Who was Malcolm X?

Malcolm X, a prominent figure in the Civil Rights Movement, was an African American leader who advocated for self-defense and encouraged fellow African Americans to defend themselves against white hostility. Born in Omaha, Nebraska, Malcolm grew up in a family of eight siblings. His father, Earl Little, was a vocal minister, civil rights activist, and supporter of Marcus Garvey, the leader of the Black Nationalist movement. Due to his father’s activism, Malcolm’s family faced numerous death threats from the white supremacist group known as the “Black Legion.”

Malcolm’s family had to relocate twice before he turned four due to threats they received. However, their efforts to escape proved futile as their Michigan home was set on fire. Earl, Malcolm’s father, was found dead two years later, lying on the town’s trolley tracks. Although the family suspected the Black legions, the police dismissed it as an accident. Following this, Malcolm’s mother suffered a breakdown and was admitted to a mental institution, while the children were separated and placed in foster homes and orphanages.

Malcolm and his closest companion returned to Boston in their later years. In 1946, they faced arrest and were found guilty of robbery. Malcolm received a 10-year prison sentence, which he utilized to introspect and gain knowledge. Throughout his incarceration, his brother Reginald would frequently visit and discuss his newfound faith in the Muslim religion. Reginald had become a follower of the Nation of Islam (NOI), a religious group.

Malcolm experienced a profound awakening and delved into studying the teachings of NOI leader Elijah Muhammad. According to Elijah, African Americans were deliberately hindered by whites from achieving success in various aspects of life, including economics, social standing, and politics. After his release from prison, Malcolm became a devoted disciple and adopted the surname “X”. He viewed his previous name as a symbol of slavery and opted for a new name to honor his ancestral heritage.

Malcolm possessed an undeniable charm and delivered impactful speeches, which led to his nomination as a minister and representative for the NOI. He played a crucial role in establishing new mosques in cities such as Detroit, Michigan, and Harlem, New York. Utilizing mediums like radio and television, Malcolm effectively disseminated the NOI’s message throughout the United States, drawing in numerous new followers with his captivating personality.

In 1963, Malcolm felt betrayed when he discovered that Elijah had been unfaithful to the Nation of Islam with six women, resulting in children. This betrayal led to Malcolm’s decision to refuse Elijah’s request to keep the affairs and children a secret. The following year, Malcolm left the Nation of Islam and founded his own religious organization, the Muslim Mosque. He also embarked on a pilgrimage to Mecca, where he shared his beliefs with people from various cultures.

Malcolm and Elijah’s relationship took a turn for the worse, causing significant disruption. Tragically, Malcolm was targeted for assassination and in 1965, during a speech at the Manhattan Audubon Ballroom, he was shot on stage by three individuals. This devastating attack claimed his life at the young age of 39.

How was Dr. King and Malcolm X different?

Dr. King and Malcolm X had contrasting approaches to the civil rights movement. While both were born in the 1920s and had politically active preacher fathers, their upbringings differed significantly. Dr. King was raised in a stable middle-class household in Georgia, whereas Malcolm experienced poverty and violence from a young age, leading him to drop out of school and become involved in criminal activities.

The Black freedom movement saw King and Malcolm X adopt different approaches. King was a strong advocate of non-violence and civil disobedience as the means to combat racial prejudice in America. On the other hand, Malcolm believed that Blacks should defend themselves against white aggression. He was critical of King’s approach, which he deemed too passive and cooperative towards whites. The two leaders only met once during a senate debate on the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

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