Today we’d like to introduce you to Yusuf Muhammad.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Yusuf Muhammad has overcome many early life challenges that strengthened his faith and kept him close to Allah (God). He is the middle child of three siblings, with an older brother and a younger sister. Yusuf attended The BlackStone Academy in College Park, GA — a college preparatory private school — where he excelled academically, graduating with honors and earning a full academic scholarship to Berea College in Berea, KY, where he majored in Business Management and Administration.
During his time at The BlackStone Academy, Yusuf was deeply involved in numerous programs and earned several awards for his achievements and leadership. He was selected as a panelist for Tavis Smiley’s Youth2Leaders Conference, where he now proudly serves as an alumnus. His other honors include the Science Award from the Atlanta College and Universities Prep Partnership (ACUPP), the Presidential Classroom Scholar Award, and recognition for his academic excellence in philosophy, social studies, math, and science.
Committed to service, Yusuf has volunteered with Hosea Williams Feed the Hungry, Peoples Personal Care Home, and Hands On Atlanta. He served as a Million Man March Youth Coordinator and was a regional award recipient for mobilizing young men to travel to Washington, D.C. He also contributed to community and cultural initiatives such as the National Black Arts Festival, the Martin Luther King Jr. Parade (as youth coordinator and participant), and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), where he was honored for his efforts. In addition, he was a recipient of the Rosa and Raymond Parks Pathways to Freedom Institute Award.
As a college freshman, during a time when Islam was often misunderstood following 9/11, Yusuf stood proudly in his faith while serving as Student Government Association Class President. He also participated in the Upward Bound Program, co-organized and joined the Black Student Union (BSU), played on the Berea flag football team, and was active in the Black Music Ensemble (BME) and Entrepreneurship for the Public Good (EPG). Outside of academics, Yusuf also DJ’ed and was a member of the Y-Drill Team.
After graduating, Yusuf traveled to Seoul, South Korea, as a youth participant in the International Young Leaders Conference for Good Governance and Global Peace, where he worked on initiatives promoting global unity and peace.
Upon returning to Atlanta, he collaborated with Dr. Ben Chavis and Russell Simmons on the “Get Your Money Right” national campaign, empowering communities with financial literacy. In 2010, he began organizing the Sweet Auburn Music Fest (S.A.M.F.), a major cultural event built on the belief that music unites us all.
Since then, Yusuf has continued to serve both the entertainment industry and the community. He has helped organize significant events, including Atlanta Black Pride Festival, House in the Park, and the College Park Festivals, while also volunteering regularly with the Vine City Civic Association Food Ministry, helping feed those in need twice weekly.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No, the journey hasn’t been smooth. As an entrepreneur, I’ve had to continually reinvent myself and adapt my approach to stay relevant. Navigating the economy’s ups and downs, evolving trends, and societal shifts has been challenging, but each obstacle has been an opportunity to learn, grow, and find new ways to connect with both long-time supporters and new audiences. These experiences have strengthened my resilience and deepened my commitment to my vision.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about FCE Entertainment?
FCE (First Class Events) Entertainment is a full-service event planning, marketing, consulting, and public relations firm dedicated to creating memorable, family-friendly events attended by mature urban professionals. Our events provide a space where attendees can network, socialize, and build meaningful connections. Guided by our slogan, “We Move People,” FCE leverages a personal network of the finest vendors, venues, and creative talent to produce experiences that are unmatched in the event planning industry.
We have successfully executed a wide range of events, from corporate functions and celebrity private parties to premier fashion showcases during Atlanta International Fashion Week. FCE is known for designing customized, creative public relations strategies that directly impact our clients’ business goals and objectives.
At FCE, we thrive in a fast-paced, energetic, and focused environment, and we believe that effective communication is key to success. Our team works diligently to ensure that our clients’ messages are delivered clearly and powerfully to their target audiences, setting us apart as experts in both event execution and brand amplification.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
The greatest resources that have guided me in life are the wisdom of my parents and my deep religious beliefs. Their guidance, along with core principles like “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” and “Accept yourself and be genuine,” have helped me navigate life’s challenges by striving to treat others well and remaining true to myself.
Having a present father taught me the importance of humility, growth, and accepting correction without taking it personally, while my mother instilled in me the values of respect and honesty—both in giving and expecting. My religious beliefs further reinforced the importance of accepting people where they are, understanding that approaching others with preconceived notions often builds walls instead of bridges. Living by these principles and remaining committed to personal growth has allowed me to continually develop as a person.
For anyone seeking personal or professional development, some of the readings I recommend include: “How to Win Friends and Influence People,” “10,000 Hours to Mastery,” “The Alchemist,” “The Invisible Man,” and “The Greatest Salesman in the World.”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.SweetAuburnMusicFest.com
- Instagram: @YAMsCreation @SweetAuburnMusicFest
- Facebook: @YAMsCreation @SweetAuburnMusicFest
- LinkedIn: @YAMsCreation
- Twitter: @YAMsCreation @SAMusicFest
- Youtube: @YAMsCreation @SweetAuburnMusicFest
Image Credits
@onyanarosa for the profile picture
