Elijah MuhammadElijah Muhammad (1897-1975) - Leader of the Nation of Islam and Advocate for Black Empowerment Elijah Muhammad led the Nation of Islam (NOI), transforming it into a major movement for Black self-reliance and economic empowerment. Born in Georgia, he igrated to Detroit, where he met NOI founder Wallace Fard Muhammad in 1931. After Fard's disappearance, he took leadership in 1934, promoting Black nationalism, self-sufficiency, and religious discipline. Under his guidance, the NOI built businesses, schools, and farms, influencing figures like Malcolm X, Muhammad Ali, and Louis Farrakhan. Despite government persecution, he expanded the NOI's reach, leaving a lasting impact on Black empowerment and religious movements. Read More Read Less