Introduction
Louis Farrakhan net worth is an influential and controversial religious leader who has served as the head of the Nation of Islam (NOI) for over 60 years. With an estimated net worth of $5 million, Farrakhan has earned his wealth through his leadership role in NOI and other business ventures.
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Now in his late 80s, Farrakhan has been a polarizing figure due to his outspoken political views and rhetoric, which have been criticized as anti-Semitic. At the same time, he has advocated for Black empowerment and organized significant events like the Million Man March. Despite his advanced age and health issues, Farrakhan remains active with NOI while gradually reducing his responsibilities.
Bios
| Name | Louis Eugene Walcott |
| Nickname | Louis Farrakhan, Calypso Gene, Louis X |
| Birthday | 11 May 1933 |
| Age | 89 |
| Gender | Male |
| Height | 5’10” |
| Weight | 170 lbs |
| Partner | Khadijah Farrakhan |
| Kids | Donna Farrakhan Muhammad, Mustapha Farrakhan, Khallada Farrakhan, Joshua Farrakhan, Betsy-Jean Farrakhan, Louis Farrakhan Jr., Fatimah Farrakhan, Abnar Farrakhan, Maria Farrakhan |
| Parents | Sarah Mae Manning, Percival Clark |
| Siblings | One older brother |
| Nationality | Anglo-Caribbean, American |
| Profession | Politician, Religious Leader, Singer, Musician |
| Net Worth | $5 million |
Early Life and Introduction to Nation of Islam
Louis Farrakhan was born Louis Eugene Walcott in The Bronx, New York, on May 11, 1933. His mother was from St. Kitts and Nevis, while his father was Jamaican. Farrakhan attended Winston-Salem Teachers College but dropped out to pursue a career in music.
In 1955, while performing as a professional violinist, Farrakhan was introduced to the teachings of the Nation of Islam by Malcolm X. He soon joined NOI, changed his surname to Farrakhan (meaning “The Criterion”), and devoted himself fully to the organization. Over the next few decades, Farrakhan took on major responsibilities and emerged as a national leader within NOI.
Rise in Nation of Islam
After the assassination of prominent NOI leader Malcolm X in 1965, Farrakhan replaced him as the national representative and minister of the influential Harlem Mosque. This marked Farrakhan’s rise to prominence within NOI.
In 1975, Elijah Muhammad, the longtime NOI leader, passed away and was succeeded by his son Warith Deen Mohammed. Mohammed sought to bring NOI closer to mainstream Sunni Islam and minimize its more controversial teachings. This caused a schism, with Farrakhan breaking away in 1977 to preserve NOI’s original teachings and identity.
Over the next few years, Farrakhan rebuilt NOI under his leadership. His national profile grew significantly in the 1980s, as he began making controversial public speeches and statements. Farrakhan also started his own NOI newspaper, The Final Call.
Million Man March and Continued Leadership
Farrakhan organized and led the Million Man March in Washington, D.C. in October 1995. Drawing hundreds of thousands of Black men, it was one of the largest political gatherings in American history to advocate for civil rights and economic empowerment. The event bolstered Farrakhan’s image as an influential leader.
Despite suffering from prostate cancer and other ailments, Farrakhan continues to lead NOI into the 21st century. He organized an even larger gathering, Justice or Else, for the 20th anniversary of the Million Man March in October 2015. Farrakhan maintains a national profile by giving speeches, sermons, and interviews.
Within NOI, Farrakhan has reduced his responsibilities by appointing assistants and ministers to handle the day-to-day activities. However, he still exerts ultimate authority and remains the public face of the organization.
Controversies and Criticisms
Farrakhan’s fiery rhetoric and polarizing views have made him a controversial figure for decades. He has been accused of being anti-Semitic for his frequent criticisms of Israel and Jews. The Southern Poverty Law Center classifies Farrakhan and NOI as a hate group. Supporters counter that his views have been taken out of context.
