malcolm x research paper topics

The Autobiography of Malcolm X Research Paper

• To find inspiration for your paper and overcome writer’s block
• As a source of information (ensure proper referencing)
• As a template for you assignment

One of the greatest and most influential men that captured the attention of both his friends and enemies, and articulated the struggle, the hunger, and the credence of African-American in the early 1960s is none other than Malcolm X. Malcolm X lived a complex and controversial life, at times landing a job of shoe-shinning, a dancer, criminal, a leader, a minister, and an icon, before his life was drastically ended by an assassins’ bullets at a tender age of thirty nine.

He worked tirelessly giving speeches and educating both young and old black Americans to better their lives and create strong communities that embraces strong fabric of self actualization and independent man.

Interestingly, Malcolm X is also known for using and changing his names from Malcolm Little, El Hajj Malik, Detroit Red and El-Shabazz. Most historians argue that those different names of Malcolm represented the different spheres of his live. Needless to say, Malcolm X became one of the greatest symbols of reconciliation and resistance for millions of people around the world.

This study will endeavor to explore the life history of Malcolm X who was a son of a Baptist minister. The autobiography of Malcolm X is the outstandingly true story of an African-American man, and it presents the daily struggle of millions of black during the period of racial discrimination and segregation.

The study will explore the transformation and individuality of Malcolm X that led him to sustain dedication and will to get education. Malcolm X autobiography unfolds a society that is plagued by discrimination and class segregation in every sphere of America society. Malcolm unveils the struggle of civil rights movements and the emergence of the Black Nationalism.

The autobiography of Malcolm X give a detailed true story of Malcolm X as he struggled with the life of hustling, dope peddler and a thief to become a dynamic and influential African American leader. The autobiography captures a span of four decades from the birth of Malcolm X in May 1925, to his assassination on 21 February 1965.

Malcolm X was one of the eight children of Louise Little and Reverend Earl. Like many other black American children Malcolm X was raised amidst racial prejudice and poverty stricken family. Malcolm X only attended school up to the eighth grade and he spent most of teenage life in street and prison. During the late 1950s, discrimination and racial segregation was institutionalized in every aspect of America society.

Schools, neighborhoods and businesses were segregated along skin color, and the Supreme Court legalized racial segregation through allowing separate but equal treatment of both black and white citizens. Furthermore, several states in America prevented African-Americans from voting. All African-Americans experienced grave hardship during this period given their inferior status in American society (Henry and Nellie, 9).

In the early 1950, Malcolm X together with several African Americans leaders organized black militancy that organized both violent and nonviolent demonstration. Malcolm believed that African American had the right to defend they society using any means necessary to gain their freedom. Malcolm X was against the white power structure and racist vigilante groups such as the Ku Klux Klan, which at one time threatened their family (Malcolm X, Haley and Shabazz, 2).

In addition, Malcolm was against some civil rights organization for their soft stance against American’s racial problems. Before being assassinated Malcolm had moderated his stance against black discrimination and advocated for solidarity among African-Americans, and urged both people of all races to work together and end racism.

According to the autobiography of Malcolm X, his life is a good example of how determination, confidence and perseverance can change the life of an individual (Manning, 5). The next section will critically explore the life history of Malcolm X from his birth to up to his assassination. The section will critically analyze some of the achievements and setbacks that Malcolm went throughout his life.

Malcom X was born on 19 th May 1925, in Omaha, Nebraska, and was a son of an African Baptist preacher. His mother, Louise Norton Little was a house wife and took responsible of raising the eight children. Malcolm X, Haley and Shabazz, (2) explains that the father of malcoml X, Earl Little was an outspoken activists and minister, and was among the strongest members of Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA) and a member of Marcus Garvey.

This organizations made Earl Little to brush shoulders with white supremacist groups including the Ku Klux Klan. The family of Malcolm X was in constant fear of being attacked from these groups. From the autobiography of Malcolm X (6) he recall that “When my mother was pregnant with me, she told me later, a party of hooded Ku Klux Klan riders galloped up to our home in Omaha, Nebraska, one night.

