Rare Nation of Islam documents found abandoned in Detroit attic

Video Caption: An early film about the founding and history of the Nation of Islam and its leader, Elijah Muhammad.

Recently, abandoned boxes of documents from the Nation of Islam's earliest days were discovered in a Detroit attic. Among the historic documents were rare correspondences from Nation founder W.D. Fard. Reportedly, the historic files, some of which date back to 1933, were slated for the trash before they were rescued by a family.

Eventually, the family involved contacted attorney Gregory J. Reed about the find. Reed characterized the records as "priceless heirlooms," which explain the Nation's early teachings and structure to its American Islamic movement. These papers also, Reed said, demonstrate the importance the Nation placed upon African Americans leading spiritual, productive and healthy lives. In one instance, among the documents, a 1933 manifesto for the group was found. And, these records show the Nation operated about 40 schools in the Greater Detroit Area.

The New York Theological Seminary is an institution dedicated to multiculturalism, diversity, social justice and religious tolerance. The mission of the seminary is to prepare men and women, from every background, for careers in ministry.

King Center grows to accommodate more programs

In Atlanta, Georgia, the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for its 6,500-square-foot expansion.

According to Jerry Jones, executive director at the center, programs at the center have been expanding steadily through its 35 years. However, this center expansion represents the first time that the physical structure of the King Center has grown.

Mr. Jones noted that the physical parameters of the center had to grow in order to accommodate more programming. With its expansion, the center will be able to add up to 3,700 square feet for youth programs. The new construction gives the center six additional rooms, which will facilitate separate service to various groups. Practically, his allows the center to, reportedly, serve up to 200 children per day.

The New York Theological Seminary is an institution dedicated to preparing men and women for careers in ministry. The seminary espouses the ideals of religious tolerance, diversity and multiculturalism.

Baseball ministry plays ball, feeds villagers, distributes Bibles

The FCA Baseball Ministry conducted a 10-day mission to the Dominican Republic, using sports to spread its message.

Atlanta's FCA Baseball Ministry recently conducted a mission trip to the Dominican Republic to bring the organization's baseball-specific mission there on behalf of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

FCA uses the common bond and love for baseball to influence athletes and coaches. FCA operates various initiatives throughout the city of Atlanta, the state of Georgia and within the Dominican Republic.

FCA helps provide for both physical needs and spiritual healing through evangelism. Consequently the ministry seeks to equip local athletes and coaches to become missionaries. According to FCA, interest in the mission has been great from baseball and softball players.

During its 10-day July trip to the Dominican Republic, FCA was able to provide food to feed five impoverished villages for a week's time and distributed 700 Bibles to villagers.

The New York Theological Seminary prepares men and women for a wide variety of ministries, geared to providing for the physical and spiritual needs of a wide array of people. NYTS is dedicated to inclusiveness and diversity as part of its mission.