Malcolm X : The Black Leader And Activist

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.

Malcolm Little, however, better known as Malcolm X was a Muslim minister and human rights activist. Born on May 19, 1925 and assassinated forty years later on February 21st, Malcolm X was one of the key figures of the Civil Rights Movement. The Civil Rights Movement was characterized by campaigns of civil resistance by African Americans between 1955 and 1968. The film Malcolm X follows Malcolm’s life from beginning to end, showing the viewer what it was like to live as an African American Man in the time. This film for some can be hard to watch because of the harsh realities it makes one think about. Following Malcolm’s life, there were many ups and downs, maybe more downs, however, the viewers watch him become the powerful figure who believes in total equality that the kids today see in their history books.

Who is Malcolm X? Answers tend to vary by person but in the “Autobiography of Malcolm X”, it really delved into the pivotal details of his life and readers like myself, went on an enthralling metaphorical journey to see the intriguing development of him as a child, a young adult, a convict, a follower, and ultimately a leader. For starters, Malcolm X was not born with the infamous and famous X. His birth name was Malcolm Little and the innocent Malcolm Little was very belittled (pun intended) in majority of his social environments. At a young age, he experiences the pain of losing his father. In retrospect, his father was just a dust in the wind. Malcolm’s dad was like many other socially active black males, who became inevitable victims that usually were murdered, lynched, burned, etc by the white men in their area. Now, to lose one parent is already tough for many individuals but Malcolm was only to be hammered with more bad news. His mother was sent away by government workers to a mental institution because his house was deemed “unstable” (this kind of stuff happened daily to many black families in similar housing situations like Malcolm was in). But Malcolm directed his energy elsewhere. He ends up taking initiative in school and whilst excelling, he ended up loving many aspects of education in America (or so he thought). He climbed his way to become first in rank in his class and even became class president but his dreams was simply crushed by many individuals. One of

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 a black nationalist leader during the 1950’s and 1960’s encouraging to do all that is necessary for blacks to break free from white supremacy. This occurred during a very difficult time in Black history when the U.S government was predominately white

Malcolm X was orphaned early in life. At the age of six his father was killed and it has been rumoured that white racists were responsible. Seven years later his mother passed away after which he lived in a series of foster homes.

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.

    In grade school, Malcolm’s life was far from a childhood of fun and learning. He was the only African American child in his class, causing him to feel out of place and alone. When asked what he wanted to be when he grew up, a common question that most children reply with astronaut or superhero, he replied simply, a lawyer. This is a realistic and attainable occupation, yet his white teacher seemed to believe it was an absurd answer considering Malcolm’s race. The teacher then replied that maybe he should dream of becoming a carpenter instead. In 1931, his father’s body was discovered lying across streetcar tracks. Although Malcolm X 's family believed his father was murdered by white supremacists from whom he had received frequent death threats, the police officially ruled Earl Little 's

Growing up in Lansing, Malcolm was exposed to the negative parts of the city. He even predicted his own death to happen due to violence since most of his family was victims of violence. In Lansing, hardly any black man died from natural causes. In chapter one of the book, Malcolm stated that his father, Earl Little, “had seen four of his six brothers die by violence, three of them killed by white men, including one by lynching.” When Malcolm’s mother found out that Malcolm’s father was murdered, she had a mental breakdown. For several months, she had been doing things out of the ordinary and Malcolm began to worry about her. She eventually was sent to the mental illness home where she spent the rest of her life. All of the children were separated and this gave Malcolm the perception that now his family has been a victim to society. In the summer of 1940, Malcolm spends the entire summer with his sister Ella who had been living in the city of Boston. Seeing how much better life was for the

Malcolm X is an extremely critical figure that contributed in shaping American social life. He was a famous man who articulated the struggle, anger, and beliefs of African Americans. He was a radical man who fought for change despite the situation. His struggle for equality for the black nation landed him in prison. While in prison, Malcolm was able to study, and earned a college degree. However, most importantly while in prison, Malcolm X was introduced to the Islam faith by one of the prisoners. He received teachings from the Muslim faith, which made him realize that, his people were being oppressed and abused by the whites. While out of prison, he went to visit honorable Elijah Muhammad and later on went around preaching Elijah

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

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 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.

From his troubled childhood to his politically powerful movement for Black equality, Malcolm Little, later known as Malcolm X, evolved into a transformational leader. The effects of his leadership were felt around the world during the 1960s. Americans were faced with great uncertainty during this time. For all minority groups in the United States, politics, the government and its laws, and society as a whole were changing drastically. In response to years of oppression, a collection of concerned groups formed the civil rights movement which rallied African American people together to fight for equal rights, access, and opportunities. Malcolm X was one of the most influential civil rights leaders of this era as the loudest voice for the African American community. His leadership was effective because of the way he utilized a radical idea to convert and influence his followers.

Malcolm X is a historical figure that is remembered by all. His efforts love on without him as America attempts to follow his main principle and “live together in justice and love” (Shabazz xvii). Malcolm X was an honest and fair man that developed his persona by accepting his faults, voicing his opinions, and treating everyone equally. His qualities were expressed in his autobiography as he developed from a misguided teenager to a freedom fighter.