive and well in the
U.S. Military and it is a deadly enemy to our
nation. But we can defeat it and we will defeat it,
because that's what we do; we are America—we
win!
We must win this war on “terrorism” abroad
because we have to fight another within our own
borders. We terrorize each other on a daily basis
like it's sport. We terrorize each other in the
workplace, in our relationships, in all our
educational institutions, everywhere and all the
time! In every sphere of life in America, someone
is terrorizing you just because you want to
pursue happiness and eat your daily bread. It's
ridiculous!
Now I add this for the sake of this newsletter, but
what I add has much merit. Freemasonry too, is
alive and well in the military and just as it took
“brothers” (meaning Freemasons) yesterday to
resolve conflict between brothers in the Civil
War, today it must be the same. The change will
have to start with the Freemasons.
Spoken like a true soldier—and a true brother.
After having served his third two year stint,
Naval Officer Devon Patillo, decked out in
splendid officer blue, arrived in the states just
hours before the birth of his first son.
Now that's a soldier's story!
(A beaming Devon Patillo receives the Navy
Achievement Medal certificate from his commanding officer, in
July 2007, for saving a fellow soldier's life)
 Sayings of the “Sovereign Grand”
By Aalim Bey El Dey

Clifford E. Hazel Bey

Anyone acquainted with the Sovereign Grand Commander knows that his thoughts are deep and penetrating and that he often expresses
inspiring and profound sentiments. This column emerges from many conversations I have been privileged to share with him over the years of
our acquaintance. And while we have, and do, converse across a vast expanse of topics, generic and profound, three often prevail to
encompass all. They are as follows.

On Freemasonry
“I want to talk about Freemasonry before 1717, before the grand Lodge of England and Anderson's Constitutions—even he
said that Freemasonry was lost before their time and implied that it was an English phenomenon. But historians admit that
much of Freemasonry was lost when the Church of Rome “burned” the Alexandria library in AD 391. Well, shucks; England
wasn't even a country in AD 391, and Alexandria is in Egypt not England. And yes, I want talk about it even before the poor
Knights of Jerusalem got into the picture.”
On the Moorish Rite
“I've always admonished El Dey: 'keep your back to wind and remain in the Creator's hands; because you must keep moving
forward with the Creator's protection and blessings. People, and “Moors” especially, are not going to accept the Moorish Rite at
first. It's going to take time and patience to build this ship. Conduct your research and write for one hundred years from now.
But keep your ear to the ground, for you will hear the footsteps of the people coming in droves like horses stampeding—in
your lifetime. I have seen this and it will come to pass by the Creator's will.'”

“I always admonish the El Dey: 'Don't kill yourself over “niggers” who call themselves “Mo's,” can't even respect their own
heritage so they make a nickname of our forefathers honorable legacy. Don't do it! And don't worry that many will remain
sitting at the docks when the ships come in sail without them, one day the real Moors will stand up! But you must keep
standing yourself, through gale, tempest and storm, and stretch your arms across the seven seas. If these American “Negroes”
don't want to grow up and be Moors, they love being “niggers,” then reach out to your brothers and sisters abroad.'”

“People may not like what the Moorish Rite is or what they think it's going to be—if they think it's going to be anything at all.
But the Moorish Rite is and will be what the Creator decrees. And I can promise you this: One day historians will write about
the Moorish Rite! And they will write about it with honor and respect—and they will talk about it the same way. The Moorish
Rite is bigger in the Creator's eyes than what many of us can see right now.”
On the Creator
“The main thing today that people must understand about the Creator, is that He has a government just as countries have
governments. He works through governmental structure. He has angels! It's much like the President's cabinet. God too, has a
Secretary of State and Joint Chiefs of Staff, etc. If you want to get a message to the President, you write your Congressman and
he'll get it to the President—you hope. But if you pray to the Creator, there are angels who carry your prayers to the Creator—
guaranteed! These angels have certain abilities to carry out certain functions according to the creator's will. So if you want to
talk with the Creator, ask an angel. But be patient; you may have to make an appointment, because everybody wants to talk
with God, you know.”

More Next Issue.

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 LOOKING FOR ARTICLES!

Benjamin Banneker - A Legacy of Moorish Excellence

By Bro. Roger Mitchell
"I AM fully sensible of the greatness of that freedom, which I take with you on the present occasion; a liberty which
seemed to me scarcely allowable, when I reflected on that distinguished and dignified station in which you stand,
and the almost general prejudice and prepossession, which is so prevalent in the world against those of my
complexion. I suppose it is a truth too well attested to you, to need a proof here, that we are a race of beings, who
have long labored under the abuse and censure of the world; that we have long been looked upon with an eye of
contempt; and that we have long been considered rather as brutish than human, and scarcely capable of mental
endowments.”

