Clarence 13X, American religious leader, founded the Nation of Gods and Earths (d. 1969)

The Life and Legacy of Clarence 13X, Founder of the Five-Percent Nation

Clarence Edward Smith, born on February 22, 1928, in Virginia, would become one of the 20th century's most distinctive religious figures, widely known as Clarence 13X and later as Allah. He was the visionary founder of the Five-Percent Nation, a unique cultural and religious movement that emerged from the vibrant, often turbulent, landscape of 1960s Harlem.

Early Life, Military Service, and the Nation of Islam

As a young man, Clarence Smith made the journey from his birthplace in Virginia to the bustling metropolis of New York City. His life path then led him to serve his country in the United States Army during the intense years of the Korean War. Upon his return to New York, a pivotal moment in his spiritual journey occurred: his wife had joined the Nation of Islam (NOI). He followed suit, embracing the teachings and adopting the name Clarence 13X, a common practice within the NOI to signify a new identity and a break from the "slave name."

Within the NOI, Clarence 13X was a dedicated and active member, taking on multiple roles that showcased his abilities and commitment. He served as a security officer, ensuring the safety of the community, and also imparted his skills as a martial arts instructor. Furthermore, he rose to the position of student minister, indicating a deep engagement with the NOI's theological framework and its mission. However, by 1963, his path diverged from the NOI. While the precise reasons for his departure remain somewhat unclear, it's understood that his personal convictions increasingly conflicted with the group's strict doctrines. He was known to enjoy gambling, a practice explicitly condemned by the NOI. More significantly, he fundamentally disagreed with the NOI's core teaching that Wallace Fard Muhammad was a divine messenger, setting the stage for his own distinct theological awakening.

Founding the Five-Percent Nation: A New Philosophy

After leaving the Nation of Islam, Clarence 13X, alongside several other former NOI members who shared his evolving perspectives, embarked on creating a new spiritual path. This new group, which would eventually be known as the Five-Percent Nation, was built upon a revolutionary reinterpretation of existing Black nationalist and Islamic-influenced tenets. At the heart of Clarence 13X's groundbreaking philosophy was the profound declaration that all black men were inherently divine, embodying the essence of God. To symbolize this radical new understanding, he shed his previous name and took on the powerful moniker of Allah.

Allah's teachings directly challenged the traditional concept of an invisible, otherworldly God. Instead, he asserted that God was not a distant entity but could be found and recognized within each black man. In his view, women, referred to as "earths," played a complementary and nurturing role, believed to be submissive to men as a reflection of natural order. While retaining some structural and conceptual elements from the Nation of Islam, Allah and his assistants pioneered novel and unique interpretations. A cornerstone of their system was the intricate exploration of the meaning of letters and numerals, known as Supreme Mathematics and Supreme Alphabet. Understanding these symbolic systems was believed to unlock deep truths about God, the universe, and self-knowledge.

The movement acquired its name, the Five Percenters, from an existing NOI teaching that only a small fraction—five percent—of the global population possessed and actively promoted the truth about God and the universe. This distinction underscored their belief in a select group of enlightened individuals. Significantly, Allah deliberately distinguished his group from his previous faith by rejecting strict dress codes or rigid behavioral guidelines. In a departure from NOI strictures, he allowed for the consumption of alcohol and, at times, even the use of illegal drugs, emphasizing personal freedom and an inner understanding of righteousness over external rules.

Challenges, Cooperation, and Tragic End

Clarence 13X's journey was not without significant peril and hardship. In 1964, he survived being shot by an unknown assailant, an early indication of the dangers inherent in his public role. Several months later, following an incident where he and several of his followers were involved in vandalizing stores and clashing with police, he was arrested. This led to his placement in psychiatric care, where he was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, a period during which he firmly asserted his preferred name, "Allah." His confinement without trial eventually came to an end in 1966, following a landmark Supreme Court ruling that established limits on such detentions, securing his release back into the Harlem community.

Remarkably, in the years leading up to his death, Allah underwent a significant ideological shift. While his early teachings had included strong rhetoric against white people, he began to actively pursue cooperation with white city leaders. This strategic pivot resulted in crucial funding for a night school, a community initiative aimed at empowering local youth. In return for this support, Allah committed himself to actively preventing violence in Harlem, leveraging his influence within the community to foster peace and stability in a volatile era. Tragically, on June 13, 1969, Clarence 13X was fatally shot. The identity of his killer remains unknown, adding a layer of mystery to his untimely demise. His death sent ripples through New York City, with the mayor and other prominent leaders expressing their condolences to his grieving followers.

In the immediate aftermath of Allah's death, the Five-Percent Nation faced a period of uncertainty. However, the movement soon rebounded with the emergence of new leadership, adopting a non-hierarchical approach. No single individual stepped in to directly replace Clarence 13X; instead, the movement continued to flourish under a collective guidance. To this day, Clarence 13X is held in the highest regard by Five Percenters, who honor his profound impact and enduring legacy by celebrating his birthday as an important holiday, recognizing him as their divine founder and a pivotal figure in Black spiritual and cultural history.

Frequently Asked Questions About Clarence 13X and the Five-Percent Nation

Who was Clarence 13X?
Clarence 13X, also known as Allah, was an American religious leader born Clarence Edward Smith. He was the founder of the Five-Percent Nation, a unique cultural and religious movement that originated in 1960s Harlem.
What is the Five-Percent Nation?
The Five-Percent Nation is a movement founded by Clarence 13X, which teaches that black men are divine and that God is found within each black man, rather than being an invisible, otherworldly entity. It emerged from the Nation of Islam, offering distinct theological interpretations and cultural practices.
How did Clarence 13X found the Five-Percent Nation?
After serving in the Korean War and joining the Nation of Islam (NOI), Clarence 13X left the NOI due to disagreements with its teachings, particularly regarding the divinity of Wallace Fard Muhammad. He then formed a new group with former NOI members, developing a philosophy centered on the divinity of black men and establishing the Five-Percent Nation.
What were Clarence 13X's main teachings?
His core teachings included the belief that all black men are God (Allah), that God is within each black man, and a rejection of an invisible God. He also taught about the symbolic meanings of letters and numerals (Supreme Mathematics and Supreme Alphabet) to reveal truths about the universe. The movement distinguished itself from the NOI by allowing more personal freedoms, such as the consumption of alcohol.
When did Clarence 13X die?
Clarence 13X was fatally shot on June 13, 1969, in Harlem. The identity of his killer remains unknown.