Surrounding the house, brandishing their shotguns and rifles, they shouted for my father to come out”. The group smashed their family house destroying all their windows and doors, which angered Malcolm X father. The family late moved to Lansing, but their house was late burned by the Ku Klux Klan and the family managed to escape without any major injuries.

Aboulafia (7) explains that on 8 th September 1931, the further of Malcolm X was fatally killed by streetcar on his way to home, at then Malcolm was only six years old. The police ruled his death to be an accident although the black community refuted the finding of the police claiming that the white supremacy groups had a hand on his death.

The death of Malcolm X father changed their family life drastically. Henry and Nellie (67) explains that since their father was the bread winner, their financial problems worsened. Furthermore, Mrs. Louise Norton Little was most devastated by Mr. Earl death, which made her suffer from enormous stress and anxiety caused by the responsibility of raising the eight children. Her mother was later institutionalized in the early 1937, which left the eight children leaving with friends, foster families or their in lasing.

Malcolm X, Haley and Shabazz (78) explain that Malcolm attended school up to the level of eighth grade. At the age of thirteen Malcolm became expelled from school and the state officials moved him to detention home. During this period, Malcolm had defiant behavior, but he was an outstanding student among his schools mates.

At the detention home Malcolm was treated as a mascot to the couples who lived at that home. Malcolm aspired to become a lawyer, but his English teacher discouraged him from becoming a lawyer because he was black. In 1941, Malcolm asked to be transferred to the guardianship of his half sister who was living in Boston.

During the stay in Boston, Malcolm was more attracted to street life than in the upper class that her sister resided. Malcolm landed a job of shoe shinning at Roseland Ballroom, which became a center of his life. During this period, Malcolm became a hustler, where he leant how to sell drugs, dancing, con man, dope pusher and a thug. His love life was also affected and he dated many women a white woman Sophia and Laura.

In some instances Malcolm explains that Sophia “was bothered about me living among the prostitutes until I introduced her to some of them, and they talked, and she thought they were great. They would tell her they were keeping me straight for her” (104). Malcolm X, Haley and Shabazz explain that during World War II, Malcolm was able to secure a job in the army by lying about his age.

Malcolm secured a job in the railway since the American army was in dire need of cooks, porters and waiters. As a worker in railway, Malcolm became even more dangerous by engaging in drug peddling and gambling. At one point Malcolm X argue that “One day, in a blackjack game, an old cook who was dealing the cards tried to be slick, and I had to drop my pistol in his face” (119).

Breitman (46) explains that Malcolm was able to secure a job at Small Paradise as a waiter, where he became acquitted with many drug loads and elites. After losing the job at Small paradise, Malcolm was able to form a burglary ring that terrorized many residence together with their sister and girl friend.

Malcolm became a drug addict and cocaine dealers, whereby he was well known by the police. He escaped several attempts to be caught by the police. At the age of 20 years, malcon became a well known drug dealer, burglar and peddler. In 1946, Malcolm was arrested and sent to 10 years in jail.

Manning (9) explains that the prison life changed Malcolm character and behavior for the rest of his life. During the prison life Malcolm met another prisoner called Bimbi who was a self educated man. For the long time that Malcolm had left school he had forgotten how to read and write.

With the help of Bimbi encouragement and training Malcolm was able to learn how to read and write. In addition, Malcolm underwent spiritual and moral transformation through the teaching of honorable Elijah Muhammad. Elijah Muhammad was known as the message of Allah (Allah is the name for Muslim god).

Elijah was very much adored by the black prisoners since he instilled a sense of self-respect and admiration. Furthermore, Elijah Muhammad condemned very strongly the white supremacist segregation of black people and blamed them on the poor government policies. Elijah blamed whites for the harsh treatment of African-American in the North, and he argued that the only way to solve the injustice was through black separatism (Aboulafia, 8).

Breitman (57) explains that it was during this period that Malcolm brother Reginald visited him severally to offer spiritual support. During the numerous visits Reginald advised Malcolm that he had a way of removing him from the prison. During the meetings Reginald advised Malcolm not to eat any pork meat because of religious reasons.

