Malcolm X was a prominent figure in the American civil rights movement, advocating for Black empowerment and the promotion of Islam within the African American community ¹. Born Malcolm Little on May 19, 1925, in Omaha, Nebraska, he later changed his name to Malcolm X, symbolizing his rejection of his \"slave name\" and unknown African ancestral surname ¹.
*Early Life and Influences*
Malcolm X\'s father, Earl Little, was an outspoken Baptist lay speaker and local leader of the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA), which advocated for Pan-Africanism and Black nationalism ¹. After his father\'s death, Malcolm X\'s family struggled, and he was sent to foster homes. He eventually landed in prison for larceny and burglary, where he converted to the Nation of Islam ¹.
*Nation of Islam and Leadership*
Malcolm X quickly rose through the ranks of the Nation of Islam, becoming one of its most influential leaders ¹. He advocated for Black separation from Whites, rejecting the civil rights movement\'s emphasis on integration ¹. His charisma and powerful speeches drew thousands to the Nation of Islam, increasing its membership from 1,200 to between 50,000 and 100,000 ¹.
*Split from Nation of Islam and Later Life*
In 1964, Malcolm X left the Nation of Islam due to disagreements with its leader, Elijah Muhammad ¹. He later converted to Sunni Islam and founded the Islamic Muslim Mosque, Inc. (MMI) and the Pan-African Organization of Afro-American Unity (OAAU) ¹. Tragically, Malcolm X was assassinated on February 21, 1965, in New York City ¹.
*Legacy*
Malcolm X\'s legacy is complex and multifaceted. He is remembered for his advocacy of Black empowerment, his critiques of racism and inequality, and his impact on American history ¹. Despite controversy surrounding his views on integration and antisemitism, Malcolm X remains an important figure in the struggle for civil rights and social justice.
