3.4 The Five Percent Nation

The Five Percent Nation emerged in the 1960s as an offshoot of the Nation of Islam. Founded by Clarence 13X, it diverged from NOI doctrine by teaching that Black men are gods and emphasizing self-knowledge over supernatural belief.

The group's core beliefs include Supreme Mathematics, Black male divinity, and rejection of traditional religion. Its influence on hip-hop culture and Black consciousness movements has been significant, though not without controversy and criticism.

Origins of the Five Percent Nation

Clarence 13X and the Nation of Islam

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• Clarence 13X, born Clarence Smith, joined the Nation of Islam (NOI) in the 1950s and became a student of Malcolm X
• He served as a security guard for Malcolm X and Elijah Muhammad, the leader of the NOI
• Clarence 13X began to question some of the NOI's teachings and developed his own interpretations of Islam and Black identity
• In 1963, he left the NOI and founded the Five Percent Nation, also known as the Nation of Gods and Earths

Teachings vs Nation of Islam doctrine

• The Five Percent Nation diverged from the NOI in several key areas of belief
• Rejected the idea of a supernatural God and instead taught that Black men are the original Gods of the universe
• Emphasized self-knowledge and the power of the Black man to shape his own destiny, rather than relying on divine intervention
• Incorporated elements of Kemetic (ancient Egyptian) symbolism and numerology into their teachings, such as the Supreme Mathematics and Supreme Alphabet

Influence of Malcolm X

• Malcolm X's charismatic leadership and powerful oratory skills had a significant impact on Clarence 13X and the early members of the Five Percent Nation
• The Five Percenters adopted some of Malcolm X's critiques of white supremacy and the need for Black self-determination
• However, they also criticized Malcolm X's later embrace of Sunni Islam and his moderation of his earlier separatist views
• The Five Percenters saw themselves as continuing the revolutionary spirit of Malcolm X's earlier teachings

Core beliefs and teachings

Supreme Mathematics and Supreme Alphabet

• The Supreme Mathematics is a system of numerology that assigns symbolic meanings to the numbers 0-9
• Each number represents a concept or principle, such as knowledge (1), wisdom (2), and understanding (3)
• The Supreme Alphabet is a similar system that assigns meanings to the 26 letters of the alphabet (A is for Allah, B is for Born, etc.)
• These systems are used to interpret and decode the hidden meanings in words, names, and phrases

Black men as Gods

• The Five Percenters teach that the original Black man is God, and that each Black man has the potential to realize his own divinity
• This belief is based on the idea that the Black man is the creator of civilization and the original source of all knowledge and wisdom
• By embracing his true nature as God, the Black man can reclaim his rightful place as the ruler of his own destiny

Earth as Goddess

• Women in the Five Percent Nation are referred to as "Earths" and are seen as the complementary force to the Black man's divinity
• Earths are respected as the mothers of civilization and the nurturers of the next generation of Gods
• However, some critics have argued that the Five Percent Nation's gender roles are patriarchal and limit women's agency

Rejection of traditional religion

• The Five Percenters reject the teachings of traditional religions, including Christianity and mainstream Islam
• They see these religions as tools of white supremacy and mental slavery, designed to keep Black people in a state of ignorance and subservience
• Instead, they emphasize the importance of self-knowledge and the development of one's own understanding of the universe

Focus on self-knowledge and enlightenment

• The ultimate goal of the Five Percent Nation is for each individual to attain a state of enlightenment and self-mastery
• This is achieved through the study of the Supreme Mathematics and Supreme Alphabet, as well as through practical application of the lessons in daily life
• The Five Percenters believe that true freedom and empowerment come from knowing oneself and one's place in the universe

Organizational structure and practices

Hierarchy of Gods and Earths

• The Five Percent Nation is organized into a hierarchy of Gods and Earths, based on their level of knowledge and understanding of the teachings
• At the top are the "Father" and "Mother" of the Nation, followed by the "First Born" and other senior members
• New members are known as "Babies" until they demonstrate mastery of the lessons and earn the title of "God" or "Earth"

Rallies and Universal Parliaments

• The Five Percenters hold regular gatherings known as "rallies" or "Universal Parliaments" where members come together to share knowledge and build community
• These events often feature speeches, debates, and performances showcasing the talents and wisdom of the Gods and Earths
• Rallies also serve as a way to recruit new members and spread the teachings of the Five Percent Nation to a wider audience

