Louis Farrakhan The Nation of Islam supports black independence included with some of the practices and beliefs of Islam religion. One of its main goals is for blacks to attain self-sufficiency in today’s society. Louis Farrakhan was the leader of this religious movement. Although some people claim that Louis Farrakhan is an inspiring figure who is a credit to all races, he is often criticized as a dividing force using his position as the head of the Nation of Islam to spew hatred for non-black races, supporting riots and disputes. Louis Eugene Walcott was born on May 11, 1933 in Bronx, New York. His father, Percival Clark, abandoned him and his mother when Louis was a baby. He was raised by his mother, Sarah Mae Manning, in a highly disciplined…show more content… in the 1950s and 1960s. They criticized the goal of an alliance between the American mainstream. They hoped with their hard work, the outcome would reflect in racial separation and the creation of a black nation somewhere in the United States or anywhere in the world. Also they criticized King’s viewpoint of nonviolence and requested it with a strategy of self-defense “by any means necessary,” quoted Louis Farrakhan. (Beverly 681). One of the most meaningful accomplishments of the Nation of Islam was to help change ones self-image and ethnic definition of Black Americans. They wanted people to realize their worth, self-affirmation, ethnic pride, and dignity. Within the speeches of leaders such as Malcolm X and Louis Farrakhan, the Black Power Movement and the black consciousness of the late 1960s and 1970s helped change the elements of culture of the entire country, reflected in the choice of words from “negro” to “black.” Through its message, the Nation of Islam also helped to reestablish the lives of thousands of black people who were in prison from drugs, alcohol, and crime. After Malcolm X’s assassination on February 23, 1965, Louis Farrakhan replaced Malcolm X as the head minister of Harlem’s Temple No. 7. Like his precursor, Louis Farrakhan was a charismatic leader and a powerful speaker with the ability to appeal to the masses of black people. After Elijah Muhammad’s death on February 25, 1975, the Nation of Islam experienced several changes in events. Wallace Muhammad, the fifth of Elijah’s six sons, was uncommonly chosen as the Supreme Minister by the leadership hierarchy. Disappointed that he was not chosen as Elijah’s replacement, Minister Louis Farrakhan led separation group and began rebuilding his own nation in November 1977. (Opposing