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Malcolm X

Malcolm X was an African American Muslim and activist. Born Malcolm Little, he was not afraid to speak his mind nor did he sugarcoat the truth of what African American people endured for many years in the United States of America. He had a rough upbringing after his father was killed when he was six years old. His mother was institutionalized when he was 13. After that, he grew up in foster homes and later got into trouble for larceny and breaking and entering. His time in prison was when his life really turned around. He joined the Nation of Islam and changed his name to Malcolm X. The Nation of Islam believed in black supremacy and also believed in the separation of black and white Americans. For this reason, the Nation rebuked the civil rights movement. In 1964, Malcolm X officially broke with the Nation of Islam and switched over to Sunni Islam instead. He disavowed racism and promoted other tenets which include black self-determination and self-defense. In February of 1965, he was assassinated by members of the Nation of Islam. His viewing was attended by tens of thousands of people.