Malcolm X Biography Essay Example

Since the dawn of humanity, a distinct group of individuals gave their lives for the cause they fought for, Malcolm X was among those people. Malcolm X was an astute, passionate, and innovative leader who instilled in black Americans the need of self-reliance and self-respect. His ideas and convictions were viewed as impervious to corruption. He was one of the most prominent speakers in the civil rights movement in the United States.  Several of the concepts he advocated, such as race pride and self-defense, were the pillars of the future generations of the civil rights movement. He is sometimes portrayed as a radical who only knew violence; nevertheless, many believe he was terribly misunderstood. 

Malcolm X, born Malcolm “Little” in Omaha, Nebraska on May 19, 1925. Malcolm's father was killed when he was six years old after being hit by a car, which was most likely done by white supremacists since he was a black activist. When Malcolm's mother was committed to a mental hospital in 1939, he and his siblings were placed in foster homes. Malcolm was an exceptionally bright student who desired to be a lawyer. He would eventually quit school when his teacher informed him that he would not be able to become a lawyer and should instead become a carpenter. Now on the streets full-time, the young little would go on and move to Roxbury, Boston to live with a family member. 

Roxbury was a run down ghetto neighborhood with a high crime rate. While there, Malcolm would engage in narcotics trafficking, gambling, racketeering, robbery, and pimping. His illicit activities would lead to his arrest, for which he would get a 10-year sentence.  Malcolm's aversion to religion earned him the nickname "Satan" in prison. Following a visit during which his brother, Reginald, described Islamic teachings, Malcolm quickly became open to Islamic teachings. He would then write relentlessly to Elijah Muhammad, who would respond and advise him to renounce his past and humbly bow in prayer to God, promising never to engage in destructive behaviour again. He then bowed his knees to pray, reflecting on the inner fight he had gone through. Malcolm became a member of the Nation of Islam and change his name from "little" to "X".  The x represented the symbol branded on the upper arm of slaves which was a tradition among the member of NOI. Malcolm X said that the X also symbolized his real African name, which he would never know. The X substitutes the name "Little," which was given to his forebears by a blue-eyed monster. 

He was released after serving a six-year term. Malcolm X was in good shape, measuring 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighing 180 pounds. He was described as mesmerizingly handsome by one writer. After this sentence, Following his release from prison, Malcolm would travel to see Elijah and assist lead the Nation of Islam. His ability as an excellent public speaker, strong personality will lead to his appointment as assistant minister of the Nation's Temple Number One in Detroit. In the same year, he established Temple Number 11, 12 in Boston. Two months later, he was appointed to lead Temple Number 7 in Harlem, one of the country's largest and most renowned temples.  Hundreds of African Americans joined the Nation of Islam every month. He also founded the Nation newspaper, which he printed in his basement. Recognizing Malcolm's intellect and competency, named him the Nation of Islam's National Representative, second only to Muhammad himself. Under Malcolm, the Nation claimed more than 500,000 members. 

Throughout the main era of the civil rights movement, Malcolm expressed the rage, resentment, and hatred of African Americans. Furthermore, white supremacists murdered his father, burned down his home, and massacred his people. These incidents prompted him to act on his so-called "radical views," urging his brothers and sisters to protect themselves against white racists using whatever means were available. He gave speeches on Harlem's bustling streets as well as at prestigious universities like as Harvard and Oxford. His razor-sharp intellect and fiery radicalism made him a famous figure in American culture. He also chastised the mainstream civil rights movement, describing Martin Luther King Jr.'s actions as slow-moving and advantageous to white Americans, he went as far as to call him “a 20th-century Uncle Tom”.  

In 1963, there were serious disagreements between Malcolm and Elijah Muhammad about the Nation's political direction. Malcolm asked the Nation to become more involved in the widespread civil rights demonstrations rather than simply criticizing from the outside. Furthermore, Muhammad's violation of the nation's moral code stained his relationship with Malcolm. Malcolm brought further negative Press to the NOI following JFK's assassination when he said, “ I think this a prime example of the devil’s chicken coming back home to roost". In reaction to the indignation sparked by this speech, Elijah Muhammad ordered Malcolm to observe a 90-day period of silence, and the split between the two leaders became permanent from there. 

Malcolm left the NOI in March 1964, and founded Muslim Mosque, Inc., which preached the similar doctrines as the NOI. During the same year, he made the Hajj trip to Mecca, adopting the Muslim name el-Hajj Malik el-Shabazz. After returning from the Hajj, he changed his stance and chose to focus his efforts not just on African Americans, but also on people of all races and nationalities. He addressed issues such as human rights, liberty, and community development. During the second of his two trips to Africa in 1964, he addressed the Organization of African union.  In 1965, he formed the Organization of Afro-American Unity as a humanist vehicle to internationalize the struggle of Black Americans. As Malcolm's was shining brighter than ever, his rising hatred resulted in death threats and open violence against him.  

On February 21, 1965, Malcolm was delivering a lecture in the Audubon Ballroom. The ballroom, located on the second floor, was the site of a number of important events. The floor was constructed of wood, and the space was rectangular in shape. Wooden chairs were used to seat the audience. While delivering his lecture, three men rushed to the stage and shot Malcolm X 15 times.  

Malcolm X's legacy and efforts have inspired and enlightened countless people in their struggle for justice. He taught us that each of our lives are valuable and what we say matters. It is our responsibility to speak up when injustice occurs. He showed us that deeds speak louder than words and having an idea is one thing but acting on it is something different. That man's bravery continues to inspire millions of others to this day. 

Malcolm X accomplishment laid the foundations for the next leg up of the Civil Rights movement. His most notable accomplishment was his Religious Ministry. Under his leadership, more than 500,000 African-Americans became Muslims. Through him, X provided a voice to the black community. Malcolm X was a firm believer in African identity and freedom. Many movements may be traced back to Malcolm X, including the Black Power Movement, the Black Arts Movement, and the widespread adoption of the slogan "Black is Beautiful." Because he detested the derogatory term "negro," he popularized the use of the term "African-American" to refer to black people. Malcolm X was embraced as an idol by hip-hop groups like as Public Enemy, and his picture was exhibited all over black neighborhoods, and schools, as well as on T-shirts and jackets.  

He was a key influence behind the formation of numerous organizations dedicated to black empowerment. He established anorganization called the Organization of Afro-American Unity in 1964. which he used to unite Africans and fight for human rights Malcom X's goal was to increase public awareness of racism and to abolish racial discrimination and segregation in the United States. While racial equality was his aim, he would sometimes express it in dramatic ways since white people's treatment of African-Americans was also rather radical. He was a staunch believer in the right to self-defense when attacked.