moorish star no-1.1

Volume 1, Issue 1

December 16, 2009 – January 16, 2010A Califia Territory Publication

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

LOCAL

What Is The Moorish American National Group? ...2REGIONAL & NATIONALKnow Thyself ...3 Moorish Star Media Launches Online News Website ...3Urban Garden Initiative Takes Root ...3

The Importance Of Proclaiming Your Nationality ...3INTERNATIONALU.N. General Assembly Considers Restitution of Cultural Property ...4

Bahian Brazilians Face Discrimination ....4Bolivia Urges Slavery Of Indigenous People In Chaco Region To End ...5VOICE OF WISDOM

“Our Nation’s Unification” ...5

The Moorish Star©

“Uplifting The Fallen Humanity”

Pr ov i d i n g A B ea c o n O f L i g h t Fr o m T h e We s t Co a s tLETTER FROM THE EDITOR

The Moorish Star is produced with the intention of

informing its Moorish people about their nationality and events which effect their communities locally, nation-wide and internationally.

Standing on the principles of truth, peace, justice and freedom, this newsletter is a product of an upright and pure nation finding its way back to their rightful place at the helm of humanity.

To uplift humanity is a charge mandated by supreme authority of the great Creator. This mandate is thereby inherited and carried out as a life-long purpose. Thus, to uplift humanity is a charge welcomed.

To uplift our brothers and sisters ignorant of their ancestry is a challenge faced with the utmost divine love. This task is done in the face of adversity and with diligence. This newspaper is a manifestation of our will to assist those unaware of their Moorish roots.

Acceptance of the misnomer/classification of African-American, Black, Negro or Colored has allowed our people to be subject to obscene abuses, and gross violations against inalienable natural rights. The use of such

misnomers has separated our people from a birthright endowed and promised by the hand of the Almighty.

The legacy of the Moorish Empire remains only partially unveiled. The reference to Moors has been relegated to a mere footnote in textbooks, a cursory historical factoid, briefly mentioned (if at all), or labeled an ethnological disappearing act. Only a small percentage of our

people have knowledge of our antiquity through the conquests of Spain, Portugal, and Italy etc., however, this still is not the full scope of the Moorish legacy.

Shrouded in secrecy, the heritage of the Moors here in North America, Central America, South America and all adjoining islands has been withheld from the indigenous inhabitants of these continents. In this omission of history, they have accepted misnomers to their own unknowing detriment.

Despite our people’s lack of knowledge about their Moorish history, it is not subject to erasure nor is it sentenced to forfeiture of ancestry. It awaits you to proclaim it and stand in the footprints of your forefathers and mothers.

The Moorish Star recognizes the need for denationalized Moors to have their own media forum and outlet, for which information can be disseminated about the various initiatives from several Moorish groups within the Moorish movement.

The Moorish Star is one of many initiatives created by the Moorish Nationals of the Califia Territory to liberate those unaware, unify other Consulates and Moorish groups nationally and internationally thus bringing us together on one accord.

We ascertain that all knowledge included in this newspaper is accurate, provides valid sources and addresses any discrepancies. We do not participate in slander, libel or perjury.

The Moorish Star’s sole purpose is to provide a beacon of light in the darkness.

Sis. Dhiya Khephra Ptah ElMinister of Information The Moorish Star, EIC

The Inaugural Issue

The Moorish Star

Know Thyself: 5 Documents Every Moor Should Know AboutEvery denationalized Moor (formerly

classified as Negro, Black, Colored or African American) should know exactly what makes them a free national. the following documents listed are the cornerstone to comprehending status nationality, commerce and natural rights.

KNOW THYSELF

The Treaty Of Peace & •FriendshipPreamble & Constitution •Articles Of Confederation•1790 Sundry Free Moors •Act1857 Dred Scott Decision•13• th & 14th Amendments3/5 Clause•Abdul Rahman Ibrahim Ibn •Sori: ‘Prince Among Slaves’ (PBS DVD/Video $36.94)Uniform Commercial Codes •(UCCs)“The Exhuming Of A •

Nation” by Sheik Elihu N. Pleasant-BeyThe Holy Covenant of the •Asiatic Nations

Initially being able to grasp the content of these documents can be a difficult task, and all the more challenging without knowing the meaning of certain words used in the language of those documents.

