Interview Article with Author, Dr. Missey Muhammad

Reading Time: 5 Minutes

In this inspiring interview with author, Dr. Missey Muhammad, she shared with me the story behind her newly released book, THE BLACK WOMAN'S PSYCHOLOGICAL D.I.E.T.: Feeding on Truth to Positively Shape Our Own Mental Reality.  She discusses how it is critical that we feed on the extraordinary truth that nourishes our minds, spirits, and communities in a world that frequently aims to diminish our worth, distort reality, and jeopardize our mental health. Now is the perfect moment to take back our true story, take charge of our mental health, and live fully in the truth that sets us free.  

 Nadine Muhammad: Please, would you tell our readers about yourself? 

Dr. Missey Muhammad:  I am Dr. Missey Muhammad and first, I would like to say that I am married to St. Assistant Minister Victor Saadiq Abdul Muhammad, my soulmate, best friend and I am a registered member of the Nation of Islam. Together, we have seven children and three grandchildren. By Allah's (God's) Grace and Mercy, I am currently the Local Student M.G.T. Captain in Detroit, Michigan. I am filled with immense gratitude and love for the opportunity to serve and assist in the training of women and girls in the Muslim Girls Training and General Civilization classes. Collaborating within this incredible Sisterhood, filled with the women and girls in the M.G.T. class has been a great source of inspiration and joy for me. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated Student National M.G.T. Captain, Sister Naeemah Muhammad for her hard work and the opportunity to serve in the capacity of Student M.G.T. Captain. The Spiritual and Moral Developmental Training from the Teachings of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad, as well as the Muslim Girls Training and General Civilization classes, assisted me in developing restorative practices, in the context of understanding my value, my morals, my ethics, and a connection to a spiritually higher purpose with Master Fard Muhammad. With a wealth of experience, I have completed the courses required for my Doctorate of Management in Organizational Leadership (DM), and I have multiple awards and certifications in various training fields. I also hold a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) and a Master’s degree (MBA) in Business Administration. Working with individuals, teams, and organizations to help them refocus, revitalize, restructure and reposition themselves, in order to increase performance and productivity has always been my purpose. As an Organizational Leadership Development consultant, my job involves tackling problems related to resource management, in an organization that impacts service delivery, compliance, and performance. Inshallah, I pray that my training and experience will enable me to carry on developing strategic models, for issues related to organizational interventions, change/crisis management, and interpersonal dynamics using leadership. In addition to conducting training and developmental workshops in the corporate sector, I have over 20 years of experience as a corporate business consultant. As an Outreach Coordinator, I supported outreach initiatives, gave leadership support, and served as an "Ambassador" for a novel Human Services pilot project that offered continuous support in the Detroit metropolitan community. One of my favorite quotes is from Einstein, "In the midst of difficulty lies opportunity.” Prior to coming to the Nation, I worked as a Professional Development Consultant (Train the Trainer) on women's issues and empowerment, for The Professional Woman Network (PWN), a diverse national and international consulting network. I was a member of the network for fifteen years and served on their International Speakers Bureau. I created and tailored training workshops for individuals, corporations, associations, and colleges after learning about a broad spectrum of women's challenges. A key component of Personal Development, (Awareness Sessions) assist participants in getting closer to developing self-confidence, and the capacity to present a positive image, using mindfulness exercises/techniques, journaling for self-reflection and other resources strategies/skills. I am grateful for every opportunity to strive to be a better and stronger individual each day despite trials, hardships, challenges and frustrations. With the help from my husband and in the midst of some of my serious difficulties (past psychological injury due to domestic abuse, trauma) and trials, was the opportunity for me to learn “real” self-knowledge, striving to heal. The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan said when asked, “What is the purpose for Knowledge?  He answered, “The Honorable Elijah Muhammad has taught us that the purpose for knowledge is to feed the development of the human being until that human grows into divine and becomes a true manifestation of the characteristics of God. If the purpose of knowledge is to evolve man into a true manifestation of God, then the hunger for knowledge is a natural desire in the human being that should never be frustrated.” This guidance ignited something within me, like a light, and it fueled my desire to comprehend my own strength. Greater power comes from greater understanding! What truly warms my heart is the passion and determination that we all exhibit when pursuing our dreams. Each one of us is a testament to the incredible potential within, waiting to be unleashed. I believe in our abilities, our strength, and the impact that we can have on the world. Teaching and training aren’t just a profession for me; it's a calling to nurture, empower, and inspire. The bond we all share goes beyond the classroom. It's a connection built on trust, respect, and a shared commitment to learning and growth. Interestingly enough, I believe our thirst for self-knowledge, and the resilience that many of us show in the face of serious challenges and difficulties, gives us all unique perspectives that brings each of us to the learning environments that can make everyday life a more rewarding experience. Witnessing our growth, both academically and personally, can be nothing short of inspiring and absolutely, without a doubt, God sent. 

