Bismillahi Rahmani Rahim

As-Salaamu ‘Alaikum Beloved, Beautiful and Black, Tech Savvy Sisters!!!

When I was in Jr. High School, it seemed as if EVERYBODY was telling me to go into the field of Computer Programming. But Computer Programming was so boring!! I took a computer class in the 8th grade and the extent of our programming was being able to make a word (or sentence, if you wanted to jazz it up) run continuously up the monitor’s screen. Which was hardly fascinating even for the early 80’s. And not hardly the stuff to pique the desultory interests of an artsy 12-year-old.

However, now that I bear witness to the heights to which computer technology has advanced, I am becoming increasingly more interested in the field of Computer Science, especially for my son. I am preparing him for a future wherein computers will undoubtedly play a pivotal role. Proficiency in Computer Science can only help him succeed, considering that Computer Programming is inarguably, the most sought-after profession in the world.

In the United States, we are lagging far behind other countries in the area of preparing candidates for the many positions becoming available in the field of Computer Science. The demand is greater than there are qualified candidates to fill these positions. Therefore, these positions are being outsourced to other countries. Additionally, advances in technology make it even more possible for people in other countries to fill these positions that under previous conditions would have been limited to citizens here in the United States.

This is very unfortunate, especially for Black People in America, who are suffering from the highest rate of unemployment than any other nationality in the country. If we were only trained in the field of Computer Science! It is THE fastest growing field in the country, if not the world.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics:

“Employment of software developers is projected to grow 30% from 2010 to 2020, much faster than the average for all occupations. The main reason for the rapid growth is a large increase in the demand for computer software.”

The statistic also reports that the median income for a Computer Software Developer is $90,530 annually and $43.52 per hour! I am really regretting not taking the advice I was given 30 years ago. Especially since computer programming skills are so beneficial to success in ANY field. Computers dominate every industry you can think of. Even doctors carry tablets with them nowadays, as opposed to clipboards of the past, as they check-up on patients.

Technology is advancing at rocket speed, so the sooner you introduce Computer Science to your children the better. I have downloaded some software designed to teach children computer programming, but it was just boring for my son. From what I have learned, programming is very intricate and takes an enormous amount of patience. 

So, I have determined to learn Computer Programming and then teach my son myself. Mobile technology is the wave of the future, so I wanted to bypass the traditional method of computer programming and just dive into developing applications for mobile operating systems (OS). However, after some careful research, I decided I had better get some background skills, since I have absolutely no previous experience with computer programming. (Well, except that RAM/ROM class I took in the 8th grade 🙂 ).

From my research, I learned that Javascript is one of the best computer languages to learn because it is not limited to a specific hardware platform. It can be used on any platform such as Microsoft Windows, Linux, Solaris OS, and Mac OS. It is also based on previous well-known programming languages but because it is newer, it simplifies them and thus, makes programming easier and faster. It is also the most desired language for companies hiring new programmers.

Java offers a tutorial on its website, which is absolutely free to anyone who has the initiative to learn the language. You don’t have to enroll in college to learn how to program. You can learn right from the comfort of your own home! So, there’s no excuse not to learn. Think of your children. I’m sure they know how to use a computer, now they can learn how to program one! And they will have a head start if they decide to go into the big bucks field of Computer Science. And even if they don’t, I’m sure by the time they are ready to open their own businesses, they will be able to save a ton of money by developing their own app!

Click on the Picture Below to Go To the Javascript Tutorial

After learning how to program using Java, In sha Allah (If it is the Will of Allah) I plan to move on to developing applications on the Android operating system. You can click on the picture below to go to the Android Tutorial.

My son is a fast learner, so I’m not going to make him learn all of the basics that I feel I need.

I pray Allah, you will put your computer to good productive use and take advantage of the many opportunities available to you. Think over how BEHIND the majority of our people (who don’t own personal computers) will be in the future! Show Our Saviour, Master Fard Muhammad, To Whom Praise is Due Forever, that you are Grateful for His Blessing you with a computer, by using it to prepare your children for success and to be the absolute BEST QUALIFIED they possibly they can be. Our Beloved Messenger, The Most Honorable and Humble Elijah Muhammad (PBUH) taught us there are wide fields available to the wide-awake Blackman. We just have to qualify ourselves to take over the rule.

May Allah Bless You With Unimaginable Success In All Your Endeavors!

As-Salaam-Alaikum!