Listed below are a few basic terms that accompany learing and studying law and commerce in order to proclaim your Moorish heritage.

You should know these follwing words and their definitions, as provided in the Black’s Law Dictionary (3rd & 4th editions): Indigenous,Sovereign, In Propria persona, Sui Juris, Pro Se, Nationality, Colorable/ Color of Law, Black, Free White Person, Citizen, Inalienable rights, Goods, Chattle, Property, Expatriation, Jurisdiction, Statelessness, Refugee, Collateral, Debtor, Instrument, Wall Street, Stock & Bonds and Driver.

In addition you must know these five requirements which make you a “whole person:” Principles, Religion, Land, Creed and Nationality.

Lastly, the most important information to know and apply is The Declaration of Human Rights For Indigenous Peoples, according to the United Nations.

What Is The Moorish National Group?

Several brothers and sisters who want to join “The Divine National Movement of North

America” want to know in certain terms what is the Moorish National Group (M.N.G.). It’s best to distinguish this sovereign collective by perhaps first defining what we are not.

We are NOT a cult, religious •organization or a non-profit organization.

We are NOT a religion. •

We are NOT affiliated with •any groups who would seek to destroy, murder or promote violence.

We are NOT a radical ‘black’ •identity movement, nor, a ‘black’ supremacy group. For ‘black’ is defined as ‘death’ and our divine movement is one of

LIFE.

We are NOT a Moorish Science •Temple of America (MSTA).

These few important distinctions serve to eliminate a degree of confusion attributed to our obscurity (yet fully known in the proper channels). Moorish American Nationals are a legally valid and operational movement based on the natural right to have a nationality.

Negro, Blacks & Colored (now called African-Americans and referred to as NBCs) have never acquired nor proclaimed a nationality or true identity.

We, along with other select national groups, work in the unifying goal to unveil this vital fact to those unaware of such a right. The M.N.G. is then solely defined within this simple yet all the more complex goal.

We ARE• a body of Moors, who address the affairs and concerns

of our Moorish people.

We • ARE a national indigenous group.

We • ARE committed to fulfilling the prophesies of our forefathers and foremothers.

We• ARE honoring our “mothers and fathers” (ancestors) in reestablishing the spiritual tenets/ principles of Love, Truth, Peace, Freedom and Justice. Hence we assume our original role of creators, harmonizers, and promoting life—to be lived freely and abundantly for our people.

We ARE• an ally to all our Moorish family – nationally and internationally.

The Moorish Star Volume 1, Issue1

Moorish American Nationals Launch New WebsiteSACRAMENTO — The Moorish

American Nationals of the Califia Territory recognize the importance of utilizing technology, as it is one of the greatest tools to unify, organize and inform our people.

The new gorup has launched a website to provide community resources and updated national and international news for Moors.

“The online media site serves as an enhanced version of The Moorish Star that provides access to other venues news in print cannot cover,” stated Sis. Dhiya Khepra Ptah El.

“The newspaper and the website are both designed to compliment one another to reach Moors,” added Sis. Ptah El.

The website features various forms of media, such as, blogtalk radio,youtube lecture series, video streaming and music from Moorish artists. This site is also equiped with private account access for subscribers and distributors of the newspaper .

Even more impressive is the business directory called the “Moorish Bazaar”—a virtual marketplace for entrepreneurs.

The idea behind the bazaar is to stimulate our own economics and

commerce among the Moorish national community. Cooperative economics in the Moorish community is a necessity for nation building and sustaining our consulates from coast-to-coast.

“The website is designed to give Moorish Nationals access to information and community services that are readily available and to assist them,” stated Noble Salaam El, Minister of Education.

