Today we’d like to introduce you to Troy Muhammad.
Hi Troy, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Born and raised on the west side of Detroit. When I was born my Mother was so young and afraid that she put me up for adoption. Fortunately her Sister told their Mother and I ended being adopted and raised by my Grandparents. They raised me as though they were my natural Parents, for which I am thankful. Even though they gave me the perfect childhood I was in Detroit when the city started to change. Crack cocaine entered the streets. It made for fast money for guys my age who were being recruited by older men to sell this new drug.
It was a lifestyle that was very fast. Having older parents who tried but really couldn’t keep up to prevent my fall.
By 16 years old I had been shot 9 times in two separate situations. By 17 I was headed to prison for attempted murder. My sentence was 25-50 years.
Prison is a place where many have died or simply given themselves over to their placement. I was fortunate to have a girlfriend who sent me a book that inspired me not to take either of those options. It was a book titled “UP FROM SLAVERY”, which detailed the life of Booker T. Washington. It showed how a man who was once a slave was able to overcome and star his own school. It made me think to myself that if he could overcome that then certainly I could overcome this…..I got my GED, went to all the trade schooling offered as well as college courses. Another great read was The Autobiography of Malcolm X. I was able to also see and interview with The Minister Louis Farrakhan on The Phil Donahue show. Some may see these things as insignificant but they actually can change your view. I was made to look at myself different. I saw great achievers which made me understand that I could be a great achiever also.
Based upon my changed mind set and good behavior I was given a reduction on my prison sentence. I walked out of prison after 13 years. My 1st job was hard but i was determined to succeed. I was a garbage man. Picking up garbage daily was rough. I eventually came to the conclusion to get my cdl so I can drive the truck instead of working behind it. Not long after that I became The company supervisor over 40 employees. Since the ownership liked my work ethic it gave me the ability to help the formerly incarcerated. Eventually employing over 200 over time.
Today I serve as Minister of Muhammad Mosque #1 in Detroit. This is the same space that Malcolm X. once served. I have been leading this muslim congregation now for over 10 years. This has me helping constantly in Detroit and the surrounding community. We give out food, employment opportunities, speak in the prisons and the high schools. I also started my own non profit called Gladiator School of motivation and training. Through this non profit I have mentoring programs in our juvenile system, serving and helping youth who have gotten in trouble. We also provide programs to help their parents. I also have helped organize in the area of voting, cooperative economics in our community and campaigns against domestic violence. Ive received awards from The Governor of The State of Michigan, The Mayor and city council of Detroit, as well as many other accolades. I have now been married for 25 years with 4 children, all who have attended college.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Not always smooth. Life in general can be discouraging and frustrating. Income was a challenge, leaving certain circles of people was a challenge. But faith in that which is greater kept me moving forward.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a Minister. I also serve as Community outreach Director at a local non profit. I am CEO of my own non profit Gladiator School of motivation and training. Each job allows me to deal with and help other human beings. I lecture weekly and help in the community in whatever ways that I can.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
My advice is believe in yourself. There is really no fall that you can’t get up from. No situation that you cant overcome. But it takes work and belief in self.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/troy.muhammad/
- Facebook: Troy Muhammad
