Malcolm X: A Progressive Act For Racial Equality

Malcolm X was one of the most prominent civi right activists at the time. He preached Black Nationalism, where blacks separates themselves from the whites completely. He is often known as the intellectual, charismatic hero. Although, he was not always that faithful. He was a thug. A hustler. He committed crimes. How did a hoodlum, became a historical figure of Malcolm X? There was many events in his life that changed him, and shaped him to be that somebody. If we trace back his footsteps, his life as Malcolm Little, his life as a thug, his life as a inmate, and his life as a national minister of Nation of Islam, all contributed in creating him and his name of Malcolm X.

The Autobiography of Malcolm X as told by Alex Haley is the story about a man who greatly impacted American history. Malcolm Little, or Malcolm X as he is more widely known, taught what he believed in regards to segregation, racism, and discrimination. Growing up in a large family with a father Earl Little, a Baptist minister, and his mother Louis Little who was a homemaker, Malcolm’s life at the time seemed very promising. His father’s involvement in support of the Black National gained him many death threats at the hands of white supremacists. In 1929, they lost their house to a fire, and two years later the body of Malcolm’s father was found mutilated. This lead to the emotional breakdown of Malcolm’s mother and in turn she was institutionalized. Malcolm and his siblings were separated and placed in foster homes, and from then, his life began a path of drugs, sex, and crime. It was not until he was imprisoned in 1946, that he decided to make some changes for the better. This essay will assess and discuss those changes whether negative or positive, on a micro, mezzo, and macro level. It will also cover some of the effects of racial prejudice on human behavior, and how society today keeps the ideology of Malcolm X alive.

Malcolm Little was born in Omaha, Nebraska, May 19, 1925. He was not as fortunate as Martin Luther King Jr. was while growing up. Malcolm X was one of eight children with two loving parents, but later on died. He was more so a lecturer about segregation than an orator from the Islamic point of view. The humor that flowed throughout all his speeches had underline meanings that were equally as serious as Martin Luther King Jr. made his speeches seem.

Malcolm X was born Malcolm Little on May 19, 1925, in Omaha, Nebraska to Earl and Louise Little. His father, a minister and devout Christian, was known for being an outspoken follower of the black nationalist leader Marcus Garvey. Garvey’s message promoted the “back-to-Africa” movement that encouraged African Americans of the time to sever ties with

He started thinking about the world and the society he lives in. He began to question the way things were, and he realized that a change in his life, and in the society was both possible and necessary. Prior to his imprisonment, Malcolm had been enclosed in the world of the hustler, the player, the pimp, the gangster, the parasite, and he couldn¹t imagine him outside of that world. “Reading exposed Malcolm to new worlds; it allowed him to see that there were alternatives to the lifestyle and values of the social parasite” (Shanna). While in prison, Malcolm began to think, and to read. but only after he had been encouraged to do so by someone that he respected and who had taken an unselfish interest in him. “Malcolm was later motivated by a new sense of self-worth and identity and purpose, as his family introduced him to the religious and political philosophy of Islam, as taught by Elijah Muhammad, and practiced by the Nation of Islam (NOI)” (Estate of Malcolm X). Malcolm X converted to the Nation of Islam while in prison, and upon his release in 1952 he abandoned his surname "Little," which he considered a relic of slavery, in favor of the surname "X" a tribute to the unknown name of his African ancestors.

Malcolm X challenged the mainstream Civil Rights Movement in his efforts to defend and separate the African race. Activists such as Martin Luther King, Jr.

Malcolm X was one of the primary religious leaders and reformers of the 1960, where he fought for and ultimately gave his life for racial equality in the United States. His father was a reverend who believed in self-determination and worked for the unity of black people. Throughout Malcolm’s life he was treated horribly by white people, hence shaping his misconceptions of all white people and developing his strong belief in black separatism. It wasn’t until years later where he embraced his black identity and discovered all races could live and work together for a common goal, brotherhood.

He said, “Be peaceful, be courteous, obey the law, respect everyone; but if someone puts a hand on you, send him to the cemetery…if we react to white racism with a violent reaction, to me that’s no black racism. If you come to put a rope around my neck and I hang you for it, to me that’s not racism. Yours is racism, but my reaction has nothing to do with racism.”Malcolm was critical of the non-violent tactics, supporting the right of self-defence. He said, “Be peaceful, be courteous, obey the law, respect everyone; but if someone puts a hand on you, send him to the cemetery…if we react to white racism with a violent reaction, to me that’s no black racism. If you come to put a rope around my neck and I hang you for it, to me that’s not racism. Yours is racism, but my reaction has nothing to do with racism.” (Hamilton). This is exactly what Malcolm X believed in. Malcolm wasn’t like other civil rights activist Malcolm had a “By any means” approach to racism, he would use self defense if he had to. Malcolm took a stand for all African Americans and fought for civil rights equality by leading huge rallies and preaching about what he wanted most which was equality. Malcolm got his point across and was well respected, he was fortunate enough to have a successful movement that lasted until February 21, 1965 due to Malcolm being gunned down. “As Malcolm X led a mass rally in Harlem on February 21, 1965, rival black muslims gunned him down”(www.biography.com) .”...Malcolm X—realised after his suspension from the Nation of Islam—as it created jealously and rivalry within the organisation”(www.historynewsnetwork.org). This caused Malcolm X to be gunned down and later pronounced