– Benjamin Banneker from A Letter to Thomas Jefferson

Many of you have met Benjamin Banneker

during your navigation. You may have learned
“You may know him as the Sable
of Mr. Banneker’s intelligence, hard work, and Astronomer, who lived a life dedicated to
diligence through his contributions to exploration of the universe, knowledge
Astronomy and Mathematics; qualities not
foreign to men of your high station. Mr.
of self and freedom of men.”
Banneker is probably best known for the legend describing his work surveying and engineering the
District of Columbia, the capitol province of the United States of America Incorporated. A project he
participated in for his student and then President of the United States, George Washington.

During your travels you may have witnessed Mr. Banneker making clocks by hand; these clocks capable
of keeping time with precision and accuracy. You may have read his Almanac, arguably his finest work,
published from 1792-1797, where he describes and predicts solar and lunar eclipse. You may know him
as the Sable Astronomer, who lived a life dedicated to exploration of the universe, knowledge of self and
freedom of men.
The astute Moor has studied the life of Benjamin Banneker. Born in 1731 to Mary, a free-woman, and
Rodger, a former slave, Benjamin was born free. Rodger Banneker was influential in the development of
an elaborate spring-derived farm irrigation system that allowed the family tobacco crop to flourish, even
during the time of drought. Benjamin was taught much by his father and grandfather. Additionally,
Benjamin’s mother and grandmother taught him how to read. Benjamin’s grandmother was Molly Walsh,
a European who was sent to America as an indentured servant. After completing her time in servitude
Molly purchased a plot of land and two slaves. One of the slaves went by the name of Banna Ka. Banna
Ka, an African, won the affections of Mary and soon married her. The Banna Ka family name was
changed to Bannaky and then Banneker by the time Mary, Benjamin’s mother, was born.

This is where our discussion begins. Benjamin’s grandfather, Banna Ka, was Benjamin’s only link to his
African history and legacy. We do not know much about Banna Ka, except for his name. Whether the
name Banna Ka was given or taken is not clear. African/Moorish parents traditionally named their child
to reflect Gods future for that child. In as much, Africans, after trans-Atlantic transport, often gave
themselves names that could resonate if heard by family. This would ensure a slave could reunite with
family based upon that name.

What is in a name? Many Moors will take the

“The difference between the living and name Bey or El to establish the connection with
the dead is the presence or absence of the Moorish Rite or Nation (i.e. Emmanuel Mu-
Ali Ben Bey). Noble Drew Ali believed the
the Ka.” name of a people is paramount to their
existence and that all so-called ‘blacks’, ‘negroes’, or ‘colored’ should forevermore be referred to as
Moors. A people without a nationality will never have knowledge of self. Knowing the origin of the
name Banna Ka, is therefore crucial in understanding Benjamin Banneker and his legacy.

Ka is from the Egyptian concept of life force. The difference between the living and the dead is the
presence or absence of the ka. The Ka is sustained through food and drink. For this reason food and
drink was often offered to the dead in Ancient Egypt.

Banna can also be traced to Egypt as the proper name al-Banna. Moreover, the word albanil is a spanish
word that means ‘mason’ or ‘builder’; it too is
derived from the Egyptian name al-Banna. A “Ibn al-Banna was arguably the
most influential and venerable Moor goes by the
name of Ibn al-Banna (1256-1321) also known
first to consider a fraction as a
as Abu'l-Abbas Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn ratio between two numbers and he
Uthman al-Azdi. It is unclear whether al-Banna is the first to use the expression
was born in the city of Marrakesh or whether it
was the region of Marrakesh which was named
almanakc (in Arabic al-manakh
Morocco by Europeans. Some historians suggest meaning weather) in a work
al-Banna was born in Granada, Andulasia and containing astronomical and
moved to North Africa for his education.
meteorological data.”
Morocco was certainly the country that al-Banna was educated in, learning the leading mathematical
skills of the period. He studied geometry in general, and Euclid's Elements in particular. He also studied
fractional numbers. It was during the Marinid Dynasty that Fez became a major learning center. At the
university in Fez, Al-Banna taught all branches of mathematics, which at this time included arithmetic,
algebra, geometry and astronomy.
Ibn al-Banna was arguably the first to consider a fraction as a ratio between two numbers and he is the
first to use the expression almanakc (in Arabic al-manakh meaning weather) in a work containing
astronomical and meteorological data. It now becomes clear that Banna Ka carries the name of
Moorish/Egyptian Africans who have excelled in mathematics, astronomy, and masonry. It is no
coincidence that his son-in-law Rodger has the knowledge of land irrigation, a skill well documented in
Egyptian and Moorish Civilizations.

