Frank I. Manns

 

Frank Isiah Manns was born June 28, 1930 to the late Margaret C. (nee) Hamilton and Frank W. Manns in Detroit, Michigan.  The youngest of 4 children, he was affectionately called Brother by his parents and 3 sisters. Frank enjoyed spending time with his family. His father taught him carpentry and construction, while his mother gave him lessons in gardening. They were a close-knit family that lived the saying, "Togetherness is a Blessing". Well into adulthood, all the Manns children and their off-spring were expected to attend their communal Sunday dinners. In the summers, the entire extended family would gather at their lake cottage in Holly, Michigan. Like so many Detroit families, they would also hold yearly picnics at Belle Isle Park, until the Covid-19 pandemic forced them to stop.

 

Frank attended Detroit Public Schools and excelled as an athlete in track and field at Northwestern High, but he really felt a calling as a musician. Learning to play the bass gave him wings that allowed him to soar far from his hometown.  His ability made him an in-demand local performer and he later caught the attention of Aretha Franklin and Quincy Jones, both of whom hired him to tour with them.

 

His developing career was interrupted though, when he was drafted into the Army to participate in the Korean War. Frank learned new skills while in the military.  He became a medic.  After returning home, he went back to playing with various bands.  It was during one gig in Columbus, Ohio that he met and fell in love with Lena Mae Calloway. The two married on his birthday in 1958, and he became dad to Lena's young daughter and son.  In 1965, after their family grew to include another son and daughter, they moved to Frank's hometown.

 

Early in their marriage, Frank and Lena heard the teachings of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad and converted to Islam.  Shortly afterwards, they decided to help the growing Nation of Islam by holding meetings in their home. Frank and Lena were subjected to government authorities coming to their house to question them about the Nation. These were not intimidating encounters though. In fact, Frank said the agents purposely "forgot" items so they could return and learn more. In Detroit, Frank introduced many people to Islam including a co-worker and his biological brother, who would later become known as Captain Emeritus Abdul Majied Muhammad. After a period away from the mosque, Frank re-registered as a member under the leadership of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan. He enjoyed the camaraderie of the Believers at Muhammad Mosque #1 and developed a close relationship with several of the brothers, including Minister Rasul Muhammad. Frank was most proud of his outreach accomplishments leading up to the 1995 Million Man March.  He led fundraising efforts for the local journal commemorating the historic event and established key partnerships within Dearborn's Arab Muslim community.

 

Frank was very personable and many people found him easy to speak with. He used that ability to navigate various jobs and side hustles. He formalized what his father taught him and became a licensed contractor. Some part of his family's home was always under construction, as he remodeled each and every room, perfecting what he learned. He had a long list of satisfied customers whose homes he worked on. Frank also sold gold for several years. Some say he spent as much time working for himself while on his job, as he spent working for the job. His heart was always with music though. He got the opportunity to perform on two TV shows: The Jonathan Winters Show and The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. One of the bands he played with recorded 2 songs. However, some of his fondest musical memories were performing each year at the Michigan State Fair with Nobel Wilson's Caribbean Calypso Band. He always said he enjoyed interacting with the crowd. In the mid-70's, Frank used what he learned as a medic in the army to become a certified operating room technologist. He was first hired at Detroit General Hospital and then at Detroit Receiving Hospital, until retiring in the early 90's.  Later he returned to work as a security guard at the Millender Center.

 

Frank was very interested in metaphysics and often said, "We are spiritual beings having a human experience". In his later years, he was concerned about people understanding that we are all connected and a part of the energy of creation. He was constantly researching material for a book on time, the 4^th dimension and melanin.

 

Frank was preceded in death by his sisters: Alice Wooten, Grace Miles and Frances Hayes, his wife: Lena, son: Carl Martin and grandson: Kaliph Ali Manns, Jr. He leaves to cherish fond memories his daughters: Carlena Martin and Kari Muhammad, his son, Kaliph Ali Manns, 4 grandchildren: Kadjah Martin, Kaleedah Taylor (Corey), Kamel Martin and LaShae Scott, 4 great grandchildren: Lazarus, Gary, Mariah and Jami, a host of nieces and nephews and many devoted and loving friends.