The plan of Reginald was to enlist Malcolm in the Nation of Islam, which was an organization known as Black Muslims. The organization was founded by Elijah Muhammad in the early 1930s and their main objective was to urge for the separation of races. The organization viewed the white man as being evil, and blamed them for the misfortune of blacks. Malcolm was very ready to receive this ideology since the white supremacists groups terrorized them constantly.

The ideology and teachings of Elijah Muhammad inspired Malcolm to study African American history. Through studying history Malcolm was strongly convinced that the white were responsible for their suffering and mistreatment. Through studying Malcolm joined the Nation of Islam and changed his name to the famous Malcolm X (Henry and Nellie, 9).

Aboulafia (78) explains that Malcolm actively studied the work of Elijah, which advocated that the white supremacists worked tirelessly to prevent the blacks from gaining independence. The white ensured that the African Americans did not achieve economic, social and political power. The organization also taught Africans American to fight for their state that was not habited by white. Malcolm became an active member of the group and stated his new career teaching other African Americans to fight for their rights.

After serving for seven years Malcolm was released from jail through a paroled and went to recede in Detroid. Malcolm became an active member of the Black Muslim and took up studies to understand the ways of Muslims. In early 1952, Malcolm travelled to Chicago to meet with Muhammad who played an important role in educating him while he was in prison.

Malcolm was very determined to understand Muslim and he decided to study personally under the guidance of Elijah. To show his dedication to revolutionize the African American Malcolm returned to Boston and implemented the black temple. In 1954, Malcolm X was elected as the minster of Nation of Islam, which was located in the New York (Aboulafia, 78).

Through the leadership of Malcolm the Nation of Islam grew significantly, and Malcolm gained popularity among the African Americans. The organization grew from a small number of worshippers into a large organized movement that was dedicated to Black separatisms ideology.

Malcolm became the greatest and exceptional speaker and teacher for the Black Muslim. Aboulafia (78) explains that Malcolm became increasingly close to Elijah because of his popularity and the successful launch of several temple in different cities. Henry and Nellie, (9) explains that with time Malcolm became the leading symbol of the organization as he organized several lectures and establishment of several mosque.

The social life of Malcolm significantly changed through the new status he gained in the Black Muslim organization. In 1955, Malcolm X met Betty Sanders during his lectures at temple Number seven.

Betty sander had been invited to several lectures of Malcolm X, and she was impressed with the teaching of Malcolm X. the two friends met severally and Malcolm managed to convert Betty to become one of the most active lady in Nation of Islam. In 1958, Malcolm and Betty were officially married in Lansing, Michigan. The two couples were blessed with six daughters. Their names were Attallah, Qubilah, llyasah, Gamilah, Malka and Malaak (Henry and Nellie, 89).

During his lectures, Malcolm X stated to advocate for violent revolution citing numerous countries that went through the same situation. In one of his numerous speeches, Malcolm cited the American Revolution, French revolution, Russian revolution.

In all this revolution, Malcolm argued that it involved the shade of blood. Malcolm argued that you cannot have a revolution without bloodshed and the African American should be ready to shade blood for them to gain independent. In early 1959, the speeches of Malcolm stated to attract media attention through the country.

Most importantly the media covered the two leaders that are Malcolm X and Elijah Muhammad because of their strong separatist ideology and hatred for whites. This new found publicity made Malcolm have violent confrontation with police after organizing several protest and demonstrations. Malcolm became a symbol for an angry black man that was tired of constant discrimination (Aboulafia, 78).

Malcolm sudden extremist speech and notoriety made Elijah Muhammad fearful. Elijah stated to reduce the support that was given to Malcolm and during the same period Malcolm had rumors that Elijah had violated the code of Nation of Islam. The disagreement between Malcolm and Elijah Muhammad became unsolvable, which led to the ultimate suspension of Malcolm.

The suspension was meant to last for only 90 days, but Malcolm inquired that Elijah had planned to make the suspension permanent. Malcolm X (300) explains that his suspicions was correct after a member of the group confessed to him that he was paid to assassinate Malcolm through placing a bomb in his car.

