Minister Louis Farrakhan, raised in Roxbury and a 1950 graduate of English High School, has been the national leader of the Nation of Islam since 1977, following the death of the founder of the Nation, Elijah Muhammad. While viewed by some as controversial, Minister Farrakhan and the Nation of Islam have been outspoken proponents of economic self-help and self-determination for African-Americans, thereby making an important contribution to the economic empowerment of 'people of color.' In Boston, Minister Don Muhammad continues this tradition as the leader of the Nation and is a recognized and respected advocate for African-Americans in Boston.