Malcolm X

Malcolm+X

Dan Nguyen, Staff Writer

Born in Nebraska, 1925, Malcolm X had begun his life full of hardships. At age six, his father had been murdered and seven years later, his mother was placed in a mental hospital. Soon, he found himself in prison, where he joined the Nation of Islam and changed his legal name from Malcolm Little to Malcolm X. Under his new name, he became a largely influential figure in the African American community, as his method of achieving his goals was unmatched.

“By any means necessary” -Malcolm X.

Many who read this quote would believe that Malcolm was an extremist, if he went by his word. Mr. X believed in black superiority to whites, and that “the demise of the white race is imminent.” He had been an integral piece in the Nation of Islam, as he was considered the second most influential person, as he had brought in thousands of new members. He eventually left the NOI because he felt limited, and created two new organizations called, Muslim Mosque Inc and the Organization of Afro-American Unity. Through all of these organizations Malcolm took part in, he spread the beliefs of Islam throughout African-American people, and also helping them connect with their roots and be proud of who they are. His eventual end, was by assassination on February 21, 1965 while he was getting ready for to address the OAAU in Manhattan’s Audubon Ballroom. To this day, Malcolm X is a major icon in the African-American community and is hailed as a great leader and role model.