In 1964, Malcolm decided to leave the Nation of Islam and formed his own organization called Organization of Afro-American Unity. After visiting pilgrimage in Mecca, Malcolm stated to form different ideology regarding the new war against segregation. Malcolm came up with the ideology of brotherhood.

Malcolm stated to blame the American culture and ideology on racism and hugged the African-American to join other whites to end racial discrimination. The ideology that Malcolm came up with was quite different from the Black Muslim ideologies. He rejected the earlier ideology that he was taught with Elijah.

He explained that the African American should labor like any other races to build their businesses and homes. Malcolm argued that the African Americans should patronize their own people, and start to build their own respect. According to Malcolm, the African-Americans were supposed to correct their morality, moral and spiritual life. Aboulafia, (200) explains that not most African Americans followed the new ideology of Malcolm.

Malcolm made several trips to Africa countries where he was received with government officials. He returned back home where he dedicated most of his time with Organization of Afro-American Unity. Malcolm X, Haley and Shabazz (119) explain that the last few month of Malcolm had intense pressure. His house was bombed and he received constant threat both from nation of Islam and his enemies.

In 21th February 1965, Malcolm X was assassinated with unknown men by being short several times. During that period, Malcolm was supposed to give a speech at Organization of Afro-America Unity meeting at ballroom in Harlem. Malcolm X, Haley and Shabazz, (400) explains that when Malcolm stood to speak a fight stated in the audience.

During the commotion three men emerged and short Malcolm several times where he died instantly. Three of the assassins were arrested and two of them were Muslims. Most of the followers of Malcolm believed the assassination was planned by a large number of organizations including the government officials. Malcolm was killed but killers were not able to stop his influence (Malcolm X, Haley and Shabazz, 409).

It is clear from the study that the autobiography of Malcolm X can be viewed in different perspective. When viewed as an autobiography it portrays an interesting life history of a young man. In addition, when viewed as sociological study, the autobiography gives a clear example of how young people struggle to meet the end meat.

Politically, the autobiography has influenced most African Americans to fight for their rights. It clearly shows how religion plays a fundamental role molding character of individuals. One of the difficult positions of the autobiography is that Malcolm X was life was constantly changing. His political ideas were very contradicting, and it was difficult to tell the direction of his ambitions.

Works Cited

Aboulafia, Anita. Alex Haley’s the autobiography of Malcolm X . REA. 1996. Web.

Breitman, George. The Last Year of Malcolm X; the Evolution of a Revolutionary . New York: Pathfinder Press, 1967. Print.

Henry, Louis and Mckay Nellie. The Norton anthology of African American Literature . NY: WW Norton Company, 1996. Print.

Malcolm X, Alex Haley and Attallah Shabazz. The Autobiography of Malcolm X; As Told to Alex Haley . New York: Ballantine Books, 1987. Print.

Manning, Marable. Malcolm X; a Life of Reinvention . New York: Viking, 2011. Print.

• Critical Review: Malcolm X by Spike Lee
• Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Foundation
• The Activities of Malcolm X
• Martin Luther King Jr.’s and Malcolm X’s Leadership Styles
• Malcolm X: The Idea of Black Supremacy
• The Fight for Equality in Martin Luther King's Life and Writings
• Changing the Unjust Laws: "Letter From Birmingham Jail"
• Jim Crow Laws and Their Effect on the Black American Community
• Reflection on Malcolm X
• Autobiography of Malcolm X
• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2018, October 31). The Autobiography of Malcolm X. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-autobiography-of-malcolm-x/

"The Autobiography of Malcolm X." IvyPanda , 31 Oct. 2018, ivypanda.com/essays/the-autobiography-of-malcolm-x/.

IvyPanda . (2018) 'The Autobiography of Malcolm X'. 31 October.

IvyPanda . 2018. "The Autobiography of Malcolm X." October 31, 2018. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-autobiography-of-malcolm-x/.

1. IvyPanda . "The Autobiography of Malcolm X." October 31, 2018. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-autobiography-of-malcolm-x/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "The Autobiography of Malcolm X." October 31, 2018. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-autobiography-of-malcolm-x/.

Penn State University Libraries

Malcolm x: selected resources.

