The Ministry of Louis Farrakhan in the Nation of Islam

In the first scholarly biography of Minister Farrakhan, leader of the controversial religious movement, the Nation of Islam (NOI), Dawn-Marie Gibson challenges popular portrayals of Farrakhan in American media. Placing Farrakhans life and leadership in historical context, she traces his evolution from a fiery Black Nationalist in 1960s Harlem to a respected leader in sections of the USA and abroad, and uncovers Farrakhans work in rebuilding the NOIs reputation following Malcolm Xs assassination. Archival material includes FBIs files on the NOI and its leaders, Farrakhans writings in the Muhammad Speaks and The Final Call newspapers, and lectures and interviews from the late 1970s to the present day. Excerpts from first-hand interviews from NOI officials, pastors, imams, and community groups provide important insights into Farrakhans religious life.