Five-Percent Nation

Five-Percent (NOGE) Symbol

The Five-Percent Nation, also known as the Nation of Gods and Earths (NGE or NOGE), is a movement founded in 1964 in Harlem, New York, by Clarence 13X (also known as Allah the Father). It is a splinter group from the Nation of Islam (NOI), with which it shares some beliefs and practices, but also significant differences. The movement's name derives from the idea that 85% of the people are blind to the truth about their existence, 10% know the truth but choose to exploit the 85%, and the remaining 5% know the truth and attempt to enlighten the 85%.

Beliefs and Practices

The Five-Percent Nation teaches that Black people are the original humans and that they possess divine qualities. This belief system is encapsulated in the concept of the "Black man is God" and the "Black woman is Earth," which are central to the NGE's teachings. Members refer to themselves as "Gods" and "Earths," reflecting their belief in their own divinity and their role as teachers and nurturers, respectively.

The movement uses a unique language called Supreme Mathematics, which is a system of understanding the world through numbers one through nine, and Supreme Alphabet, a system of interpreting the alphabet in ways that represent concepts relevant to the NGE's teachings. These systems are used for personal understanding and growth, as well as to interpret the world.

History

Clarence 13X, a former member of the Nation of Islam, founded the Five-Percent Nation after leaving the NOI due to disagreements over the nature of God among other doctrinal issues. He disagreed with the NOI's teaching that Wallace Fard Muhammad was God and instead taught that all Black men were God. Clarence 13X was also known for his outreach efforts, particularly towards young African Americans in urban areas, teaching them about their divine nature and potential.

Cultural Impact

The Five-Percent Nation has had a significant impact on hip hop culture, with numerous artists and groups incorporating NGE themes and language into their music and public personas. This influence is evident in the lyrics and stage names of several hip hop artists who reference NGE teachings and terminology.

Controversies

The Five-Percent Nation has been controversial, particularly for its views on race and divinity. Critics argue that its teachings can be divisive. However, members of the NGE view their beliefs as empowering and as a means of instilling pride and purpose in their communities.

See Also

• Nation of Islam
• Hip hop culture
• African American history