African-American History Month: Malcolm X

Malcolm X (1925-1965)
Malcolm X was a militant black leader, also known as El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz. He first learned about the Black Muslims while serving a prison term — becoming a Muslim minister upon his release in 1952. He rose to prominence in the movement with a following that rivaled its leader, Elijah Muhammad. In 1963, Malcolm was suspended by Elijah following a speech in which Malcolm made controversial comments regarding President Kennedy's assassination.

He then formed a rival organization, the Muslim Mosque, Inc. Following a pilgrimage to Mecca in 1964, he announced his conversion to orthodox Islam. Part of his new belief was that there could be brotherhood between black and white people. In his Organization of Afro-American Unity, the tone was still that of militant black nationalism but separation was no longer a key item. In February, 1965, he was shot and killed in a public auditorium in New York City. His assassins' motives were never identified.

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