Page 9 - Florida Sentinel 8-5-22

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Askia Aquil To Receive Bachelor’s Degree From USF After More Than 50 Years
University of South Florida President Rhea Law will pre- side over graduation ceremonies Saturday, August 6th, at the Yuengling Center on the Tampa campus. More than 2,700 de- grees will be conferred.
One of those who will receive a bachelor’s degree is Askia Muhammad Aquil, nee, Otha Favors. He is earning a bachelor’s degree in general studies after first enrolling at USF in 1966.
At the time, he was pursuing a degree in world languages and cultures with a concentration in French and Russian, and intern- ing for the former St. Petersburg Times and Evening Independent newspapers, with dreams of be- coming a foreign correspondent or a diplomat.
Then Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated, and everything changed for him. He founded the One to One Group, which brought together students and faculty to discuss race relations and social justice issues. Inspired by King’s vision, their work in collaboration with the Black Stu- dent Union, resulted in the cre- ation of a Department of Africana Studies at USF.
There have been a number of persons who have been by his side down through the years. He recalled the conversation with one.
“I specifically recall one con- versation that has stuck with me
IMAM ASKIA MOHAMMAD AQUIL
...In 2021 With St. Pete’s Mayor Rick Kriseman presenting key to
OTHA LEON FAVORS, JR. ...With Afro and Black Power
salute
cise better judgment.” I grate- fully and humbly said, “Yes, Sir. Thank you.” I turned and walked out the door without saying an- other word or asking for an ex- planation. I didn’t need to.” (From ‘Lifelong Learner’ Essay)
Aquil ended up leaving the university his senior year need- ing 2 additional classes, but his
activism in the community con- tinued.
In 2021, he was presented with the key to the City of St. Pe- tersburg for his work to create quality affordable housing and reduce poverty while exuding peace, kindness and compassion in everything he does. It was al- ways his intention to return to USF and complete his under- graduate degree.
More than 50 years, and sev- eral grandchildren and great grandchildren later, Aquil is graduating at the age of 75.
He has always considered himself to be a lifelong learner with aspirations for higher scholastic achievement and plans to pursue a master’s degree in liberal arts with a concentra- tion in Africana studies.
“My life experiences are liv- ing proof of the value of being knowledgeable, adaptable, and technologically ‘up to the mod- ern times’,” he said.
the City
for 50 years. Once I sought a pri- vate meeting with a powerful in- dividual and paragon of success whose name is still legendary in Tampa and the greater Tampa Bay area, C. Blythe Andrews, Sr. Mr. Andrews was the pa- triarch of an influential family, a successful businessman who started a local hospital, founder of the Florida Sentinel Bulletin newspaper. He was semi-retired and would spend half of his workdays in his office receiving candidates for political office, welcoming struggling individuals seeking assistance, or as in my case, freely sharing his wisdom with people who wanted to learn from him.
“I had stood up from my seat and turned to leave after having spent two intense inspiring
hours questioning, talking with, and listening to him. He stopped me in my tracks with these words as he sat up straight in his seat behind his desk: “May I tell you something?” I turned squarely to face him and replied, “Certainly.” Looking me straight in the eyes he empathetically said: “You are a smart young man. Try to exer-
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