Most students could answer these questions in a multitude of ways. Pick one that makes them want you on campus. This probably isn’t it.
It’s been done.
I think it can be very difficult to pull off as a college admissions essay. Not because the U’s are “leftist.” Rather, for admissions, it’s challenging enough to write in ways that show your thinking is balanced and open.
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One common example I hear is of the managers and accountants of black rappers [are often Jewish].
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Don’t you realize that these black rappers are choosing who their managers or accountants are??? Your post somewhat is suggesting that NofI thinks that Jewish managers and accountants are being forced upon black rappers. Lol. (And there are managers and accountants of all (and no) religions and colors.)
If NofI wants black rappers to SELECT/CHOOSE/THEIRCHOICE black managers and accountants, then I suggest that black managers and accountants apply for those positions. If NofI thinks that there aren’t enough black managers and accountants, then they should provide scholarships for those education/career goals.
IMHO I would recommend that you write about what’s in your heart. Knowing that it’s controversial can work in your favor if you write about something well enough. You would need a deft touch with any controversial subject. Great writing is great writing, though. It both shines and it can conquer hearts and minds.
Also, colleges are different. Are you writing to a conservative school where the students are more likely to “go with the flow” as established and dictated by authority–just because it is the authority? (maybe Liberty or Wheaton in IL or Furman or Hampden Sydney or the service academies–just guessing here). Schools that hold authority in high regard may not be interested in a person who challenges authority.
Or are you applying to a school where they teach students to “speak truth to power” and to question any and all authority, requesting the people holding themselves up as authorities to demonstrate their validity and positions? (Maybe Oberlin, Smith, Mills, Hampshire, Berkeley, Vassar–again just guessing). They might love a student who admires a potential student who admires a person who challenged existing norms.
Or perhaps you’re interested in a school that genuinely will welcome an intellectual discussion on any subject, regardless of its popularity or political bent, such as St. John’s in MD and maybe U of Chicago. There are many others. They might find such daring honesty refreshing in an applicant.
Remember: while it’s risky to step outside the “bakesale” norm, it’s also risky to stay in it. To be conventional is to be boring, by definition. They may not remember you. “Well-behaved women rarely make history” they say . . . .and I’m sure that goes for many men too.
This discussion on CC might help you, as you can see what thoughts are in people’s heads when they hear the name of a firebrand By bringing those POVs into view as part of your essay, you could help diffuse potential hurt, angry, frustrated feelings that your hero has also caused, beside his positive contributions.
Some call him X. Some call him Y. I call him hero. (sort of thing) and you can acknowledge the difficult parts of your hero without throwing him out the window.
You may also consider saying that writing about a controversial figure is not the safe thing to do for a college app and that demonstrates [fill in the blank] whatever it may demonstrate for you: courage, foolhardiness (self-deprecating humor), refreshing honesty . . . or . . .that heroes are complicated?
You may want to familiarize yourself with how others are likely to see the NoI and its controversies beforehand:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nation_of_Islam#Criticism
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nation_of_Islam_and_antisemitism
OP, you should meet some of the members of NOI gangs in prison. When I worked at one prison, they were the most sophisticated and dangerous gang in the place which was already populated with murderers, rapists, kidnappers and child molesters. They did not seem too fond of Jews.
Bottom line: they’re reviewing you for college, not a debate contest. Nor, who’s got stronger convictions. They want to see the attributes they value.
It’s generally tough for hs kids, whose influences have primarily come from family (including the faith the adults chose to raise them in,) to write about those beliefs and come across as open minded, having weighed, and not so all-fired certain.
Same for kids who truly feel Jesus, Ghandi, whoever, is their inspiration. You need to show the attributes, including how you put this into positive action. Not just “tell.”
OP has mentioned Penn, Yale, and USC. Maybe he’s revised. But you need to see this as more than a literal question, idle curiosity.
There are ways to do it, but I think OP would need to think about them.
Hey, I just said that is an example I hear frequently. I didn’t make it up, or I say whether or not I agreed. 
Although rappers may “choose” their own managers, some people imply that they are manipulated or indirectly forced to. Perhaps that is the case Farrakhan wants to make, IDK.
Here’s an article from the NOI’s newspaper on the topic: http://www.finalcall.com/artman/publish/Entertainment_News_5/article_8500.shtml
Critical thinkjng. Not simply accepting and defending. Not claiming, not even under the guise of “you might be interested in…”