Elijah Muhammad (1897-1975) passed away on February 25, 1975 at the age of 77. Born Elijah Robert Poole, he was an American Muslim minister, abolitionist, and leader of the Nation of Islam, which he co-founded with W. D. Fard and Wallace Fard Muhammad. As the leader of the Nation, he taught that African Americans were the descendants of the ancient tribe of Shabazz and were being oppressed by white people. Elijah Muhammad is remembered for leading a movement of Black empowerment and African-American economic and social development. He is credited for promoting a “back-to-the-roots” consciousness and for starting spiritual schools that emphasized self-reliance. He was an influential figure in the 20th century, and his voice will continue to be remembered.