distant white world, as they stand surrounded by other friendly black listeners. And the NOI movement's insistence that Negroes are the original people who "must stay among themselves" gives its followers a sense of security and even tranquility.
However, with the exception of a few educators and businessmen who joined the NOI for purely selfish, economic reasons, the bulk of the Negro population shows little interest in the religious aspects of the NOI. Distinguished Negro leaders on many occasions have soundly denounced the NOI with its distorted version of Islam, which continually attacks all established institutions the Negro normally looks to for leadership. As a noted Negro pastor in Harlem warned, the teaching of the Black Muslims "is going in a way contrary to what we know is best. It solves no problems, but only begets greater antagonism."
While the majority of Negroes in the United States do not rush to join the NOI, many seem to respect it. Among those who do not join, few participate in any criticism of it. The Muslim advocacy of black supremacy arouses the sympathy of many Negroes. They silently applaud the boldness of Elijah and his ministers, who openly condemn white people. This taps sentiments of racial pride which seldom find avenues of expression. The Muslims' repeated appeals for clean living, self-respect, and self-uplift independent of the white community apparently have gained considerable12