“With a Moorish Co-op we don’t have to operate outside of ourselves. We protect

our nationhood by being a self-sufficient nation,” added Noble Salaam El.

Our people have a wealth of creativity, available services and products. Moorish business should be in a venue that permits the exchange of our own culture and not under the auspices of an illusion.

For more information about the website, visit www.moorishstarnews.com. (MAP)

The Importance Of Proclaiming Your Nationality

United Nations –Mirroring the international

community’s growing awareness of the trauma that people and their Governments suffered when their cultural properties were stolen or trafficked, the General Assembly today considered a draft resolution that asked Member States to actively cooperate in returning displaced cultural artefacts to their rightful home countries.

In a morning debate that covered topics ranging from the security implications of climate change to encouraging development by curbing armed violence, the Assembly also adopted a consensus resolution on follow-up to the commemoration of the two-hundredth anniversary of the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade.

Introducing a revised version of a text first put before the Assembly on November 2, Jamaica’s representative said it was fitting that delegations were taking action today, which was recognized by the United Nations system as the International Day of Tolerance. The resolution welcomed the initiative of the member states of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to place a permanent memorial at United Nations Headquarters in acknowledgement of the centuries-long tragedy of the transatlantic slave trade and in consideration of the legacy left by the transatlantic slave trade.

It also welcomed the creation of a committee of interested States to oversee the memorial project in collaboration with United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), representatives of the Secretariat, the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture of the New York Public Library, and civil society. The resolution also

endorsed the creation of a trust fund for the permanent memorial, which would be called the United Nations Trust Fund for Partnerships – Permanent Memorial.

When the Assembly turned to other issues, the representative of Greece introduced the draft resolution on the return or restitution of cultural property to the countries of origin, saying the removal of cultural property from countries of origin was against all principals that culture represented.

“Culture is the soul of a nation. The illicit removal or destruction of such property deprives people of their history and tradition. Restitution is the only means that can restore damage and reinstate a sense of dignity,” he said.

Praising UNESCO’s work in this area, he said Greece was confident that the international community would keep

The Moorish Star


Bahian-Brazilians and Indigenous Groups Face Serious Bias, says UN Rights Chief

While Brazil has an “impressive” set of laws and policies to promote human rights and improve socio-economic well-being, indigenous groups and Afro-Brazilians face serious discrimination, injustice and violence, the United Nations human rights chief said today.

Wrapping up her week-long visit to the South American nation, High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay noted that millions of Afro-Brazilians and indigenous people are “mired in poverty” and lack access to basic services and employment opportunities.

“Until that changes, it will hamper Brazil’s progress on many other fronts,” she told a news conference before departing the country, urging officials to focus on fully implementing existing laws, plans and policies to address discrimination.

“Many of Brazil’s biggest problems are rooted in poverty and discrimination, and a truly universal secondary education system is essential if there is to be major improvement in these areas,” she added.

At the same time, she noted a number of issues of concern, including the situation of the country’s indigenous people. The fact that she had not seen a single indigenous person among all the many officials she had met during the visit was “very indicative of their continued marginalization,” she stated.

In addition, there are very few Afro-Brazilians in positions of authority, and this was particularly striking in the country’s northern Bahia state, “where three-quarters of the population are Afro-Brazilian, but hardly any of the top administrators.”

Turning to the issue of violence, the High Commissioner acknowledged that Brazil’s police had a tough task in trying to maintain law and order.

“The astonishingly high rate of homicides in Brazil’s overcrowded prisons, and allegations of widespread torture and inhumane conditions are alarming and unacceptable,” she said.

“Equally disturbing is the fact that the vast majority of those incarcerated are Afro-Brazilians.

While in Brazil, the High Commissioner also attended the annual national conference on human rights defenders and also visited an isolated community of Afro-Brazilian descendants of slaves in Bahia state, and one of Rio de Janeiro’s poverty-stricken favelas.

Paraguay, Bolivia, Urges End To ‘Slavery’ Of Guarani

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moving together towards greater action to safeguard the return and restitution of cultural property to the countries of origin.

