A religious movement combining Black nationalism, Egyptology, and UFO theories
Religion: Syncretic
Founder: Dwight York (also known as Malachi Z. York)
Founded: 1970s
Location: United States (originally New York, later Georgia)
Other Names: United Nuwaubian Nation of Moors, Ansaaru Allah Community, Holy Tabernacle Ministries, Yamassee Native American Moors of the Creek Nation, United Washitaw de Dugdahmoundyah Mu’ur Nation, Ancient Egiptian Order
Website: nuwaubianfacts.com
The Nuwaubian Nation, also referred to as the United Nuwaubian Nation of Moors or simply Nuwaubianism, originated as an American new religious movement. It was founded and led by Dwight York, who took on various aliases over the years, including Malachi Z. York. This movement, characterized by a complex and ever-evolving belief system, has been the subject of controversy and legal scrutiny, particularly concerning its founder.
York’s early efforts in the late 1960s started with the establishment of several black Muslim groups in New York. Over time, his teachings underwent significant transformations, incorporating elements from a wide array of religious and esoteric traditions, including ancient Egyptian and Native American themes. This eclectic approach laid the groundwork for what would become the Nuwaubian movement. The group’s beliefs are difficult to categorize due to their diversity and the frequent changes instigated by York, but they are known to blend themes of black nationalism, Afrocentricity, and claims of extraterrestrial origins, among others.
The Nuwaubian Nation’s narrative is interwoven with claims of persecution and conspiracy, often positioning itself against governmental and societal structures. During its most active periods, the movement engaged in various economic activities and sought political influence, notably in Georgia, where they established a significant presence in Putnam County with their Egyptian-themed compound, Tama-Re. This compound became a central hub for the movement, drawing attention and, eventually, legal actions from local and federal authorities.
York’s teachings propagated through the Nuwaubian movement included a wide range of subjects, from reinterpretations of Judeo-Christian and Islamic texts to conspiracy theories and ancient astronaut narratives. The movement’s literature, attributed largely to York, has been critiqued for lacking coherence and for the apparent plagiarism of New Age and other esoteric sources. Despite these criticisms, the Nuwaubians maintained a distinct identity within the broader context of black religious and nationalist movements in America.
The Nuwaubian Nation experienced significant challenges, culminating in a series of serious charges against Dwight York that led to his conviction and a significant prison sentence. York, the leader of the Nuwaubian Nation, was arrested in 2002 alongside his wife on a range of federal and state charges, including child molestation, racketeering, and the transport of minors for sexual purposes. The arrest followed a lengthy investigation into allegations of sexual abuse within the Nuwaubian community, with numerous former members and minors coming forward with accusations against York.
The legal proceedings revealed a disturbing pattern of sexual exploitation, with York accused of abusing his position of power to engage in sexual acts with children and young members of his community. Prosecutors presented evidence that York had initiated sexual relationships with underage followers, some as young as 13 years old, often under the guise of spiritual or ritualistic practices.
York’s defense argued that the charges were part of a broader conspiracy to dismantle the Nuwaubian movement, citing the group’s contentious relationship with local authorities in Putnam County, Georgia, where their compound was located. However, York was found guilty on multiple counts of child molestation, racketeering, and other charges in both federal and state courts. He was sentenced to 135 years in federal prison. His attempts to appeal the conviction were unsuccessful, and the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear his case, solidifying his lengthy prison term.
The fallout from York’s conviction had a profound impact on the Nuwaubian Nation, with many followers abandoning the movement as details of his crimes came to light. The compound in Georgia, Tama-Re, was subsequently sold in asset forfeiture and demolished, marking a symbolic end to the physical presence of the Nuwaubian Nation. Despite York’s incarceration, a small number of followers continue to advocate for his release, maintaining his innocence and framing his conviction as an injustice.
image via SPLC
