Aminah is a writer, producer, director, and professor in the Pan African Studies Department at California State University, Los Angeles. She was born and raised in South Central LA and her father is activist and author Donald Bakeer, who wrote the novel that the film SOUTH CENTRAL is based on. She holds a B.A. from U.S.C. in Cinema T.V. and an M.F.A. in Directing from UCLA’s Film & T.V. Department.
Ephraim Salaam is a former 13-year veteran of the NFL, and youngest ever to play in the Super Bowl. He was among Muslim athletes honored at the U.S. State Department by Secretary of State Hillary Rodham-Clinton. Salaam now works in the entertainment industry. He is co-executive producer of the films "The Intruder" starring Michael Ealy and Meagan Good; and the new Sony Pictures Film "Black and Blue," featuring Naomi Harris and Tyrese Gibson.
Percell Keeling, Founder, and Owner of Simply Wholesome, a Health food Store and Health-oriented Restaurant with a Caribbean flair. Simply Wholesome was born in 1984 and the community embraced the healthy food, shakes, and products. In 1994, Simply Wholesome purchased a huge 5500 sq. ft. property on the Southwest corner of Slauson and Overhill Street. The entire project was facilitated by customers and residents of this community.
Najee Ali is an award-winning nationally celebrated civil rights activist who currently serves as a chaplain for Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti Crisis Response Team (CRT), the first Muslim chaplain in their history. Ali has worked for or with nationally celebrated figures that include President Barack Obama, Rep. Karen Bass, Senator Kamala Harris, Rev. Jesse Jackson and Rev. Al Sharpton. Ali was selected by Wave Publications as the most Influential Black leader in Los Angeles
Additional Awardees include:
Imam Salim Mumin, founder M.A.L.I. - Muslim American Logic Institute - Detroit, Mich.
Malik Abdul Mujahid - founder South Vision, Radio Islam and Humanitarian Watch Groups - Chicago, IL
Ustades Aneesah Dawan - Advancing the Teachings of Imam W. Deen Mohammed - Little Rock, Ark.
Imam Mubaashir Uqdah - Preserving the Teachings of Imam W. Deen Mohammed - New Jersey
Mikal Rashaad Majeed - Los Angeles Muslim Journal Vendors Support