By that text, to be acted on at a later date, the Assembly would urge Member States to introduce effective national and international measures to prevent and combat illicit trafficking in cultural property, including publicizing legislation and offering special training for police, customs and border services. It would also invite Member States, in cooperation with the UNESCO, to continue to draw up systematic inventories of their cultural property, as well as work towards the creation of a database of their national cultural legislation, in particular in electronic format.

Ethiopia’s delegate, Kenea Kuma, was also optimistic about the international community’s progress in that area and pointed to Italy’s return of the Axum Obelisk as a new chapter in its relations with Italy.

Ethiopia, which suffered from repeated lootings and systematic smuggling of its cultural heritage dating back to the religious wars of the sixteenth century, strongly believed that cooperation in

returning cultural properties was a matter of ethics and fundamental moral principles.

“The return of displaced cultural properties is a fundamental means of restoring and reconstructing people’s heritage and and identity. It embodies an inalienble attribute of every people’s sovereignty that they should have access to and enjoy irreplaceable symbols of their heritage,” stated Kuma.

China’s representative, Liu Zhenmin, called the illicit appropriation and trafficking of cultural property “a sacrilege” and said the global community had to prevent all aspects, whether through auctions or other activities, of such trafficking.

“Such symbols of identity of a nation or people or cultural property represent a valuable asset of human civilization. Illegal approriation runs counter to the spirit of international treaties and infringes on cultural rights,” Zhenmin said.

Peru’s Luis Enrique Chavez said cultural property allowed nations to forge an identity, and peoples to develop as individuals in a society. States had the right to protect such property, a task that could not be undertaken in isolation, since only part of cultural property was in State

hands. Efforts in preventing the removal of

and trafficking in cultural property needed the help. Such efforts were made more difficult when cultural property was not under the jurisdiction of the country of origin, which “punished” those nations that had the least resources.

For its part, Peru was recovering cultural property and, thanks to cooperation with other countries, had recovered pieces of invaluable importance.

In addition, Peru was pleased to return three clay tablets to Iraq, seized from international traffickers, efforts taken, not only to comply with international agreements, but with understanding they were a moral imperative.

In that context, he underscored Peru’s efforts to recover pieces from Machu Pichu, which remained illlegally at Yale University. He lamented that dialogue had not born fruit and it was necessary to take legal action. He urged redoubling efforts to resolve such disputes through friendly negotiations.

The Assembly adopted the resolution, introduced on November 2, 2009, by consensus without a vote.

Russell Simmons, ‘Goodwill

Ambassador’


(CARICOM) and the African Union, the event aims to re-engage the attention of the international community with the horrific nature of slavery, the transatlantic slave trade and its legacy of discrimination.

“We feel Mr. Simmons is an ideal candidate to espouse the broader concept and objectives of the initiative to erect this permanent memorial,” said Raymond Wolfe, Jamaica’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations and Chairman of the Permanent Memorial Committee. Mr. Simmons, voted among USA Today’s “Top 25 Most Influential People of the Past 25 years”, “was an easy choice”, he added.

Lila Ratsifandrihamanana, Permanent Observer of the African Union to the United Nations, highlighted the commitment of African countries to the initiative, referring to a decision taken at the regional body’s Twelfth Assembly of Heads of State and Government, which “recognizes the enduring and tragic impact of the slave trade as a crime against humanity on the African people and its generations”.

Best known as a leading entrepreneur and hip-hop pioneer, Mr. Simmons’ groundbreaking vision has influenced music and the recording industry, fashion, jewellery, finance, television and film, as well as the face of modern philanthropy. As Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Rush Communications, he has consistently leveraged his influence in the media and popular culture to give back. A devoted yogi, Mr. Simmons also leads the non-profit division of his organization, Rush Community Affairs, and its ongoing efforts to empower at-risk youth through the arts (Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation), social engagement (Hip-Hop Summit Action Network) and higher education for Africa (Diamond Empowerment Fund).

