Clyde X facts for kids

Clyde X (1931 – February 14, 2009) was an important religious leader. He was also known as Clyde Rahman. He was involved with the Nation of Islam (NOI) for many years. Most of his work happened in St. Louis, Missouri, and Cleveland, Ohio. Later in his life, he followed W. D. Muhammad and helped create a mosque in Cleveland.

Early Life and Military Service

Clyde X was born as Clyde Jones in Canton, Mississippi. He grew up in Mississippi.

He joined the U.S. Army and served during the Korean War. He was injured during his time in the army. After his military service, he moved to Dayton, Ohio. He then moved to Detroit, where he worked as a machinist. He also joined the police force in Detroit.

Joining the Nation of Islam

While living in Detroit, Clyde learned about the Nation of Islam (NOI). He heard people talking about it in a poolroom. He decided to join the group and became known as "Clyde X."

In 1958, the NOI sent him to St. Louis, Missouri. His job was to start a new center, called Temple No. 28. This center was located at 1434 N. Grand Avenue.

When Clyde X arrived in St. Louis, local newspapers described him. They called him a "glowering moon-faced giant." They also said he was "mild mannered, polite, and diplomatic." Some also described him as "too emotional" and a "rabble rouser."

Clyde X helped Temple No. 28 start many businesses. These included a restaurant called the "Shabbaz." They also opened a laundry, a record store, a dress shop, and a grocery store. These businesses were all along Grand Avenue. Because of this, some people in the community started calling the area "Little Egypt."

Later Career and Community Work

In the mid-1970s, after the death of Elijah Muhammad, big changes happened in the Nation of Islam. Clyde X supported the new ideas of Warith Deen Mohammed. W.D. Mohammed wanted the NOI to follow the main teachings of Sunni Islam.

Clyde X became a leader in W.D. Mohammed's new group, the American Society of Muslims. He moved to Cleveland, Ohio. There, he worked with the local Muslim community. He began using the name Imam Clyde Rahman.

Rahman became W.D. Muhammad's main representative in Cleveland. In 1983, he helped build the Masjid Bilal mosque there. He believed in working with people of all faiths. He once said, "Our Koran does not even hint that we should take innocent life, and it is a disgrace to Islam for any Muslim to support terrorism."

He also served on the boards of several local community groups. In his final years, he faced health challenges from Alzheimer's disease. He passed away on February 14, 2009, at the age of 79.

Family Life

Clyde Rahman was married two times. His first wife, Beatrice, passed away when she was young. They did not have any children together.

In 1990, Rahman married his second wife, Hameeda. With Hameeda, he had three daughters: Daa'iyah Rahman, Jameelah Rahman, and a step-daughter named Siddeeqah Abdullah.