Khadijah Farrakhan, Nation of Islam ‘First Lady,’ wife of Minister Louis Farrakhan, dies at 90

Khadijah Farrakhan, wife of Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan, died June 27, the Nation announced. She was 90.

“The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan with deep sadness yet with profound gratitude to Allah informs you that his beloved wife of 72 years, the First Lady of the Nation of Islam, Mother Khadijah has returned to Allah (may Allah be pleased),” the Nation of Islam’s official statement read.

Born Betsy Ross, she married Louis Walcott, as he was then known, in 1953 and the two had nine children together.

Together, the couple shaped the religious and sociopolitical movement to grow and expand its influence teaching Black self-reliance, economic independence, and family values, while promoting racial unity. 

Known as a humanitarian, teacher, fashion designer, world traveler and activist, Farrakhan  was influential in several ways. She helped edit The Final Call newspaper, created uniforms for Muslim women of the N.O.I, founded Newel Apparel, and represented the Nation in official delegations. 

“We thank Allah for the precious life of a loving wife, mother, a faithful devoted follower of The Honorable Elijah Muhammad,” the Nation of Islam said in its statement. 

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