The 5% Nation was founded by a man named Allah (born Clarence Edward Smith) in the early 1960s in Harlem, New York. Allah, a former member of the Nation of Islam, left to teach the youth the "Knowledge of Self," focusing on self-empowerment, community engagement, and the understanding that every Black man can become his own God. Sharing a deeper understanding of divinity beyond traditional religious structures. Along with his companions, John 37X (Abu Shahid) and James Howell (Ol Man Justice C), Allah walked the streets of Harlem spreading these teachings, and in 1964, he formally established the 5% Nation. To fully grasp the essence of the 5% Nation, it's important to understand the meaning behind our name and core tenets.
The 5% Nation derives its name from the concept that only 5% of people possess true knowledge and understanding of themselves and the world, while the remaining 95% are either ignorant or oppressors.
These teachings are presented in the form of universal keys, which serve as a daily system of application called "Supreme Mathematics". Each key is a number representing a specific principle or rule. When applied in proper order—from 1 to 9—an idea can go from thought (knowledge) to reality (born). Thus, this is the process that everything within nature takes, and these keys help man unlock his or her infinite potential, and understand their relationship to the universe. There is also the "Supreme Alphabet," which serves as our supreme language. Each letter correlates to an empowering word or concept. Additionally, there are the "120 Lessons," which provide knowledge into the reality of man and the universe.
Through public speaking, community engagement, and the establishment of street academies, Allah made a lasting impact on the youth and the broader community. Even after his assassination in 1969, the 5% Nation continued to grow and evolve, with its members—known as Gods and Earths—spreading the teachings of knowledge and wisdom across the globe.
Today, the 5% Nation remains a vital force in empowering individuals to achieve their highest potential, promoting peace, justice, and the upliftment of humanity.
Allah, originally named Clarence Edward Smith, was born on February 22nd, 1928, in Danville, Virginia. He was the fifth of seven children, raised in a close-knit family with parents Louis and Mary Smith. At the age of 16, in 1944, Clarence and several family members moved to Harlem, New York—referred to by his followers as "Mecca"—where his life's journey would take a monumental turn.
In 1952, Clarence was inducted into the U.S. Army, where he served as a Light Weapons Infantryman during the Korean War. He excelled in martial arts, mastering Kung-Fu, Judo, and Karate. His bravery and leadership in battle earned him several awards, including the Korean Service Medal with a Bronze Star, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Presidential Unit Citation, and a Medal of Bravery for saving the lives of his squad. After returning to the U.S. in 1954, he remained in the Army Reserves until his honorable discharge in 1960.
During this time, his wife Dora converted to Islam and joined the Nation of Islam under Elijah Muhammad’s leadership. In 1960, Clarence himself joined the Nation of Islam at Temple #7 in Harlem, taking on the name Clarence 13X. He quickly became a respected member of the Fruit of Islam, the paramilitary wing of the organization, due to his discipline, leadership, and unwavering dedication.
However, after three and a half years, Clarence 13X parted ways with the Nation of Islam in 1963. He disagreed with the Nation's portrayal of Allah (God) as separate from man, believing instead that all Black men were themselves God. This core belief became the foundation of the teachings he would soon bring to Harlem's youth.
In late 1963, along with his companions John 37X (Abu Shahid), James Howell (Free Cipher Akbar, also known as Ol Man Justice C), and Eugene 32X (Hebeka), Clarence began walking the streets of Harlem, teaching the youth about their divine nature and their potential. They shared what he called the "Knowledge of Self"—the understanding that Black men were Gods, and that it was essential for people to know their true identity, the reality of the Devil, and their divine purpose on earth. Although Hebeka would later return to the mosque and take on the name Imam Rafiq Rasul.
By October 1964, Clarence, now known as Allah, officially established the Five Percent Nation, with hundreds of young Five Percenters by his side. The name represented Allah’s core teaching that only 5% of the population possess true knowledge, while 85% are ignorant of the truth, and 10% actively deceive the masses for their own benefit. The movement rapidly grew, particularly among the disaffected and marginalized youth of Harlem. The first individuals Allah chose to represent and spread his teachings became known as the First Born.
On December 9th, 1964, Allah survived an assassination attempt when he was shot by a man named Carlos while in a basement on 127th Street. Despite this, his influence continued to expand. By 1965, he and his followers were attracting attention, and after a "public disturbance" on May 31st, 1965, Allah, along with others, was arrested and charged with unlawful assembly, disorderly conduct, and possession of marijuana. At his arraignment, Allah famously proclaimed himself to be God, and, representing himself, told the judge that the city would “blow up” if the righteous were wrongly accused.
Declared ”mentally unfit”, Allah was placed in the psychiatric unit at Bellevue Hospital in September 1965. He was later transferred to the Mattawan State Hospital for the Criminally Insane, but even there, his teachings reached beyond the walls, and the 5% Nation continued to grow. After his release in March 1967, Allah’s presence only strengthened, culminating in the first universal parliament of the 5% Nation held on April 30th, 1967, at Mount Morris Park (now Marcus Garvey Park).
That same year, Allah, with the assistance of Mayor John Lindsey and the Urban League, opened the first "Street Academy" at 2122 7th Avenue in Harlem. The academy provided not only education but also vocational training, helping to uplift the youth with a sense of purpose and knowledge. The introduction of the Universal Flag by Universal Shaamgaudd Allah and the composition of the national anthem, "The Enlightener," by Knowledge God and Amar Education Allah solidified the cultural and symbolic framework of the movement.
In 1968, Allah’s efforts were recognized publicly by officials, including Mayor Lindsey, for his contributions to keeping peace and order in the community following the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Allah’s leadership and his unique approach to education and self-empowerment earned widespread praise during this turbulent period.
Tragically, Allah’s life was cut short on June 13th, 1969, when he was assassinated in Harlem. He was shot seven times by unknown assailants in the building where his wife Dora lived. Despite his passing, Allah's legacy lived on through the continued growth and influence of the 5% Nation. His teachings, emphasizing the divine nature of Black men, self-reliance, and knowledge, remain a guiding force for the Nation.
Allah’s life, from his service in the military to his work with the 5% Nation, left an indelible mark on history. His message of self-empowerment and enlightenment continues to inspire generations to embrace knowledge, unity, and purpose.
Allah
Black Messiah (Kareem), Al Salaam, Prince Allah (Al Jabbar), Uhuru, Bishme Allah (Nihiem), Akbar, A.B.G #7 (Bilal), Al Jamil, and Kiheem.
Gykee, Universal Shaamgaudd, Siheem, Sha Sha, Raliek, Uhuso Lakee, Bali, Ali, Hasheem, Knowledge God (Waliek), Akim, Byheem, Godef (Gamel), Ahmad and Taleek.
Read about how Allah and his 5% maintained the peace in the community of Harlem, NY following the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in April 1968.
Allah with Mayor Lindsey's Aide, Barry Gottehrer.
1968
November 15th, 1967
This footage features Brown Seed Abeka, P-Allah (Allah's son), God Supreme, and Ol' Man Justice C (Free Cipher Akbar). This is an excerpt from a French documentary based on the Youth of Harlem.
This footage features Dubar, Ar-Rahiem, and Al-Sharrieff. This was an excerpt from the documentary "No Vietnamese Ever Called Me Nigger" (1968)."
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