• Find Articles
• Encyclopedias and Other Reference Works
• Bibliography | Biographies
• Books By and About Malcolm X
• Microfilm Collections | Selected Websites
• Selected Articles about Malcolm X

Selected Dissertations about Malcolm X

• The Contemporary Rhetoric about Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X in the post-Reagan Era Burrow, Cedric Dewayne. Miami University. 2005,
• Malcolm X and the Nation of Islam: two moments in his religious sojourn DeCaro, Louis Anthony, Jr.. New York University. 1994.
• Uses of Heroes: Celebration and Criticism in the interpretation of Malcolm X and Martin Luther King, Jr. Dyson, Michael Eric. Princeton University. 1993,
• The Rhetorical Strategies and Tactics of Malcolm X Gay, John Franklin. Indiana University. 1985.
• Malcolm X and the Rhetoric of Transformation: 1948-1965 Lee, Andrew Ann Dinkins. University of Pittsburgh. 1995.
• Malcolm X and Nelson Mandela: the motivations and attributes of their political leadership Meeks, Daris Deshon. Regent University. 1997.
• The Transformational Leadership and Educational Philosophic Legacy of Malcolm X Muhammad, Najee Emerson. University of Cincinnati. 1999.
• The Dual Voices of the Civil Rights Movement: the heroic narratives of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X Owens, Kerry Paul. Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College. 1995.
• The Oratory of Martin Luther King and Malcolm X: a study in linguistic stylistics Rudzka-Ostyn, Brygida Irena. The University of Rochester. 1972.
• Malcolm X and the Organization of Afro-American Unity: a case study in Afro-American nationalism Sales, William W, Jr.. Columbia University. 1991.
• Justice Born Through Struggle: Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X (El-Hajj Malik el-Shabazz) and Angela Yvonne Davis Thurston, William Anthony. Emory University. 1994
• Marcus Garvey and Malcolm X: a comparative analysis of their thought Williams, Anthony C. Florida Atlantic University. 1985.
• << Previous: Selected Articles about Malcolm X
• Last Updated: Sep 25, 2023 8:21 AM
• URL: https://guides.libraries.psu.edu/malcolm-x

The Autobiography of Malcolm X

92 pages • 3 hours read

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-4

Chapters 5-9

Chapters 10-12

Chapters 13-15

Chapters 16-18

Chapter 19-Epilogue

Key Figures

Index of Terms

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

What experiences from Malcolm’s childhood and young adulthood set the stage for his induction into the Nation of Islam? Why do its tenets of Black superiority and White “devils” resonate with him so strongly?

Even after Malcolm drops out of his predominantly White school and moves to racially diverse Boston, he still characterizes himself as “brainwashed” by White supremacy. In what ways does this internalized White supremacy manifest prior to his incarceration?

In Malcolm view, what role does Christianity play in the lives of Black Americans? How does Christianity reinforce White supremacy?

Related Titles

By these authors

The Ballot or the Bullet

Featured Collections

African American Literature

View Collection

American Literature

Black History Month Reads

Books on Justice & Injustice

Hate & Anger

• History Classics
• Your Profile
• Find History on Facebook (Opens in a new window)
• Find History on Twitter (Opens in a new window)
• Find History on YouTube (Opens in a new window)
• Find History on Instagram (Opens in a new window)
• Find History on TikTok (Opens in a new window)
• This Day In History
• History Podcasts
• History Vault

By: History.com Editors

Updated: December 18, 2023 | Original: October 29, 2009

Malcolm X was a minister, a leader in the civil rights movement and a supporter of Black nationalism. He urged his fellow Black Americans to protect themselves against white aggression “by any means necessary,” a stance that often put him at odds with the nonviolent teachings of Martin Luther King, Jr. His charisma and oratory skills helped him achieve national prominence in the Nation of Islam, a belief system that merged Islam with Black nationalism. After Malcolm X’s assassination in 1965, his bestselling book, The Autobiography of Malcolm X, popularized his ideas and inspired the Black Power movement.

Malcolm X: Early Life

Malcolm X was born Malcolm Little in 1925, in Omaha, Nebraska . His father was a Baptist preacher and follower of Marcus Garvey . The family moved to Lansing, Michigan after the Ku Klux Klan made threats against them, though the family continued to face threats in their new home.

