Founder

Joe W. Thompson III founded the Abu Ibn Masud Ibn Muhammad Trust with a deeply personal mission: to break the cycles of poverty and limited opportunity he witnessed throughout his life in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Having seen firsthand how lack of access to education, economic opportunities, and community resources can trap families across generations, Joe is committed to creating pathways to prosperity for those who face similar barriers. He understands that sustainable change requires more than temporary assistance—it requires investing in people's potential through education, entrepreneurship, and community empowerment. Through the Trust, Joe works to ensure that zip code, background, or circumstances don't determine destiny. His approach combines strategic investment in community development with direct support for individuals ready to transform their lives. For Joe, this work isn't charity—it's justice, dignity, and the fulfillment of our shared responsibility to lift as we climb