Khadijah Farrakhan, the wife of Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan and a key figure in the organization, has died at the age of 90, the Nation of Islam announced on Saturday. Known as “Mother Khadijah,” she was a prominent supporter and partner in the religious and sociopolitical movement that emphasizes Black self-reliance and empowerment. The Nation of Islam’s primary base, Mosque Maryam, is located on Chicago’s South Side, where the Farrakhans resided.

In a statement released by the Nation of Islam’s Shura Executive Council, Louis Farrakhan expressed deep sadness at the loss, describing Khadijah Farrakhan as “the first lady of the Nation of Islam” and noting that she had been married to him for 72 years. Funeral arrangements have yet to be announced.

Khadijah Farrakhan was born Betsy Ross and married Louis Farrakhan, then known as Louis Walcott, in Boston on September 12, 1953. The couple had nine children during their marriage. Their eldest son, Louis Farrakhan Jr., passed away in 2018, and their son Joshua Farrakhan died in 2023.

Both Khadijah and Louis Farrakhan converted to Islam in 1955, the same year Louis Farrakhan joined the Nation of Islam after being influenced by Malcolm X, a fellow Boston native and prominent civil rights figure. The two changed their names as part of this transition. After Malcolm X was assassinated in 1965, Louis Farrakhan rose to prominence following the death of Nation of Islam founder Elijah Muhammad in 1975, eventually assuming leadership of the organization.

Throughout her life, Khadijah Farrakhan played a significant role in supporting the Nation of Islam’s mission. She also engaged publicly in sociopolitical efforts, including addressing the Million Woman March in Philadelphia in 1997, an event focused on the empowerment of Black women. At the gathering, she emphasized the importance of unity, stating, “A nation can rise no higher than its women,” adding that progress required the cooperation of men, women, and children.

Among Louis Farrakhan’s notable achievements as leader of the Nation of Islam was organizing the Million Man March in Washington in 1995, a landmark event aimed at promoting African-American solidarity and social reform.

Mosque Maryam described Khadijah Farrakhan as “a devoted follower” with “a precious soul, a sweet heart.” Several public figures, including R&B artist ZaRio Son Rise, also paid tribute, reflecting on her as “a true queen, a righteous woman, and one of the greatest examples of dignity, faith, loyalty, and grace our generation has ever witnessed.”

Khadijah Farrakhan’s passing marks the end of a significant chapter in the history of the Nation of Islam, where she was known not only as the leader’s partner but also as a prominent advocate for the community’s spiritual and social causes.