National of Islam leader will talk at Phila. Civic Center

Controversial Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan will speak at the Philadelphia Civic Center Sept. 24 about the need to end violence within the black community. Farrakhan has garnered national attention for his radical pronouncements, which many consider anti-Semitic and racist. When he spoke at the University's Irvine Auditorium in 1988, Farrakhan's appearance drew strong student protest and debate. Some considered the controversy damaging to race relations on campus. No official protest is planned over this year's speech. "This is an off-campus event and we're treating it as that," said Jeremy Brochin, director of Penn Hillel. "Students may do what they wish on their own." Brochin added that he does not expect much student reaction. Burt Fiegel, associate executive director of the Jewish Community Relations Council, said his organization will issue a joint-statement with a number of other community and religious groups urging Farrakhan to refrain from divisive rhetoric. Fiegel and Brochin both noted that Farrakhan has toned down his speeches in recent years, becoming less controversial. He seems to have edged away from Khallid Abdul Muhammad, his former aide who captured national attention by making virulently anti-Semitic speeches at campuses across the country last year. But Farrakhan's appearance remains provocative. Benjamin Chavis, former director of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, was roundly criticized for including Farrakhan in a national meeting of black community leaders held earlier this summer in Baltimore. Farrakhan's speech is being sponsored by local Muhammad's Mosque No. 12. Admission is $12 at the door and $10 in advance. Civic Center doors open at 5 p.m. and Farrakhan is scheduled to speak at 7 p.m.