Local Nation of Islam leader Kevin Muhammad has called on Councilman Yusuf Hakeem for remarks he has made about Demetrus Coonrod, his opponent in the Chattanooga City Council District 9 runoff race.
On a Sunday afternoon radio show, Hakeem labeled Coonrod as "unhinged, a pathological liar and crazy." He later said he would have chosen other words to describe her behavior if given the opportunity to think about it, but they would have meant the same thing.
"I am appealing to you to publicly apologize to our Sister," Muhammad said in an open letter sent to the Times Free Press. "This is bigger than politics and winning a seat on as a Council-person. Those seats will come and go."
Muhammad said the matter was "about family, our Black Family."
"As a man, husband, father, uncle, brother and mentor like yourself, I am deeply troubled, disappointed, disturbed, saddened and hurt that you would openly disrespect our young Black Sister in such a mean-spirited, defaming, reckless and arrogant manner."
Hakeem could not be reached for comment.
On Sunday evening, Hakeem said he made his remarks in response to Coonrod flip-flopping on statements she has made about him, describing him as a friend and mentor, but later denying. She has also called him a "sellout" without explaining what she means, he said.
Hakeem alleged a Coonrod acquaintance has falsely attacked him on Facebook, claiming he has removed Coonrod campaign signs.
Coonrod turned "unhinged" allegations back on Hakeem during a candidate forum hosted by the Citizens Concerned for Justice and the Unity Group of Chattanooga. Hakeem described the event as a "setup" and defended himself against Coonrod's claims.