What became of Theodore G. X.?
What became of Theodore G. X.?

•Aliases: Theodore Manuel, Talib Karim, Dr. Talim-Karim Muhammad

•Background: Theodore Manuel arrived in Oklahoma City from Memphis, Tenn., in February 1969. Pleading poverty, he obtained temporary housing for his family of five in a building that was scheduled to be demolished, but then refused to leave, claiming police were picking on him. He denied being a Black Muslim, but resurfaced several months later calling himself Theodore G. X.

During the next four years, Theodore G. X. became the spiritual leader of Oklahoma City's Black Muslims. He controlled Muslim-owned businesses on the city's northeast side, including a fish market, a school and Muhammad's Temple of Islam at NE 23 and N Kate Avenue. Known for his dapper appearance, activism and oratorical skills, he was a familiar figure at city council meetings.

"He was quite vocal and got lots of media attention every time he opened his mouth,” said Willa Johnson, county commissioner.

"He had a lot of respect in the community,” said George Wesley, a former television cameraman. "Respect derived from fear, because no one wanted to go against him.”

Police compared the controversial minister to a gang leader and suspected his involvement in crimes. Alfred Brooks, one of his followers, accused him of fatally shooting Judy Webb and injuring Karen Trantham.

Theodore G. X. was not charged, and no other allegations against him were proven.

In 1975, Nation of Islam leadership removed Theodore G. X. from his ministerial position. He changed his name to Talib Karim and moved to Detroit, where he worked as a social worker and community college professor.

According to the Memphis Commercial Appeal newspaper, he returned to his hometown of Memphis in 1985, calling himself Dr. Talib-Karim Muhammad. When the paper learned he did not have a doctorate, he legally changed his first name to "Dr.”

He founded three Islamic organizations and rose to prominence after filing a 1988 lawsuit that changed the way council members were chosen.

In 1995, he became a councilmember. He died of cancer two years later.

Hundreds of people, including two mayors and at least one U.S. representative, attended his funeral.

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