Five-Percent Nation

What it is

The Five-Percent Nation, also called the Nation of Gods and Earths, is a movement founded in Harlem, New York, in 1964. It emerged from the Nation of Islam after its founder, Clarence 13X, left the organization. Members view themselves as scientists seeking knowledge rather than worshippers of an external deity. They believe Black men are the original fathers or Gods and Black women are the mothers or Earths of civilization. This worldview places the highest power within the adherents themselves, rejecting traditional religious worship structures.

Where it comes from

Clarence 13X established the group after leaving Temple No. 7 of the Nation of Islam. He renamed himself Allah the Father and began teaching street youth in Harlem. His teachings diverged from the Nation of Islam regarding the divinity of Wallace Fard Muhammad. The First Nine Born formed the core of the new movement on October 10, 1964. Clarence developed a curriculum of eight lessons based on his interpretation of previous NOI teachings. He focused on recruiting young people who were open to learning new perspectives on existence and identity.

How it is done

Adherents study twelve hundred lessons known as degrees. These include Supreme Mathematics and Supreme Alphabet, which provide frameworks for understanding life. Students must memorize and recite these principles to advance. The teachings are passed through a modern oral tradition. Practitioners apply these concepts to daily experiences and share their knowledge with others. This process aims to enlighten the eighty-five percent of the population who are considered ignorant of the truth.

Tools and materials

The primary tools are the Supreme Mathematics and the Supreme Alphabet. These systems assign numerical and symbolic meanings to letters and numbers. For example, the black man is symbolized as Knowledge in Supreme Mathematics. Women are associated with Wisdom and the planet Earth. The curriculum includes English lessons and Lost-Found Muslim Lessons. These texts form the basis of the educational structure used by the community.

What it is for

The movement aims to help individuals discover a true knowledge of themselves. It seeks to enlighten the majority of the world's population who are viewed as living in ignorance. Adherents believe they are responsible for guiding others toward this understanding. The group emphasizes self-improvement and community stability. It positions itself as neither anti-white nor pro-black, focusing instead on spiritual and intellectual development.

Who does it

Clarence 13X, known as Allah the Father, founded the movement and taught his students that they were Gods. He was joined by associates like Abu Shahid and Justice. The group does not restrict membership by race, including members of various ethnicities. Early followers included white adherents such as John Michael Kennedy. Leadership involves passing down lessons and maintaining the oral tradition established by the founder.

Peoples and places

The movement originated in Harlem, New York, among Black youth. It has spread throughout the United States and influenced other regions. The group identifies primarily with Black people but accepts members of all races. It gained visibility during the Civil Rights and Black Power Movements. Local recognition includes the naming of a square in Harlem after its founders. The community maintains its presence through local academies and publications.

What people believe

The Nation teaches that Black people are the original people of Earth. Men are considered Gods and women are Earths, sustaining human existence. The universe is understood through Supreme Mathematics and Alphabet. These systems explain the relationship between humankind and the cosmos. Adherents do not worship outside forces because they believe they are the highest power. The concept of the five percent refers to those who know the truth and work to enlighten others.

How scholars and sceptics see it

The FBI opened a file on the group in 1965, labeling it a gang. Newspaper articles from the era described members as hoodlums. Mayor Lindsay's task force met with leaders to prevent unrest. Civil rights leaders praised the group's contribution to community stability. Legal challenges have arisen over prison bans on NGE literature. Judges have recognized the group as a legitimate belief system despite security concerns.

Questions people ask about Five-Percent Nation

Good reading and sources

• Encyclopaedia BritannicaArticle

• Five-Percent Nation on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Wikidata recordOpen data