Khadijah Farrakhan (1935 – 2026)

Their Story

Khadijah Farrakhan (born Betsy Ross; November 26, 1935 – June 27, 2026) was the wife of Louis Farrakhan, the leader of the Nation of Islam, and widely known as the "First Lady of the Nation of Islam." A devoted activist and spiritual anchor for her family and the broader Nation of Islam movement, Khadijah embodied quiet strength and unwavering commitment across seven decades of marriage. She converted to Islam with her husband in 1955, and from that moment became a pillar of the organization. After her husband rebuilt the Nation of Islam in 1977, she served as the organization's first treasurer and secretary, using her skills in office systems and communications to develop secretarial departments that launched many of the Nation's programs and initiatives. Beyond her behind-the-scenes organizational work, Khadijah was a visible advocate for Black women and family empowerment, speaking at the Million Woman March in 1997. She and Louis Farrakhan had nine children together and lived in Chicago for most of their married life. Her legacy exemplified service, devotion, and the steadying presence that enabled one of modern America's most influential religious leaders to advance his mission.