Here are some other controversies surrounding Farrakhan:
- Referred to Judaism as a “gutter religion” in a 1984 speech.
- Praised Adolf Hitler as a “very great man” in a 2018 speech while blaming Jewish people for “corrupting” Germany.
- Promoted unproven conspiracy theories about the 9/11 terrorist attacks being a false flag operation.
- Has made homophobic statements, such as calling homosexuality “unnatural” and “degenerate.”
Despite the controversies, many civil rights activists and celebrities have praised Farrakhan for speaking out on issues affecting the Black community when other leaders remain silent. Former President Barack Obama was also criticized for having ties to Farrakhan and NOI.
Louis Farrakhan’s Net Worth
The primary source of Louis Farrakhan’s $5 million net worth is his six-decade career with Nation of Islam. As the leader of the organization, Farrakhan receives compensation for his role. However, the exact details of his NOI salary are not publicly known.
In addition to his NOI income, Farrakhan has earned money from book royalties, speaking fees, and other enterprises. He founded two newspapers, Muhammad Speaks and The Final Call, which provide additional income from subscriptions and advertising. Farrakhan has likely made millions from his various business activities and media platforms tied to NOI.
Unlike many religious leaders, Farrakhan has not been tainted by major financial scandals over his lengthy ministry. His net worth appears to have remained consistent in the $5 million range over the past decade. While wealthy, Farrakhan does not seem to live an overtly lavish lifestyle.
Louis Farrakhan’s Personal Life
Farrakhan is currently married to his second wife, Mother Khadijah Farrakhan. He was previously married to Betsy Ross, who later changed her name to Khadijah Farrakhan after joining NOI. Farrakhan has nine children between his two marriages.
Although Farrakhan was raised as a Christian, he became a devout Muslim upon joining the Nation of Islam in the 1950s. However, NOI differs substantially from mainstream Islamic faith in many of its beliefs and rituals.
Farrakhan currently resides in Chicago, Illinois, which serves as the international headquarters for NOI. Now in his late 80s, he appears publicly less frequently due to his age and health problems. But Farrakhan remains focused on mentoring younger NOI leaders who will carry on his legacy.
Facts
- As the longtime leader of Nation of Islam, Louis Farrakhan has an estimated net worth of $5 million.
- He earned his wealth through his influential leadership role within NOI for over six decades.
- Farrakhan is a polarizing public figure – praised by supporters but criticized by others for his rhetoric deemed as bigoted.
- Despite advancing age and declining health, Farrakhan continues to promote NOI’s message and mission.
- While reduced, he still wields the ultimate power and authority within the organization he rebuilt and heads.
FAQs About Louis Farrakhan’s Net Worth
Q1. How did Louis Farrakhan make his money?
Farrakhan earned most of his $5 million net worth from his leadership position within the Nation of Islam, which spans over 60 years. He also earned income from book royalties, speaking fees, and NOI-affiliated business enterprises.
Q2. What is Louis Farrakhan’s salary as head of NOI?
Farrakhan’s exact salary from NOI is not known publicly. As the leader of the organization, he is compensated but the details have not been disclosed.
Q3. What controversies surround Louis Farrakhan?
Farrakhan is considered controversial for his rhetoric viewed as anti-Semitic and homophobic by many. He has also promoted conspiracy theories about 9/11. The Southern Poverty Law Center designated Farrakhan and NOI as a hate group.
Q4. How old is Louis Farrakhan now?
As of August 2022, Louis Farrakhan is 89 years old. He was born on May 11, 1933 in The Bronx, New York.
Q5. Is Louis Farrakhan still married?
Yes, Farrakhan has been married to his second wife Mother Khadijah Farrakhan since 1964. He was previously married to Betsy Ross who later changed her name to Khadijah after joining NOI.
Social Media
Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louis_Farrakhan
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LouisFarrakhan
FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialMinisterFarrakhan/