From Convict to Community Builder From Convict to Community Builder

Erin Lyons: From gang leader to homeless man, a Chicago native is using his street knowledge to improve the lives of homeless people in Syracuse. NCC News Reporter Carmella Boykin shows how he’s connecting communities.

Muhammad: “If we eat, they eat. C’mon let’s do this.”

Boykin: In January of this year, 722 people were counted as homeless in Syracuse. Although that’s 10 percent fewer than 2017, it’s still too many for Al-Amin Muhammad. With his non-profit “We Rise Above the Streets Recovery Outreach,” Muhammad uses Syracuse resources to help Syracuse citizens.

Muhammad: “When I first started this organization, I told myself that I want to send a message. A message, a message to show the community the power of community.”

Boykin: One of the weekly events his organization hosts is “Sandwich Saturdays” where volunteers make hundreds of sack lunches to hand out downtown. During cold months, winter clothes are given as well. But Muhammad’s goal wasn’t always to strengthen the community. Back in his hometown of Chicago, he lead a much different life.

Muhammad: “Been in jail since 12 years old, been in the system since 12 years old. I saw myself becoming a notorious gangster in Chicago. Got involved in a lot of stuff that I shouldn’t got involved with, been in jail, like, over, probably like twenty-something times in my life.”

Boykin: After finishing his last sentence for selling drugs, Muhammad vowed he wouldn’t sell drugs again. But with a felony charge, he was unable to keep a job, and as a result became homeless.

Muhammad: “I was sleeping outside, slept under bridges, I ate out of garbage cans, people told me I would never amount to nothing, I would never be nothing, I was told this all my life as a young boy and I started believing that.”

Boykin: Addicted to drugs and alcohol, Muhammad saw no way out. With all local detox centers full, he had no hope until a case-worker saw him walking in the street.

Muhammad: “I was about to commit suicide, so when I was on my way to end my life, somebody rolled up and rolled they’re windows down and it was a case-worker. The caseworker told me my name was on a list, on top of the list, to get into a detox center.”

Boykin: With the center’s resources, Muhammad learned self-sufficiency, earned his GED, and trained to be a substance abuse counselor. When he moved to Syracuse in 2015, he formed his non-profit to help individuals in similar situations as himself. Now, he shares his story each Sandwich Saturday with dozens of volunteers.

Muhammad (to volunteers): “I found a lot of gifts about me. I like flowers, tell me what gangsters like flowers. (laughter from audience) I love flowers—I like getting my toes done, this is stuff I like—I like smiling. So these the gifts, these the gifts that I found about myself. And we’re about to enter the streets right now with hundreds of people who’s going through that path right now that I’ve been through.”

Boykin: This crowd has been working since 9 a.m. packing meals and sorting clothes to distribute for those in need. But this is only half the job. Next, volunteers bring the food and supplies to downtown Syracuse

{Nats of Distribution}

Boykin: Volunteer Tim Pope has been working at Muhammad’s organization for a month and says

Pope: “Al-Amin is amazing. He knows I think every person in Syracuse. You know, he’s talking to all the people by name in line, he knows the ones that really need help, and he knows the people that have things to donate. And, you know, he’s just a good general.

Boykin: Pope says he’s inspired by how many people come together each week.

Pope: “It’s been a real eye-opener for me the number of people in the central New York area that are giving, and willing to give both their time and their money, you know, in terms of donations and things they bring in.”

Boykin: Every Saturday Volunteers after volunteers finish packing meals, Muhammad inspires the crowd

Muhammad: “It doesn’t matter who you are, we’re here for what? One reason—it’s to help humanity. That’s it. That’s it.”

Boykin: And these efforts don’t go unappreciated. Tamra Jones has been coming to sandwich Saturdays for three months and says it’s helped her.

Jones: “They do a wonderful thing that is hard to come up with the basics. And then if you get this supply, you can put your money towards slightly better than the basics and slightly more needs that are more specific.”

Boykin: Needs like special diabetic socks and feminine hygiene products are just a few of the items Jones has purchased. And for that, she is thankful.

Jones: “It’s a wonderful event and I believe most of us really appreciate what they do. It’s really hard when you do without, and do without, and do without, so this really makes a difference.”

Boykin: As for Muhammad, he says even though believes he’s fulfilled his purpose, he doesn’t think he’ll ever stop.

Muhammad: “It makes me feel so great, I sleep good at night every time I do this, I really love it. And I don’t know why I keep going, I really can’t answer that. It seems I hit my goal. But I’m going to continue to do this for the rest of my life.”

Boykin: Carmella Boykin, N-C-C News