American historians attribute Benjamin Banneker’s excellence in clock-making, land survey,

mathematics, and astronomy to his time with Quakers in Maryland. The fallacy in this claim is now made
evident. Benjamin’s excellence is his legacy. Countless lessons from his father and grandfather were
undoubtedly where he learned the ancient science and mathematics of Moorish Africa.

Emmanuel Mu-Ali Ben Bey [Benjamin Banneker (Banna Ka)] shares the pride of Moorish America-
Amexem not only by his choice and diligent study, but by nature and direct legacy.

Bro. Roger Mitchell is the Moorish Rite Grand Master of Texas.

 The Little Canoe Activity
Page
Moorish Word Puzzles
Decode the Hidden Message
Below
Unscramble and Spell
the words correctly:

TfgahjdIhkgfhloveghsfthejgdfjhMoorish
tyuwtyuRiteutsaufdFreemasonrygdsgfa
ItdsagIsfghSomethingghtVeryrwtjgGood
fasfgForwtrwuyAlluyrGoodyefuyjgMoors

R DPA MI Y

__________________________________ ATHIF

IENDFR

__________________________________ M OH ARN Y

NESTNOH

__________________________________ OONRH
L A MOR
EES MFN Y R A
OR
UTHRT

DU AIONETC
S cramble: Can you figure out what this
says ?

O I M R H S O E T R I
 Calling All Moors!
A Clarion Call For Moorish Unity In The Light Of Equality
By Bro. Quality El

We are living in revolutionary times, dear Moors and we as a nation must assume
the responsibility to heal the division within our nation. We are divided into many
different sects of conscience, Moors. Now that in itself is educationally progressive overall
and we share a common knowledge that we are all Moors, kith and kin, people of a
common ilk, linked to a common destiny. Also, we all stand 4 the divine principles of love,
truth, peace, freedom and justice, at least we should. But there is one principle that is
often missing. And that my family, is called Equality. Equality amongst all Moorish people,
no matter what school of thought:
AZIZAN, MSTOPA, GREAT SEAL, CLOCK OF DESTINY, WASHATAW or NUBIAN. CHRISTIAN,
MOORISH RITE, YORK OR SCOTTISH RITE FREEMASONRY, PRINCE HALL, YUROBA, etc. No
matter what, Moors, we are still bound together by the Most High, knowing that we are
children of the Most High, and that we all claim, in some way or another, to worship, love,
respect, acknowledge, actualize, embody, understand, overstand, comprehend and follow
the SUPREME NAVIGATOR OF THE UNIVERSE or whatever respective appellation we deem
necessary for the Creator or Progenitor of all life. If this is so, why do we bicker and fight
each other over petty issues, obviously disagreeing and refusing to unite. For those Moors
who have children and those who are soon to have them, would you as a conscience
parent, allow your children to hate each other and kill each other? Would you step in and
command order and have them come to terms with their differences, or would you stand
idly by while they go at each other throats? Ask yourself that question. Is there some
principle capable of healing the division between brother and sister, mother and father, to
make us once again, a firm standing unified nation. My plea to you, Moors, is that you
extend communication to your Moorish organizations as well as others, it is time to Unify-
Unify-Unify! No longer shall we stand divided against each other. Now is the time to stand
and Unite! We must take the iron feet of oppression off OUR NECKS!!! Will we come to
order in a New World Order, or will we come to our demise because we refuse to unite.
One nation, one government, one voice and one cause......LIFE! To live means you have life,
to have life means you are free! Yes. Noble Drew Ali saw it, and it starts with conscience
Moors.
I leave you with this last and final thought: Lets claim our house so that we can help
humanity, because if we don't, we may have as well killed Drew Ali and all the warriors of
truth before him, ourselves. Listen, Moors: Because I mention Drew Ali by name do not
misconstrue my message, I could have very well mentioned the whole host of ancestors.
But most of our readers are conscience Moors, who are all familiar with or pay respect to
Drew Ali. So I call you not to a personality or any particular school of thought. No, and by
no means. I only mean to call our attentions to the much talked about, but so often under
activated, time honored principle of equality.

ISLAM TO ALL!

The Concentric Square

A Moorish Rite Symbol
Of Equality

Bro. Quality El is a Moorish Rite Grand Master in New Jersey