This one hurts. Like, death is hard to talk about, but this one right here just – hurts. On yesterday, we heard the shocking news that our leader, not just our Black Lives Matter leader, but our LEADER, Muhiyyidin lost his life in New Orleans. At the age of 32, this beacon in our community is gone. The New Orleans police have not been able to identify the murderer, nor have they found any suspects. The sad realization that many of us are thinking, is that we may never find out what happened.

Yesterday, after finding out the news, it was pure disbelief – hell, even my mother couldn’t believe it and she had only met him a few times! But, anyone who came in contact with Muhiyyidin knows that he was far too good for this earth – like really just genuinely good. He was an activist, a leader, a planner, a doer (never just a talker – NEVER). He was always planning, trying to figure out what the people of his community needed most. He managed to get ME (the girl who ducks everybody; the girl who doesn’t want to come to your event, party, get-together) – yup, he managed to get people like me to show up, get active, participate, and be a part of the conversation – time and time again.

We had a lot of wild moments under the leadership of Muhiyyidin, some funny, some serious, but all memorable. Thank you Muhiyyidin aka, Moya for your leadership. Your determination and drive to do good within the community and the world was genuine and that’s why so many people rocked with you. I appreciate who you are and I thank you for the impact you made here in Charleston. Now, you can really walk barefoot, beat your drum, and spend eternity in perfect peace.

Here are some great memories we got to have with Muhiyyidin:

(Honorable Mention) Leeds Avenue – Protests

July 14, 2016 – During the Michael Slager trial, a lot happened. Protests continued and the people of Charleston spent a lot of time outside (and inside) of the jail on Leeds to send a message to Michael Slager and the North Charleston police department. There was even one night some of the BLM protesters had been arrested and we were yet again, joining Muhiyyidin, in the lobby of the Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center protesting their arrest.

5) Charleston/ NYC BLM Protests for Eric Garner

December 13, 2014 – This was the Black Lives Matter Protest, Marion Square, Downtown Charleston, SC. This was really at the start of his legacy and on this day, Charleston joined in solidarity w/ the NYC protests for Eric Garner.

4) The Stomping Ground – North Charleston City Hall

Name someone other than Muhiyyidin who could bring every hip-hop artist, poet, creator, media personality, and politician within 100 mile radius and have them marching through the streets and shutting down North Charleston! Thank you Muhiyyidin – you will continue to be an inspiration!

3) Muhiyyidin and Students of College of Charleston

July 13, 2016 – Muhiyyidin and students from The College of Charleston organized a MASSIVE protest in Marian Spare, to send a message to the schools President in regards to the confederate flag!

2) This Is What Democracy Looks Like

April 8, 2015 – On this day, in protest of the murder of Walter Scott, Muhiyyidin organized a protest inside the walls of City Hall. We LITERALLY turned North Charleston City upside down. They didn’t know what to do with us!

1) Superheroes Do Exist

I remember riding down Calhoun street and having to stop for gas before heading over to the College of Charleston. Rumors were flying that protesters would be showing up to speak out against Bree Newsome, the young woman that had climbed a flag pole to remove a conferate flag. The plan was to protest their protest! While pumping gas, I began to hear sirens, police were racing through traffic down Calhoun towards the College. I knew there was drama and figured a fight broke out. The had blocked off the streets and wouldn’t allow anyone else near the college, so I decided to head home. Before I could even get home, my the video is already all over Facebook! I’m getting text and phone calls asking “did you see Muhiyyidin” ! This was a classic moment in Charleston Black history! I probably watched that video twenty times, it was hilarious.