Malcolm X

Malcolm X, also known as El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz, was an African American public speaker, human rights activists, and Muslim minister. 

He was born Malcolm Little in Omaha, Nebraska in May 19, 1925.  His father died when he was 13-years-old and his mother was committed to a mental hospital. Malcolm X was heavily influenced by his father’s lessons about self-reliance and black pride.  He became involved in criminal activities in Boston and New York after living in several foster homes.

In 1946, he was given a sentence of eight to ten years in prison.  Malcolm X became a member of the Nation of Islam and became one of the organization’s leaders and chief spokesmen after his parole in 1952.

For years, he was the face of the Nation of Islam until tension arose between him and Elijah Muhammad, head of the Nation of Islam, which led to Malcolm X’s departure in March of 1964.

After leaving, he became a Sunni Muslim and traveled to Mecca. He founded Muslim Mosque, Inc., a religious congregation, and a black nationalist Organization of Afro-American Unity.

Not too long after his resignation from the Nation of Islam, he was assassinated in February 21, 1965 in Manhattan’s Audubon Ballroom while giving a speech.

Malcolm X was one of the key leaders during the Civil Right Movement in the 1960s because of his influence over African Americans. He has credited with the rise of self-esteem of black Americans during those times and reconnecting them with their African heritage.