Decades-long legacy with Nation of Islam

Mrs. Farrakhan, born Betsy Ross, married Louis Walcott in Boston in 1953. Two years later, she became a Muslim, and the couple joined the Nation of Islam, influenced by Malcolm X, Louis’ friend from their time together in Boston.

The couple took the name Farrakhan and had nine children during their 72-year marriage.

After Malcolm X was assassinated in 1965, Louis Farrakhan rose as a leading figure in the Nation of Islam and eventually became leader of the organization, with Khadijah assuming the role of first lady.

Louis Farrakhan’s influence as leader of the Nation of Islam reached its peak with the 1995 Million Man March, held in Washington, D.C., under his leadership. Two years later, a Million Woman March was held in Philadelphia. Khadijah Farrakhan spoke at the event.

“A nation can rise no higher than its women,” Mrs. Farrakhan said as she addressed those gathered for the event. “We focus on women but cannot lose sight that we must rise as a family — men, women and children.”

Remembering the First Lady of the Nation of Islam

A number of remembrances and tributes to Khadijah Farrakhan have been posted online since news of her death was announced.

New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams posted, “Sending prayers to the faithful on the loss of The First Lady of the Nation of Islam, Mother Khadijah Farrakhan who spent decades instilling a sense of pride, beauty and confidence in Black women across this country in the face of so many messages to the opposite.”

R&B artist ZaRio Son Rise posted a long message honoring Khadijah Farrakhan as “a true queen, a righteous woman, and one of the greatest examples of dignity, faith, loyalty, and grace our generation has ever witnessed.”

The BMB Empowerment Network posted, “For more than seven decades, Mother Khadijah stood beside her husband, Minister Louis Farrakhan, as a wife, mother, and supporter through seasons of triumph, criticism, sacrifice, and change. Whether people agreed with the Nation of Islam or not, her life reminds us that leadership is rarely carried by one person alone.”

These tributes and more are being paid to Khadijah Farrakhan after her long life, marriage and leadership. As the first lady of the Nation of Islam, the life and legacy of “Mother Khadijah” continue to speak through the memories and accolades of those remembering her.