Street Academy educational system

• The Five Percenters have developed their own informal educational system known as the "Street Academy"
• This system is based on the idea that true knowledge is not found in traditional schools, but rather in the streets and the experiences of everyday life
• Gods and Earths share their knowledge with each other through one-on-one teaching, group lessons, and practical demonstrations

Initiation process for new members

• To become a member of the Five Percent Nation, one must first be "born" through a process of initiation and education
• This typically involves studying the Supreme Mathematics and Supreme Alphabet under the guidance of a more experienced God or Earth
• New members are also expected to adopt the cultural practices and dress code of the Five Percenters, such as wearing medallions and using the Nation's unique vocabulary and handshakes

Cultural influence and impact

Presence in hip-hop music and culture

• The Five Percent Nation has had a significant influence on hip-hop music and culture, particularly in the 1980s and 1990s
• Many prominent rappers, such as Rakim, Nas, and the Wu-Tang Clan, have incorporated Five Percenter teachings and symbolism into their lyrics and imagery
• The Five Percenters' emphasis on wordplay, numerology, and hidden meanings has shaped the lyrical style and content of many hip-hop artists

Influence on Black consciousness movements

• The Five Percent Nation's teachings on Black divinity and self-determination have influenced other Black consciousness movements, such as the Black Power movement and Afrocentricity
• The idea of the Black man as God has been a powerful and empowering concept for many Black people seeking to reclaim their identity and heritage
• However, some critics have argued that the Five Percenters' focus on Black masculinity can be exclusionary and problematic

Controversies and criticisms

• The Five Percent Nation has faced criticism and controversy from both within and outside the Black community
• Some have accused the group of promoting reverse racism and sexism, or of being a gang or cult rather than a legitimate religious movement
• The Five Percenters have also been targeted by law enforcement and media as a potential threat to public safety, particularly in the wake of high-profile crimes committed by alleged members

Comparison to other Black religious movements

• The Five Percent Nation shares some similarities with other Black religious movements, such as the Nation of Islam and the Moorish Science Temple
• Like these groups, the Five Percenters emphasize Black pride, self-sufficiency, and the rejection of white supremacy
• However, the Five Percenters' belief in the divinity of the Black man sets them apart from other groups that maintain a more traditional view of God and religion
• The Five Percenters have also been more influential in popular culture and less formally organized than some other Black religious movements

Relationship with mainstream society

Interactions with law enforcement

• The Five Percent Nation has had a complex and often adversarial relationship with law enforcement
• Some members have been involved in criminal activities, leading to increased police scrutiny and surveillance of the group as a whole
• The Five Percenters' anti-establishment rhetoric and rejection of traditional authority have also put them at odds with law enforcement
• However, some members have also worked to build positive relationships with police and to promote community safety and violence prevention

Media portrayal and public perception

• The Five Percent Nation has often been misunderstood and sensationalized by mainstream media
• They have been portrayed as a gang, a hate group, or a bizarre cult, rather than as a legitimate religious and cultural movement
• This negative media coverage has contributed to public fear and suspicion of the Five Percenters, particularly among those unfamiliar with their teachings and practices
• However, some recent media outlets have provided more nuanced and accurate portrayals of the group, highlighting their contributions to Black culture and their efforts to promote self-improvement and community empowerment

Community outreach and activism

• Despite their reputation as a fringe group, the Five Percent Nation has been involved in various forms of community outreach and activism
• Members have organized food drives, toy drives, and other charitable events to support their local communities
• Some have also been involved in political activism, such as protesting police brutality and advocating for criminal justice reform
• The Five Percenters' emphasis on education and self-knowledge has also led to the creation of youth mentorship programs and other initiatives to empower young people

Challenges of maintaining identity in modern times

• As with many other religious and cultural groups, the Five Percent Nation faces challenges in maintaining its distinct identity and traditions in the face of modern pressures
• Some younger members may be less interested in the group's teachings and practices, or may feel that they are no longer relevant to their lives
• The influence of social media and popular culture may also dilute or distort the Five Percenters' message and symbolism
• However, many members remain committed to preserving and passing on the teachings of the Five Percent Nation to future generations, seeing them as a vital source of identity, purpose, and empowerment for Black people in America