Mr. Simmons, a native New Yorker and proud father of two daughters, is also Chairman of the Foundation for Ethnic Understanding, dedicated to bringing all religions and ethnicities together. He also serves on the Board of Directors of several organizations, including Petra Nemcova’s Happy Hearts Fund, and is involved in numerous cause initiatives to

empower individuals in struggle.

“It’s humbling to be invited to join the UN community in this role as Goodwill Ambassador. In recognizing the past, we understand the stakes in ensuring that something as devastating

to the human condition as the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade will never happen again,” said Mr. Simmons.

“My life’s commitment is to be of service to the empowerment of young people living in struggle, who undoubtedly have been effected by this legacy. I look to the future with inspiration and faith as we work every day to bring freedom and equality to all young people around the world.”

The Permanent Memorial will be administered through the Permanent Memorial Fund by the United Nations Office for Partnerships (UNOP). Its completion date is set for 2012.

The Fund has received $250,000 of the projected $3.5 million cost so far from 25 of the 122 Member States that co-sponsored General Assembly resolution 63/5.

“I want to show our people plant and seed identification and teach them how to cook what we are growing in the garden.”

She shared that the garden initiative is ideal for the Western region as the climate is suited to yield several different kinds of organic fruits, vegetables and herbs.

“I want everyone to know that there are four seasons to grow here. We can plant summer vegetables during our winter months. We can plant vegetables that grow year round, such as collard greens, celery and kalarabe greens (deep purple collards),” said Sis. Napue.

There are 38 plots total on the site, and the Consulate shares the garden’s location with Hmong and Mien

communities. It is anticipated that this garden will enable Moors to develop a cross-cultural exchange and establish trade with South East Asians (Asiatics) to stimulate economics in both our communities.

“I knew it was important for the consulate to acquire land because with this garden we can provide food for our community. Here we can learn how to make dehydrated foods for storage and emergency survival, teach canning techniques and make wholesale purchases to pull in finance together,” stated the Elder.

“I want to teach our people how to be self-sufficient and for our community to be self-producing. This will make our families more stable—it pulls family together…it

unifies them,” she added.The Moorish

Cypress Garden groundbreaking is expected to take place in the Spring of 2010.

“It’s up to us to begin planting. All we need is volunteers for physical labor. For those who want to be a apart of the garden they can donate compost, peat moss, manure, pearlite, seeds, plants, live vegetable plants or flats, fruit trees or herbs to be placed in the garden.”

“People can also donate tools such as shovels, work gloves, metal hard rakes, picks, pitch forks, water hoses and a rotor till,” added Sis. Napue.

For more information call (916) 491-9090.

GARDEN: Initiative Takes Root...

SIMMONS: ‘Goodwill Ambassador

SIMMONS

The Moorish Star

Coloreds, but a clean and pure nation of people bearing one name of freedom,” stated Dr. Pleasant-Bey.

“I knew then he had to be sent from God, because we were buried so deep in the shallow grave of the constitutional laws of the USA, until nobody could hear us pray. Ali made a difference for the better in the West,” he added.

It is a violation of the Universal Order to be the only people not attached by nationality to the human family. NBC and all unproclaimed Moorish Americans (unprotected by their free national government and unrecognized by the nations of the Earth) need to seek refuge in the International community to protect themselves and loved ones. The Declaration of Human Rights For Indigenous Peoples, specifically Articles 15 and 16, provide protection against violations on a natural being. However, in order to fully receive the protections that accompany the Declaration of Human Rights For Indigenous Peoples, African Americans must realize they have a Moorish heritage to proclaim.

The United States has a recorded history of innumerable abuses experienced with NBCs. Did you know that lynching, maiming, beating, or racial profiling are highly illegal offenses and practices against an Indigenous/ Natural being? Yet, these actions are considered legal to property, cattle (chattel) or animals—items that are NOT considered human.

Furthermore, are you aware that the issues NBCs have fought, bled and died for, such as inequality, civil rights (as distinctly different from unalienable rights), economic stratification and poverty levels are eliminated or become obsolete when you proclaim your nationality?

