Malcolm X

Malcolm X was born as Malcolm Little in 1925 in Omaha, Nebraska. He achieved a place in history as a revolutionary symbol and one of the most prominent figures of the civil rights movement. His parents, Earl and Louise Little, were activists in both the Black Nationalist organization, the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA), and the local chapter of the NAACP. Malcolm spent much of his childhood in Michigan where he attended public schools and was active in the Boy Scouts. In 1938, Malcolm’s father was murdered and his mother suffered a breakdown four years later. As a result, Malcolm and his siblings were placed in a foster home.

Malcolm dropped out of school after the eighth grade and moved to Boston, Massachusetts where he became involved in criminal activities. He moved to New York City in 1943 and soon associated himself with the Muslim sect known as the Nation of Islam. Malcolm quickly rose to a leadership role and became the spokesman for the organization. He gained notoriety for his uncompromising views on racial segregation and injustice. He advocated for the creation of an independent black nation, a tenet of the Nation of Islam.

Malcolm’s philosophy was deeply rooted in the belief of Islamic beliefs. He believed that religion was essential to the black liberation struggle and denounced the idea of racial integration. He also encouraged a black economic development and self-reliance, urging African-Americans to establish businesses and store their own money in majority-black banks. Malcolm believed that the only way the black community could achieve freedom was to reject compromises and instead, focus on black unity.

In 1961, Malcolm left the Nation of Islam and changed his name to El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz. He subsequently undertook a “pilgrimage” to the Middle East and Africa to learn more about Muslim culture and religion and to find a way to bring black unity and to promote peace. When he returned from his travel, Malcolm developed a new philosophy that was based on religious interpretations of both the Quran and the teachings of Elijah Muhammad and other major religious figures.

Malcolm continued to defend the rights of African-Americans and became one of the most influential and powerful leaders of this movement. He also inspired a generation of civil rights activists. In 1965, Malcolm was fatally assassinated in Harlem, New York.

Though Malcolm’s life was tragically cut short and his legacy still stirs controversy, he left behind a legacy of strength, courage, and a powerful message of black unity and identity that has resonated strongly throughout civil rights history. His works include The Autobiography of Malcolm X, which has sold millions of copies since its publication in 1965. The Autobiography of Malcolm X provides an intimate look into Malcolm’s early life and his transformation from a troubled criminal to an influential civil rights leader, and captures the passion of his beliefs and ideals.