In 1931, Malcolm’s father was allegedly murdered by a white supremacist group called the Black Legionaries, though the authorities claimed his death was an accident. Mrs. Little and her children were denied her husband’s death benefits.

Did you know? In 1964, Malcolm X made a pilgrimage to Mecca and changed his name to el-Hajj Malik el-Shabazz.

At age 6, the future Malcolm X entered a foster home and his mother suffered a nervous breakdown. Though highly intelligent and a good student, he dropped out of school following eighth grade. He began wearing zoot suits , dealing drugs and earned the nickname “Detroit Red.” At 21, he went to prison for larceny.

Nation of Islam

It was in jail that Malcolm X first encountered the teachings of Elijah Muhammad , head of the Lost-Found Nation of Islam, or Black Muslims, a Black nationalist group that identified white people as the devil. Soon after, Malcolm adopted the last name “X” to represent his rejection of his “slave” name.

Malcolm was released from prison after serving six years and went on to become the minister of Mosque No. 7 in Harlem, where his oratory skills and sermons in favor of self-defense gained the organization new admirers: The Nation of Islam grew from 400 members in 1952 to 40,000 members by 1960. His admirers included celebrities like Muhammad Ali , who became close friends with Malcolm X before the two had a falling out.

His advocacy of achieving “by any means necessary” put him at the opposite end of the spectrum from Martin Luther King, Jr. ’s nonviolent approach to gaining ground in the growing civil rights movement .

After King’s “ I Have a Dream ” speech at the 1963 March on Washington, Malcolm remarked: “Who ever heard of angry revolutionists all harmonizing ‘We Shall Overcome’ … while tripping and swaying along arm-in-arm with the very people they were supposed to be angrily revolting against?”

Malcolm X’s politics also earned him the ire of the FBI , who conducted surveillance of him from his time in prison until his death. J. Edgar Hoover even told the agency’s New York office to “do something about Malcolm X.”

7 Things You May Not Know About Malcolm X

Get the facts on the civil rights activist and Black nationalist.

The Assassination of Malcolm X

Civil rights leader Malcolm X took the stage at the Audubon Ballroom in the Washington Heights neighborhood of Manhattan on February 21, 1965. Just minutes later, shortly after 3 p.m., the former prominent Nation of Islam figure was gunned down by three men as his wife, Betty Shabazz, pregnant with twins, and four daughters took […]

The Explosive Chapter Left Out of Malcolm X’s Autobiography

Its title—'The Negro'—seemed innocuous enough. But the revolutionary civil rights leader intended it to invoke a much harsher meaning.

In 1958, Malcolm X married Betty Shabazz (née Betty Sanders), a native of Detroit, Michigan , after a lengthy courtship.

The couple had six children, all daughters: Attallah, Qubilah, Ilyasah, Gamilah Lumumba and twins Malikah and Malaak. Several of Malcolm X’s children have been outspoken activists in the civil rights movement and other causes.

Organization of Afro-American Unity

Disenchanted with corruption in the Nation of Islam, which suspended him in December 1963 after he claimed that President John F. Kennedy’s assassination was “the chickens coming home to roost,” Malcolm X left the organization for good.

A few months later, he traveled to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, where he underwent a spiritual transformation: "The true brotherhood I had seen had influenced me to recognize that anger can blind human vision," he wrote. Malcolm X returned to America with a new name: El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz.

In June 1964, he founded the Organization of Afro-American Unity, which identified racism, and not the white race, as the enemy of justice. His more moderate philosophy became influential, especially among members of the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee ( SNCC ).

Malcolm X Assassination

On February 21, 1965, Malcolm X was assassinated by three gunmen at an Organization of Afro-American Unity rally in the Audubon Ballroom in New York City .

Though it was initially believed that the three assassins were members of the Nation of Islam and were affiliated with religious leader Louis Farrakhan, the killing remains controversial and no consensus exists on who the killer(s) actually were.

