Net Worth | $5 million |
---|---|
Full Name | Louis Eugene Walcott |
Known as | Louis Farrakhan |
Born | 11th of May in 1933 |
Place of birth | The Bronx, New York, United States |
Age | 90 years old (as of 2023) |
Nationality | American |
Zodiac sign | Taurus |
Ethnicity | African-American |
Religion | Islam |
Height | 5′ 10″ (1.78 m) |
Weight | 207 pounds (94 kg) |
Occupation | Clerk, supremacist, religious leader |
Years active | 1955-present |
Notable work | Nation of Islam head |
Notable achievements | BET’s Person of the Year |
Introduction
Louis Farrakhan, a multifaceted figure in American history, embarked on a journey that transcends the boundaries of music, religion, and social activism. Before becoming the influential leader of the Nation of Islam (NOI), Farrakhan donned the stage name “Calypso Gene” as a captivating calypso singer. His transformation into Louis X and later Louis Farrakhan marked a shift from melodies to messages as he assumed leadership within the NOI.
Navigating the turbulent waters of NOI’s evolution, Farrakhan played a pivotal role in resurrecting the organization after Warith Deen Mohammed’s reorganization. Against the backdrop of controversy, Farrakhan officially resurrected the Nation of Islam in 1981, shaping it into “Final Call” before reclaiming its original name. Yet, this resurrection was not without criticism, as the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) labeled the Nation of Islam a hate group. Farrakhan’s story is one of evolution, controversy, and a relentless pursuit of identity within the complex tapestry of American religious and social landscapes.
Early Life and Education
Louis Farrakhan’s journey began on May 11, 1933, under the name Louis Eugene Walcott in the vibrant tapestry of The Bronx, New York City. Born to Sarah Mae Manning and Percival Clark, immigrants from the Anglo-Caribbean islands, Farrakhan’s early life was marked by the complexities of familial relationships. His mother, hailing from Saint Kitts, and his Jamaican father separated before his birth, leaving Farrakhan with a void of paternal connection. Named after his mother’s subsequent companion, Louis Walcott, Farrakhan, in a 1996 interview, mused on the possibility of his Jamaican father being of Jewish descent.
After the loss of his stepfather in 1936, the Walcott family embarked on a new chapter in Boston, finding solace in the heart of the African-American community in Roxbury. A prodigious talent, Farrakhan’s journey into the world of music began at the age of five with his first violin, paving the way for a remarkable musical odyssey. By the age of 12, he was already touring with the Boston College Orchestra, showcasing a talent that would propel him into national competitions and even onto the Ted Mack Original Amateur Hour in 1946.
As he navigated the realms of education, Farrakhan attended the Boston Latin School and later graduated from the English High School. His academic journey led him to Winston-Salem Teachers College, where a track scholarship fueled his pursuit of knowledge. However, life took a turn when he married Betsy Ross in 1953, prompting Farrakhan to make a sacrifice. Complications during his wife’s pregnancy compelled him to pause his college education after completing his junior year, redirecting his focus to family.
Father to nine children and grandfather to basketball sensation Mustapha Farrakhan Jr., Farrakhan’s personal narrative is one of intricate familial ties, early musical brilliance, and the twists and turns that shaped the man who would later become a prominent figure in American religious and social discourse.
Career and Work
Years | Career Stage | Title/Role | Organization | Details |
1955-1975 | Early Career | Minister | Nation of Islam | Rose through the ranks of the Nation of Islam, becoming the minister of mosques in Boston and Harlem. |
1964-1975 | National Spokesperson | National Representative | Nation of Islam | Appointed national spokesperson of the Nation of Islam, gaining national prominence for his powerful speeches. |
1978-Present | Leader | National Spokesperson | Nation of Islam | Succeeded Elijah Muhammad as the leader of the Nation of Islam, continuing to advocate for Black empowerment and self-reliance. |
1995 | Organizer | Million Man March | N/A | Organized the Million Man March, a historic gathering of over a million Black men advocating for unity, family values, and self-responsibility. |
1980s-Present | Political Activist | Various | N/A | Endorsed Jesse Jackson for president in 1984 and continued to be involved in national politics. |
1980s-Present | Author | Various | N/A | Authored several books and articles promoting his views on Black nationalism, Islam, and social justice. |
1960s-Present | Media Personality | Guest Speaker | Various | Appeared as a guest speaker on various television and radio programs, sharing his perspectives on race, religion, and society. |
Net Worth
Year | Net Worth |
2021 | $3 million |
2022 | $4 million |
2023 | $5 million |
Family and Relationships
Relation | Name/Info |
Father | Percival Clark |
Mother | Sarah Mae Manning |
Siblings | 1 |
Relationships | N/A |
Spouse | Khadijah Farrakhan (1953-present) |
Children | 9 |
Achievements and Awards
Achievements and Awards |
Head of the Nation of Islam |
BET’s Person of the Year |
National Spokesperson of the Nation of Islam |
The Source’s 100 Most Influential Black Americans |
The Root magazine’s 100 Most Influential African Americans of all-time |
Quick Facts
- Before becoming a political activist, he worked as a musician.
- He performed at calypso and country music on the Boston nightclub circuit.
- He played a central role in organizing the Million Man March, which was a historic gathering of more than a million Black men in Washington.
- He has been outspoken on controversial views on race, religion, and social issues.
- During his political career, he has established relationships with various leaders and organizations worldwide, like Muammar Gaddafi.
- He underwent surgery for prostate cancer and experienced a near-death experience.
FAQs
Q: Who is Louis Farrakhan?
A: He is an American religious leader and black nationalist who has been a prominent figure in the United States since the 1960s. He is the current leader of the Nation of Islam and is well-known known for his powerful and charismatic speeches, which have inspired and motivated many people.
Q: What is Louis Farrakhan’s age?
A: He was born on the 11th of May in 1933, and as of 2023, he is 90 years old.
Q: What is Louis Farrakhan’s net worth?
A: He has an estimated net worth of around $5 million, as of 2023.
Q: Is Louis Farrakhan married?
A: Yes, he is married to Khadijah Farrakhan, and they have nine children together.
Q: What is Louis Farrakhan’s ethnicity?
A: He is African-American.