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Malcolm X was born Malcolm Little on 19 May 1925 in Omaha, Nebraska. He became one of the most influential and controversial figures of the American civil rights movement, known for his fiery rhetoric, militant stance, and unyielding commitment to Black empowerment. His life was shaped by adversity, personal transformation, and an enduring fight against racial injustice. His assassination on 21 February 1965 in New York City cut short a life dedicated to the struggle for equality, but his legacy continues to inspire movements for justice and self-determination.

Malcolm X’s early life was marked by hardship and instability. His father, Earl Little, was a Baptist preacher and an outspoken supporter of Black nationalist leader Marcus Garvey. Due to his activism, Earl faced threats from white supremacist groups, and in 1931, he was killed in what was officially ruled an accident, though many believed he was murdered by the Ku Klux Klan or similar factions. Following his father’s death, Malcolm’s mother, Louise Little, struggled to support her children and was eventually institutionalised, leading to Malcolm and his siblings being placed in foster care.

Despite showing academic promise, Malcolm became disillusioned with formal education after a teacher told him that his dream of becoming a lawyer was unrealistic for a Black student. He dropped out of school and became involved in petty crime, eventually moving to Boston and then Harlem, where he was drawn into a world of gambling, drug dealing, and burglary. In 1946, he was arrested for robbery and sentenced to ten years in prison. His time in prison proved to be a turning point in his life. While incarcerated, he educated himself through extensive reading and was introduced to the teachings of the Nation of Islam, a Black nationalist and religious movement led by Elijah Muhammad.

Upon his release in 1952, Malcolm adopted the surname “X” to symbolise the loss of his African heritage and rejection of the surname imposed by slave owners. He quickly became one of the Nation of Islam’s most dynamic and recognisable leaders, advocating for Black self-sufficiency, separation from white society, and the rejection of nonviolent resistance. His electrifying speeches and sharp intellect made him a formidable force, drawing thousands of new members to the movement. Unlike mainstream civil rights leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr., who promoted peaceful protest, Malcolm X believed in self-defence and the right of Black Americans to fight oppression by any means necessary.

His rise to prominence coincided with a turbulent period in American history. The 1950s and 1960s saw heightened racial tensions, with segregation, police brutality, and economic inequality fuelling the civil rights struggle. Malcolm X challenged white supremacy with unfiltered candour, calling out the hypocrisy of American democracy while Black citizens remained disenfranchised. He was a compelling speaker who captivated audiences with his sharp critique of systemic racism, urging Black Americans to take control of their own destiny rather than seeking integration into a society that had long oppressed them.

Malcolm’s relationship with the Nation of Islam, however, became increasingly strained. While he had been a devoted follower of Elijah Muhammad, he grew disillusioned upon learning of Muhammad’s personal scandals, including allegations of sexual misconduct with multiple women within the movement. His growing frustration with the Nation’s rigid hierarchy and reluctance to engage directly in civil rights activism led to his departure in 1964. That same year, Malcolm embarked on a transformative journey to Mecca, where he experienced a profound shift in perspective. He encountered Muslims of all races and came to reject the separatist ideology he had once espoused. Upon returning to the United States, he embraced a more inclusive vision of racial unity and founded the Organisation of Afro-American Unity (OAAU), advocating for human rights on a global scale.

His ideological evolution made him a target. The Nation of Islam viewed his departure as an act of betrayal, and the FBI, which had been monitoring him for years, saw him as a dangerous radical. Death threats became a constant reality, and his speeches were increasingly interrupted by hostile members of his former organisation. Despite the risks, he continued to speak out, warning that American racism could lead to an explosive reckoning. On 21 February 1965, as he prepared to address a crowd at the Audubon Ballroom in Harlem, three gunmen stormed the stage and shot him multiple times. He was pronounced dead shortly after at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital at the age of 39.

The assassination of Malcolm X sent shockwaves through the civil rights movement. Three members of the Nation of Islam were arrested and convicted, though doubts about the full extent of the conspiracy surrounding his murder persist to this day. Many believe that government agencies played a role in his assassination, as he had been under constant surveillance and deemed a significant threat to the status quo.

Malcolm X’s legacy is complex and enduring. In the years following his death, he was often portrayed as a radical and militant figure, but his contributions to the struggle for Black empowerment have since been recognised as pivotal. His autobiography, co-written with Alex Haley, remains one of the most influential books in American history, providing insight into his intellectual and spiritual evolution. His speeches and ideas continue to resonate, influencing movements for racial justice, Black identity, and political activism across the world.

His transformation from a troubled youth to an eloquent leader reflects the power of education, self-awareness, and resilience. His willingness to challenge both the racist structures of American society and the limitations of his own early beliefs demonstrated a rare ability to evolve and adapt. He was not just a spokesman for Black nationalism; he was a thinker who constantly reassessed his views, ultimately embracing a more inclusive vision of justice.

Malcolm X’s influence can be seen in the rise of the Black Power movement, the global fight against colonialism, and the ongoing discussions about race and inequality. His calls for economic self-determination, self-respect, and the right to self-defence remain relevant in contemporary debates on racial justice. He inspired generations of activists who continue to challenge oppression and advocate for systemic change. His assassination robbed the world of a leader who was still in the midst of his evolution, but his impact endures. Streets, schools, and institutions bear his name, and his speeches continue to be studied by those seeking to understand and confront racism. His life was a testament to the power of conviction and the relentless pursuit of truth. Decades after his death, Malcolm X remains a towering figure in history, a man whose words and actions continue to inspire the fight for justice and equality.