Malcolm X

Malcolm X

Malcolm X was a prominent black nationalist leader. He joined Nation of Islam in 1949 and changed his name to El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz. He was also the founder of Muslim Mosque Inc. Born on May 19, 1925, in Nebraska, he was a famous black nationalist figure who served as the most popular spokesman for the Nation of Islam for the two decades of 1950s and '60s. It was only because of his efforts, the Nation of Islam grew from just 400 members at the time he was released from prison in 1952 to a huge 40,000 members by 1960.

Malcolm X spent his whole childhood life in different foster homes. His father was assassinated when he was just six years old. Three of Malcolm's four uncles were also murdered by white people. Later at the age of 13 his mother was hospitalised because of her mental illness. She remained in mental hospital for about 26 years. All her children were divided among several families, Malcolm spent his his childhood life in various state institutions and boarding houses.

At the age of 21, in 1946, he was sent to prison on a burglary conviction. During his time in jail, he encountered the teachings of Elijah Muhammad, the leader of the Nation of Islam, whose members are popularly known as Black Muslims. Elijah's teachings had a strong effect on him. He therefore joined Elijah's Organization.


Since joining the Nation of Islam, he had strictly adhered to the teachings of Nation of Islam chief Elijah Muhammad. Malcolm refused Elijah's request to help cover up the affairs and subsequent children. He was deeply hurt by his thinkings, because he had previously considered him as his only guide. Malcolm also felt bad about those people he had led to join the Nation of Islam, which he now felt was a fraudulent organization built on too many lies to ignore. He ended up by terminating his relationship with the Nation of Islam and further decided to establish his own religious organization, the Muslim Mosque, Inc.

In 1964, he went to Mecca as a pilgrim , his visit to Mecca proved to be life changing moment for him where he was impressed by the lack of racial discord among Muslims. For the first time, Malcolm shared his thoughts and beliefs with different cultures and found the response to be overwhelmingly positive. He returned to America as El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz. On his return to United States, he said "I had met blued-eyed, blonde-haired men whom I could call my brothers".

Malcom was attacked many times along with his family but luckily escaped. In February 1965, the members of Nation of Islam were successful in their ruthless attempt. They shot him several times resulting his death. He was assassinated at the age of 39.