Nadine Muhammad: What is your motivation for writing your book, THE BLACK WOMAN'S PSYCHOLOGICAL D.I.E.T.: Feeding on Truth to Positively Shape Our Own Mental Reality?  

Dr. Missey Muhammad: The motivation behind my writing "The Blackwoman’s Psychological D.I.E.T." is rooted in a profound understanding that we are living in times of unprecedented crisis—socially, economically, spiritually, and mentally. To survive and thrive as Black women and girls in these times, seeking the truth is not only a noble endeavor but also a vital one. The scriptures remind us in Hosea 4:6, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge." This knowledge is not just intellectual but spiritual—a deep, abiding truth that connects us to our Divine purpose and identity. My book aims to firmly establish Black women's awareness of the Divine Intelligence that has always been our birthright. It is critical that we feed on the Extraordinary Truth that nourishes our minds, spirits, and communities in a world that frequently aims to diminish our worth, distort reality, and jeopardize our mental health.  As the Psalmist declares in Psalm 119:105, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. “Now, in my humble opinion, is the perfect moment to take back our true story, take charge of our mental health, and live fully in the truth that sets us free. 

Nadine Muhammad: Would you tell us what your book is about?

Dr. Missey Muhammad: My book explains why it is critical that we comprehend our Divine Intelligence and the Extraordinary Truth about us in order to escape the psychological prison that this world has created through the false narratives of Black women and girls.  This D. I. E.T. will help us LOSE the psychological weight that is permitting us to be plagued with the low self-esteem issues that lead to overindulgences, addiction, assaults, domestic issues, physical and spiritual ailments. We are suffering from anxiety, depression and stress at an alarming rate because of the overwhelming amount of toxic and negative information that we are feeding on.  We can LOSE the mental weight that has us shackled to some of the false realities about black women and girls, by knowing the truth, which in contrast will reduce our physical weight. The Honorable Elijah Muhammad teaches, “Education is the Torchlight to Civilization.” The psychological weight of this world of lies, deceit and falsehood that are causing a major disruption on the psyche (mental health) of black women and girls of God because the Kingdom of God which is built on Truth, is at hand. The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan said, “True and proper education starts with the knowledge of God…Every human being requires a knowledge of self as part of the proper cultivation of the divinity that is in them,” Truth is coming in and the Old World and its methodology is on its way out.  In the midst of global upheaval, it is this truth that will guide us, sustain us, and empower us to rise above the chaos. The urgency of this book is a call to awaken to the Divine Intelligence within, to feed on truth daily, and to positively shape our mental health reality, not just for ourselves, but for the generations that will follow. This is more than a book—it is a movement towards healing, empowerment, and Divine alignment in a world that desperately needs it.

Nadine Muhammad: What are the benefits that readers will obtain from reading your book, and how will their lives be transformed? 

Dr. Missey Muhammad: Readers of The Blackwoman’s Psychological D.I.E.T. will experience profound benefits and transformations as they engage with the material. Some key benefits include:

1. Empowerment through Divine Intelligence: Readers will gain a deeper understanding of their inherent Divine Intelligence, allowing them to make decisions and live with greater purpose, confidence, and clarity. This awareness can help them navigate life’s challenges with a sense of inner strength and wisdom.
2. Mental Health Healing: By feeding on Extraordinary Truth, readers will find tools to combat the negative mental patterns that have been imposed by society. They’ll learn to reshape their mental health reality by focusing on positive, affirming, and life-giving thoughts that align with their true identity.
3. Reconnection with Spiritual Identity: The book will guide readers in reconnecting with their spiritual roots, helping them to rediscover their true selves beyond societal expectations and stereotypes. This spiritual awakening will lead to a more grounded and authentic life.
4. Resilience in Times of Crisis: Readers will be equipped with the resilience needed to face global and personal crises. By understanding and applying Divine Truth, they will be better prepared to withstand life’s storms with a sense of peace and resolve.
5. Strengthened Community Bonds: The book will encourage readers to share their journey and insights with others, fostering a sense of community and collective healing. This will strengthen bonds among Black women and create a support network rooted in shared truth and understanding.
6. Transformation of Self-Perception: Readers will undergo a transformation in how they see themselves, moving from a place of self-doubt and external validation to one of self-love and inner validation. This shift will empower them to live more authentically and with greater self-respect.
7. Holistic Well-being: The principles in the book will promote holistic well-being, integrating mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical health. Readers will learn how to nourish themselves in all aspects of life, leading to a more balanced and fulfilling existence.

Ultimately, the lives of readers will be transformed as they move from living in reaction to the world’s chaos to creating their own reality based on Divine Truth and self-knowledge. This book is a pathway to liberation, healing, and the realization of one’s highest potential.

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