Black Muslim and Black Nationalist Forebears to the Universities of Islam: Examining the Educational Thought and Practice of the Moorish Science Temple of America and the Universal Negro Improvement Association, 1913–1930

• In Event: 29.038 - Activism in Urban Spaces

Abstract

Since its formation in 1930, the Nation of Islam (NOI) has operated elementary and secondary schools for Muslim children. The Universities of Islam (and the Sister Clara Muhammad Schools, as some would later come to be known) are recognized as being the intellectual forbears of subsequent 20th century black movements for educational self-determination; however, there has been little examination of potential progenitors of the NOI’s own educational program. Scholars trace elements of NOI theology and nationalist thought to older black organizations such as the Moorish Science Temple of America and the Universal Negro Improvement Association. Extending prior scholarship, this paper examines these organizations’ educational thought and practice and their potential influence upon education in the Nation of Islam.

Author

• Lindsey Elizabeth Jones, University of Virginia