Jihad Ahmad

Like many African Americans plagued with rebuilding the family structure post slavery, four Black women converged to raise their children together in Louisiana during the Jim Crow Era.

It's the spirit of the ancestors who know creating a village is the best way to survive.

In November 1944, Venita Smith gave birth to Junius McKinley in New Orleans. Her sister, Odessa S. Beloney, spearheaded rearing him as her other sisters, Everlina S. Bell, and Elizabeth Rose, served as a support system.

He was the youngest, with three brothers and one sister: Wilbert (Duck) Longo Jr., William Longo, John Smith, and Flora Marie Smith. His cousins - Daniel (Gordon) Ahmad, Odessa Gordon-Galathe and others - were extended siblings as the women raised them together.

Although his childhood was spent in the 3rd Ward, they later relocated to the historic 9th Ward District. He attended Booker T. Washington High School. As a teenager, his older cousin Daniel converted to Islam and introduced Junius to the faith. Junius had a devotion to the church and was studying to become a minister. But the fiery teachings from the Nation of Islam appealed to his passionate nature. He became Junius X. McKinley, but never gave up his love of gospel music and the familial relationship with his childhood church.

While in high school, Junius met his sweetheart and eventually married Yvonne Cooks. They had two daughters: Eliza McKinley Williams and Traline McKinley.

During the late 1960s, industrial jobs were booming in the Midwest. Although segregation had legally ended, it took years for it to be enforced in the south. Junius, who was practicing his faith, became more and more aggravated living in its discriminatory ethos. His best friend Edward suggested they migrate north. By then, he and Yvonne had already parted ways. He made the life-altering choice to leave New Orleans and move to Cleveland, Ohio.

There, he created a better quality of life. He attended a training course and became an electrician. He began working for a steel mill. He also joined the Muslim community where he met and married Jeanette Walker.

They had five children: Yaminah Ahmad, Khalif Ahmad, Nasir Ahmad, Wali Ahmad, and Karim Ahmad. In 1983, Junius changed his name to Jihad Ahmad.

Jihad had a fulfilling life. In 2008, he went on Hajj. And a few years prior to his retirement in 2010, he filed a lawsuit against his job for discriminatory practices. As a result, more jobs in a highly favorable department became available to people of color.

He never forgot his New Orleans roots. He'd often take trips back home, offer help to family members and most important: eat gumbo, red beans and rice, oyster po boys and bread pudding. He loved watching the Godfather, and would listen to James Brown, Ray Charles, and Elton John.

He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren: Michael McKinley, Mecola Putman, Coriana Williams, Cory Williams, Marquita McKinley, Ashley McKinley, Frank McKinley, Minah Ahmad, Eliah Ahmad, Israel Ahmad, Tyriq Ahmad, Khyra Ahmad, and Raymere Ahmad; as well as great-grandchildren: Sylete Fox, Kirsten McKinley, Colby McKinley Alexis Beavers, and Elena Alan; cousins: Mechele Galathe, Paulette Galathe, Michael Galathe, and host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and loved ones.