Origins & Early Life

Louis Farrakhan (born Louis Eugene Walcott, later Louis X; May 11, 1933) is an American religious leader who has been the head of the Nation of Islam since 1981, a new religious movement which combines black nationalism and Islamic terminology. Prior to the Nation of Islam, Farrakhan was a calypso singer who used the stage name Calypso Gene from 1950 to 1955 and a violinist from 1939 to 1955. The longest-serving Nation of Islam leader, he also served as minister of several mosques in Boston and Harlem in the 1950s under the leadership of Elijah Muhammad. After the death of Elijah Muhammad, his son Warith Deen Mohammed reorganized the original NOI into the orthodox Sunni Islamic group American Society of Muslims.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Farrakhan began to rebuild the NOI as "Final Call". In 1981, he officially adopted the name "Nation of Islam", reviving the group and establishing its headquarters at Mosque Maryam. In October 1995, Farrakhan organized and led the Million Man March in Washington, D.C. Due to health issues, he reduced his responsibilities with the NOI in 2007. However, Farrakhan has continued to deliver sermons and speak at NOI events.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

In 2015, he led the 20th Anniversary of the Million Man March...

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

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• Alvar Aalto — Shared historical date (05-11 · Died) (1976): Pioneering Finnish architect whose total art approach defined modern Nordic design.
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• Chita Rivera — Historical peer (Born in 1933) (1933): Iconic Broadway performer, dancer, and singer celebrated for her versatility and talent.
• Abigail Spencer — Historical peer (Born in 1981) (1981): American actress, producer, and writer known for roles in soap operas and dramas.
• Alicia Keys — Historical peer (Born in 1981) (1981): Award-winning pianist and vocalist known for her soulful R&B sound.
• Alan Silvestri — Historical peer (Born in 1950) (1950): Award-winning composer renowned for epic film scores, especially for blockbuster franchises.
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