Who is he? US leader of the Nation of Islam.
Why is he in the news? Spending the weekend in South Africa.
So? The visit has raised right wing South African hackles.
Why? The Afrikaner Resistance Movement (AWB), a neo nazi organisation, claims the meeting reveals the President's "anti white feelings".
Born Louis Eugene Walcott, in the Bronx, New York (1933). Later rejected the "slave" name in favour of a muslim one.
Joined Nation of Islam, influenced by Malcolm X (1955).
What's he like? Steely. Likes bow ties and double breasted suits. Appeals to his black audience, mainly young and alienated, with a message of self reliance.
Indulges in rhetoric against Jews and whites.
Smiles often, exuding a saccharine like ability.
Rev Jesse Jackson walked behind him at the "Million Man March" in Washington last October, along with several black congressmen.
Gen Colin Powell, once chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and for a while potential Republican presidential candidate, said that white America should listen to Louis "We should not be paternalistic in telling African American men whether they are being used," he said.
Last word Goes to Louis
"When Moses came, Moses wasn't liked. Jesus wasn't liked. Muhammad wasn't liked. Prophets weren't liked. But eventually people came to like the message and love the messenger.