What if, all you had to do was declare that you are NOT a fictitious label engineered for enslavement? And doing this one act could ultimately remove you from all such previous ill treatment…

Noble Drew Ali knew the secret to drastically improving the status and treatment of his people. He prepared for our people, an exit from this system through providing us with our true, indigenous, and sovereign, ancient name of Moor.

“It was during the Pan American Conference in 1928 when Noble Drew Ali was given the Mandate for the Land of North America, in which the United States had been occupying illegally since 1871. This mandate is now in Geneva, Switzerland awaiting to be proclaimed by the Moorish Nation,” recalled Dr. Pleasant-Bey.

“While attending this Conference for Indigenous Nations, Noble Drew Ali did attach the Moorish Americans to the free national powers of the Earth. During his appearance in Havana, Cuba, Drew Ali registered the Moorish Americans as a Nation, with a Free National Constitution de jure,” he stated.

“The conference was not about any religious concerns [as that is pertinent to Non-governmental organizations, otherwise known as NGOs] but certain unalienable rights guaranteed to the Human Family of Nations. These

Pan American Conferences were the forerunner to the United Nations. These Pan American Conferences were the designer of today’s world-renowned United Nations and Declaration of Human Rights.”

Generations of Moorish Americans honor the foresight and actions of Noble Drew Ali. It was his ability to awaken our people with the truth of their identity and begin the foundation and framework for our nation that we give him our deepest respect. For those who call themselves African Americans, you must know your ancestors — the Moors — were regal, noble and the natural leaders of humanity.

It is time for you to return to your rightful station among the human family of nations. Noble Drew Ali and many others have laid the groundwork for you to obtain your nationality. All that remains is for you to proclaim it.

7

Proclaiming Your Nationality...


In a recent conversation with a young Moorish Sister, she posed this question to me.

I had often wondered when I began this journey, why was there so much confusion about the whole process of proclaiming one’s nationality.

In the aforementioned example, the woman knew that proclaiming her nationality was of vital importance, however, she did not exactly know how to go about doing it. All of her sources said different things. Some groups told her contradictory instructions and she found herself lost…yet again.

Mobilization rests in the ability to effectively communicate with each other.

Various Moorish groups long-standing disagreements with one another on what to teach has left our nation—and its subsequent generations of young Moors— fragmented, disjointed and in disarray.

More often, young Moorish Nationals have come with their eyes open and with willingness in their hearts to finish the work Nobel Drew Ali began but they have been left directionless.

It is these young Moors that often are discouraged in the journey to become their upright selves. Yet a legitimate issue may be tackled through acknowledging those stubborn elders who know that the young will arrive as prophesized by Noble Drew Ali, and “seat the older Moors to the back,” In knowing this prophesy many elders refuse to listen to the young.

The Moorish nation’s lack of cohesion and inability to distinguish ‘what is what’ leaves our people seeking the knowledge of history and nationality without a foothold of solid comprehension or clarity.

A foundation must be set among all Moorish groups! Although this is a daunting task, we all must agree that adherence to a universal path of proclaiming one’s nationality must be established. We must also agree to that foundation and do so without a central spokesperson or figurehead.

It is time to leave behind the days

of looking for one great leader—as the Negroes do—and surpass the methods that brought us to the present dilemma plaguing our Moorish people.

Perhaps, confronting issues that would rather be railroaded, is a start to mending these detrimental gaps in our nations unification.

The Moorish Star reserves All Rights to CREATION, MANIFESTATION, LABOR AND ORIGINAL DESIGN of this publication. ALL attempts to duplicate or profit from this publication without the expressed written consent of the Moorish American Nation-als, violates the highest principles we hold sacred. ANY attempt will result in economic compensation due the Moorish American Nationals, and refusal of access/member-ship to this publication. (No. RR945163652US) (UCC-207)

VOICE OF WISDOMBro. Tehuti Al Ma’at Taharqa ElColumnist of The Moorish Star