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| Shadrazad Ali (Courtesy photo) |
The Men-nefer Project, an African-centered concept that was
developed to create and develop unity in Memphis, is bringing Ali to Memphis.
The doors will open at 4 p.m. The show will start promptly at 4:30 p.m.
A bestselling author, independent publisher and social activist,
Ali is one of the nation’s most “controversial” speakers. She is a self-taught
educator who has worked for over 35 years specializing in social issues
affecting the black community.
“Sister Ali will bring vital information (to Memphis) regarding
the black family structure, one of the areas we need to focus on in order to
strengthen the black family,” said Titus Robinson, representing The Men-nefer
Project.
Robinson said he collaborated with Ali on the topic of her
lecture, which comes from a message espoused by the late spiritual leader
Elijah Muhammad – the “Messenger of Allah,” his followers had called him – who
led the Nation of Islam (NOI) from 1934 until the time of his death in 1975.
Ali rose to fame after her book, “The Blackman's Guide to
Understanding the Blackwoman (1989),” drew widespread controversy, criticism
and ridicule, which led to appearances on several national talk shows such as
“Tony Brown’s Journal,” “The Sally Jessie Raphael Show,” “The Phil Donahue Show
and Geraldo.”
Here’s an excerpt from the book: “Her unbridled tongue is the
main reason she cannot get along with the Blackman...if she ignores the
authority and superiority of the Blackman, there is a penalty. When she crosses
this line and becomes viciously insulting it is time for the Blackman to
soundly slap her in the mouth.”
“The truth is always controversial especially when people are
attractive to falsehoods and lies,” said Robinson, who doesn’t advocate hitting
women. He pointed out that Ali, however, the mother of 12 children (nine
adopted), doesn’t place women on pedestals.
“She brings them back to earth,” he said. “She is telling all
the black women’s secrets and the method she uses to keep a black man in her
web.”
Ali’s reputation and tongue-lashing remarks have been fodder for
news stories and commentaries in more than 1,000 newspapers, journals and
magazines throughout the country. She has been a constant presence on TV and
heard on the radio for over 20 years.
“People will come looking for an alternative and a solution.
People want help for their marriage and family based on cooperation,” said
Robinson. “She talks about how to survive in America without being killed by
the enemy…and what must be done.”
Ali has penned other books as well: “The Blackwoman’s Guide to
Understanding the Blackman (1992),” “Are You Still A Slave? (1994)” “Things
Your Parents Should Have Told You (1998),” “How Not To Eat Pork: Life Without
the Pig (1985)” and a textbook called “Urban Survival for the Year 2000.”
Ali is also featured in the critically acclaimed documentary
“Hidden Colors,” a four-part film series suggesting the marginalization of
African Americans in America and the world.
After a brief hiatus from the airwaves, Ali emerged in 2013 as a
guest commentator on HLN’s “Dr. Drew on Call,” where she expressed indignation
after George Zimmerman was found “not guilty” for killing 17-year-old Trayvon
Martin.
Although controversy continues to follow Ali, the activist has
earned numerous awards and citations for her efforts to help solve some of the
problems affecting black people: crime, waywardness, a lack of family values,
and errant relationships.
“We’re dealing with the same issues that we dealt with in the
1930s, ‘40s, ‘50s and up to 2015,” said Robinson, who believes Ali can help
shed light on many of those issues and provide a workable solution for black
people in Memphis.
Aside from Ali’s lecture, attendees will be
privy to music, food and entertainment. Advance tickets can be purchased online
at www.menneferproject.com or by calling 901-502-3481. For More information,
call (901) 864-5008.
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