Meet Tene Muhammad | Community Activist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tene Muhammad and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tene, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
Wow! There’s no easy answer to this question. As the founder of, “The Bridge Compton”, I wear many hats when it comes to this work. My initial plan was to focus on bridging the gap between law enforcement and the community. However, I identified several other gaps in my community, that also needed to be filled. Besides Law Enforcement vs. Community, there’s Brown vs. Black, there’s Christian vs Muslim and then there’s the Gangs, to name a few. I’ve used the platform and connections, that I’ve made as the VP for “The Hub Radio” to create spaces to educate and change the narrative. Because of my rapport, I even play mediator sometimes. The overall plan has been to change the negative narrative. The narrative that creates violence, fear, separation, lack of knowledge, etc. The plan has been to create a safe and productive environment for my children. One piece, one space and one conversation at a time.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Under the several hats that I wear in my community, one thing stays the same. That would be, “That Girl T” or “Sista T” #BehindTheScenes. It is a title that kind of stuck with me as I begin doing more and more work in the community. First through “The Nation of Islam”, Mosque 27 which is the western regional mosque. When we were needed in the community, I was blessed to be one of the Sisters equipped to respond. Then, later on I did some volunteering for, “The Hub Radio” and ended up as the VP. From helping to set up shows, to booking & scheduling artist, to engineering & producing, to organizing community events & giveaways. All of it connected me to what was going on in the community and what was needed. We started having networking events, registration to vote events, events that put certain communities together, that normally would not as easily interact, food giveaways, resource events, youth programs. The youth programs were for children to think outside the norm when it came to career options. We did that through our ,”Building Blocks” program. We taught children how to create podcast, run a radio station, photography, videography, social media, marketing, etc. The location we used was ran by the Sheriff Department, which then gave me direct contact with the Sheriff. This was around the time when so many videos were circulating, that showed a lot of police brutality. It allowed me to create friendships with people who look like me in law enforcement and people who didn’t look like me. Those friendships gave me a seat at the table when it came time to address, the policing going on in my community. I became a voice for the community and because of that seat at the table, I was able to be heard and changes were able to be made. Because of my Nation background and our work in the gang community, it gave me another seat at the table in my community. Ive been the only female allowed to stay in gang truce meetings and sat at the table with OG’s, to discuss and organize change. My friendship with Pastor/Deputy Rafer Owens connected me even more to the Christian community. Which gave me room to create spaces to bridge the gap, between Christians and Muslims. Reversing the prejudices that had formed and divided us. There are so many moments and spaces, to explain how I’ve taken on all these hats. It hasn’t been easy to be in the middle, stand firm and still maintain the respect of all parties. It hasn’t been easy, being at. so many tables. I believe my success is based on my humility, my perseverance and a true desire to change the narrative. I want the world to know that, yes I am apart of “The Nation of Islam”, yes I am the VP for “The Hub Radio”, yes I help create, ‘Building Blocks”, yes I started my non-profit, “The Bridge Compton” & yes I own and manage two other Compton businesses. I am the brand, “That Girl T” or “Sista T” #BehindTheScenes and I am going to change the narrative.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Good Lord! A whole week in the city of Compton. Well, Compton has a lot of things most people don’t know about. We would go to the farms, to go horseback riding and we wouldn’t just stay there. We could actually take the horses throughout the city. Then we have the Compton Historical Society and could check out the amazing history of our land, the stake holders, how we’re connected to USC. (Bet you didn’t see that coming, but yes Compton has a connection to USC.) Then there’s the Compton airport and not only could we go flying over the city. Theres an Aeronautical Museum at the airport! Next, we could either go to City Hall or on a ride along with the Compton Sheriff, to see the way the city functions. Theres also, Compton College and their amazing track and baseball field. Gonzales Park would definitely be a stop to see the remodeling of the Jackie Robinson Stadium Baseball field. I would also include, the typical rapper, celebrity tour of where they use to live when they lived in Compton. You know the whole Eazy E, N.W.A., Kendrick Lamar, Anthony Anderson, etc. tour. As far as food, besides the amazing food trucks G.O. Tacos, Happy Ice, Compton Vegan & Lip Smacking Cupcakes. We would have to stop by Billionaire Burger Boys, Billionaire Pizza Co., PuckerUp Lemonade, Tom’s, Tam’s, Louie Burgers, Everytable, Pizza Studio, M&T Donuts, Water Worx Compton & ReUp Water, just to name a few spots. We would have to take a tiny detour outside of the city limits to go too, Wut A Pickle. We would definitely get are hair done at the only natural hair bar in Compton and get a massage, maybe are nails at Darlas Doll House. Last and not least, we would hang out at The Hub Radio, with the one and only HubCityDre.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
The Nation of Islam, The Hub Radio and Pastor/Sheriff Deputy Rafer Owens.

Website: www.thehubradio.net

Instagram: @tenems @thehubradio @thebridgecpt @comptonsblackexchange @thehumansofcompton @3minuteswithyourlocaldeputy

Facebook: @TeneMuhammad @thehubradio @thebridgecpt @comptonsblackexchange @thehumansofcompton @3minuteswithyourlocaldeputy