Who Was Malcolm X

Malcolm X, born Malcolm Little, was an African American human rights activist and leader of the Nation of Islam during the civil rights movement of the 1960s. Born in Omaha, Nebraska in 1925, he was the son of a Baptist preacher and a local Garveyite leader. His parents had endured much hardship and hardship due to their race and political persuasions, and this embedded in Malcolm’s system a keen awareness of the need for change and equality in society.

Malcolm’s personal and public persona underwent a dramatic transformation after his 1945 cut short of his prison sentence. While in prison, Malcolm had eagerly studied the teachings of Elijah Muhammad, the leader of the Nation of Islam, and converted to the religion. His newfound direction in life saw his attitude and commitment to civil rights strengthened and Malcolm began a new journey of self-awareness and purpose.

After founding the Organization of Afro-American Unity, Malcolm X took a bold stance on racism and civil rights. He was well known for his passionate anti-white rhetoric, which went against other members of the civil rights movement. His speeches often included words of caution about the tendency for many civil rights organizations to be taken over by white interest groups. He also argued that blacks should tone down the nonviolent aspects of the civil rights movement and instead focus on self-defense and self-determination.

Malcolm X was assassinated in 1965 while delivering a speech in New York City. At the time of his death, Malcolm had gained international recognition as one of the leading proponents of blackness and a powerful voice in the struggle for racial equality. His death only increased public interest in him, his cause, and his beliefs, and he remains an influential figure in civil rights today.