Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan predicted that there would be trouble ahead for President Barack Obama. He also urged the president to do more to improve the lives of African Americans and the downtrodden of our nation.

Farrakhan argued that the "white right" is conspiring to make Obama a one-term president. He referenced the efforts to kill health care reform as proof of their plans. He also felt that the president was being trapped in to a war with Iran.

Other interesting comments from Farrakhan's nearly four-hour long speech included reference to his being a prophet:

"The word prophet is too cheap a word. I am a light in the midst of darkness," Farrakhan stated at the Nation's annual convention. "It ain't ego, it's my love for you."

Farrakhan argued that many of the recent natural disasters, such as earthquakes in Haiti and Chile, are warnings to President Obama:

"Your people are suffering. You can't ease their plight, but you can use your bully pulpit. Speak for the poor. Speak for the weak."

Farrakhan also made the point that the Nation of Islam has been able to successfully reform prison inmates for decades and that President Obama should allow his organization to receive additional government funding:

"Put some money on back of us," he said. "We can reform our people."

The minister continued to address Obama and his support for him. Obama has distanced himself from Farrakhan since his run for president in 2008. Some have wondered if Obama has met with Farrakhan and how the meeting played a role in Obama's agenda, but Farrakhan isn't speaking on the issue either way:

"They all want to know did I ever meet with him and what did I say or what did he say," Farrakhan said in the speech. "I ain't going there."

The Minister Louis Farrakhan is one of the most liberated men in America. He is one of the few black public figures who is free to say what he wants, when he wants, without worrying about what others are going to think. He is marginalized, but there is freedom in marginalization, which tends to breed a greater commitment to independence. By creating an independent nation within a nation, Farrakhan has achieved the economic liberation necessary to speak of what he perceives to be the truth.

Farrakhan is also one of the most brilliant leaders in America, and the only black man on earth who can give a four-hour speech and have the audience hanging on his every word. Most of those who feel that Farrakhan is silly or ignorant are judging him on soundbites and nothing more. Although many African Americans are not able to connect with every aspect of Farrakhan's complex message, he is held with a degree of reverence that is matched by no other.

Farrakhan's complex relationship with President Obama is intriguing. With both men being products of Chicago and having connections with Rev. Jeremiah Wright, the nation is left wondering just how much influence Farrakhan might have had on the president. With Farrakhan's image as one of the most radical black men in America, any affiliation whatsoever would lead to a firestorm. The fact that Farrakhan has maintained support for Obama from a distance is a reflection of his political intelligence. He was actually one of a small number of black public figures who didn't have much to say about Obama's historic run to the White House.

Say what you want about Louis Farrakhan, but his interesting and prolific rise to power has solidified his place in black history.


Dr. Boyce Watkins is the founder of the Your Black World Coalition. To have Dr. Boyce's commentary delivered to your e-mail, please click here.