Malcolm X was one of the most influential and controversial African American civil rights leader in the United States during the 1960s. In the United States, African Americans were racially segregated by Jim Crow Laws. Jim Crow Laws referred to practices and laws that served to separate African Americans from white people. The most common type of Jim Crow Laws separated black and white citizens in public places. Some of the places that separated the blacks and the whites were restaurants and theaters. States and cities were able to punish whoever broke the laws. During the 1960s, black people did not have the same rights as white people had. Malcolm X was radical as he had the conception that the only way to improve the lives of African Americans was racial separation. Malcolm X believed that it was best for the blacks to create their own society so they would not have to deal with the whites. He did not like the idea of the black people living with white people. Malcolm X remains to be a hero for many young people today. Malcolm remains as a hero and is still remembered to this day because he changed the lives of African Americans by giving them more freedom. He stood up for black people 's rights and made sure they had the opportunity to voice their opinions in everything. Malcolm helped stop racism and made people 's lives better. Although he made some bad decisions in life, he changed and became a huge impact in many people 's lives.

Malcolm Little was born on May 19, 1925 in Omaha, Nebraska. His mother was Louise Norton Little, she was always occupied with taking care of the family. Malcolm’s family was made up of Malcolm’s Father Earl Little as well as his eight brothers and sisters. His father Earl, was a minister and a civil rights activist and leader. Earl also supported Marcus Garvey, Black Nationalist leader very much, this had resulted in many death threats from the white supremacist group Black Legion also making Malcolm’s family move twice before Malcolm had turned four. No matter how hard the Little’s tried they could not shake the group for some time. The family’s home in Michigan was burned down and 2 years later Malcolm’s father was found dead lying across

About 93 years ago one of America's greatest activist of their time was born with a destiny that would change the course of history. Just as the famous Martin Luther King Jr. he had a dream and he would stop at nothing to make sure it came true. Malcolm X, also known as Malcolm little was born May 19th of 1925 to Luise and Earl Little. Malcolm Little became Malcolm X after being arrested for robbery in the year 1946. He committed robberies to help support his siblings and help his mother. Malcolm X was the 4th of 8 children. He had a very rough childhood. Malcolm's family was constantly given a hard time particularly his father. After analyzing the arguments

Malcolm X was a civil rights activist. He wanted equality for all people and fought for it. Malcolm said that he “ identified whites as the enemy of blacks”( gale students resources 1).He believed this because blacks were treated harshly by whites and they were made into slaves. Malcolm felt so strong about black rights. He even changed his last name to x. He did it for the black heritage that was taken

Malcolm was arrested on January 12, 1946, and convicted of burglary, carrying an illegal firearm, and larceny (Crime and Investigation 1). He was sent to Charlestown State Prison for 8-10 years. While there, he joined the Nation of Islam. He began exchanging letters frequently with Elijah Muhammad, the Nation of Islam’s leader, and changed his name to Malcolm X. He stated the “X” symbolized his lost tribal name, and that he was destroying the surname “Little” that his ancestor’s slave-owners had imposed on his family.

Malcolm X was a muslim, black man who cared very much about gaining equal rights. He was, in a way, an extremist. Though only taking action when he felt necessary, when he did take action, it often had drastic effects on the people and events occurring around him. Unlike Martin Luther King or other leading civil rights activists, he did not believe in peaceful protest. He believed in “whatever means necessary” to accomplish his goals. Because of his strong efforts and his unmatched determination, Malcolm X, formally known as Malcolm Little, changed the course of the civil rights movement. If not for him, the events that played out to cause the eventual conclusion of the struggle would have been forever altered.

Malcolm X was born on May 19, 1925 in Omaha, Nebraska as Malcolm Little to parents Earl and Louise Little. The Littles moved to Lansing, Michigan when Malcolm was an infant due to threats the family received from the Klu Klux Klan. This was because Reverend Earl Little was an early follower of Marcus Garvey, who preached black independance and self-respect (Altman, 197). Reverend Little died when Malcolm was only six years old after being hit by a streetcar. Malcolm always believed that this was a hate crime committed by whites. Many speculate that this is what originally caused Malcolm to distrust whites. Malcolm’s mother, Louise Little, was committed to the State Mental Hospital in Kalamazoo in 1939. Her exact illness is unknown (Mamiya).