In 2021, Muhammad Aziz was exonerated after being convicted in 1966 for the killing along with Khalil Islam and Mujahid Abdul Halim. Halim, who admitted to the shooting but later said Aziz and Islam were not involved, was paroled in 2010.

Malcolm X had predicted that he would be more important in death than in life, and had even foreshadowed his early demise in his book, The Autobiography of Malcolm X. Malcolm X is buried in Ferncliff Cemetery, New York.

The Autobiography of Malcolm X

Malcolm X began work on his autobiography in the early 1960s with the help of Alex Haley , the acclaimed author of Roots . The Autobiography of Malcolm X chronicled his life and views on race, religion and Black nationalism. It was published posthumously in 1965 and became a bestseller.

The book and Malcolm X’s life have inspired numerous film adaptations, most famously Spike Lee’s 1992 film Malcolm X starring Denzel Washington .

Quotes by Malcolm X

“If you have no critics, you'll likely have no success.”

“Stumbling is not falling.”

“There is no better teacher than adversity. Every defeat, every heartbreak, every loss, contains its own seed, its own lesson on how to improve your performance the next time.”

“The future belongs to those who prepare for it today.”

“You can't separate peace from freedom, because no one can be at peace unless he has his freedom.”

Malcolm X. Biography.com . ‘Blood Brothers: The Fatal Friendship Between Muhammad Ali and Malcolm X.’ New York Times. People and Ideas: Malcolm X. PBS . Malcolm X’s 5 surviving daughters: Inside lives marred by tragedy and turmoil. New York Post . A man exonerated in the killing of Malcolm X is suing New York City for $40 million. NPR .

HISTORY Vault: Voices of Civil Rights

A look at one of the defining social movements in U.S. history, told through the personal stories of men, women and children who lived through it.

Sign up for Inside History

Get HISTORY’s most fascinating stories delivered to your inbox three times a week.

By submitting your information, you agree to receive emails from HISTORY and A+E Networks. You can opt out at any time. You must be 16 years or older and a resident of the United States.

More details : Privacy Notice | Terms of Use | Contact Us

Malcolm X - Essay Examples And Topic Ideas For Free

Malcolm X remains a seminal figure in American history, known for his impassioned advocacy for black rights and his critique of systemic racism. Essays could delve into Malcolm X’s life, exploring his formative years, his conversion to Islam, and his involvement with the Nation of Islam. Discussions might extend to his ideological evolution, his break with the Nation of Islam, and his subsequent embrace of a more inclusive form of activism prior to his assassination. Analyzing his speeches, writings, and the legacy of his ideas could provide a deeper understanding of his enduring influence on civil rights and black consciousness movements. The discourse may also touch on the contrasts and interactions between Malcolm X and other civil rights leaders of his time, and how his legacy continues to resonate in contemporary dialogues surrounding race, identity, and social justice. A vast selection of complimentary essay illustrations pertaining to Malcolm X you can find at Papersowl. You can use our samples for inspiration to write your own essay, research paper, or just to explore a new topic for yourself.

Black Nationalist Movement: Malcolm X

Throughout the history of the United States, the standing and equality of minorities, particularly those of African descent, has been debated and fought over, with many working for the goal of equality from myriad angles. African Americans were brought to the new world in chains, considered only 3/5th a person in the Constitution, and the US fought a tragic civil war to triumphantly end slavery. After the civil war, inequality persisted through “Black Codes” meant to restrict African American economic […]

The Story of Malcolm X

Many civil rights leaders fought for the equality of all African-American citizens in the United States, and one man who is still today regarded as one of the most influential African-Americans in history. Malcolm X, born Malcolm Little, was a Muslim minister, a human rights activist and a prominent black nationalist leader. He was born on May 19, 1925, in Omaha, Nebraska, the fourth of the seven children born from parents Louise and Earl Little. His mother, Louis was a […]

The Sixties Civil Rights Movement Vs. Vietnam War

The 1960s were a very turbulent time for the United States of America. This period saw the expansion of the Vietnam War, the assassination of a beloved president, the civil rights and peace movements and the uprising of many of the world’s most influential leaders; known as Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. Over the years, scholars have discussed the correlation between the Vietnam War and the Civil Rights movement. It has been argued that violence happening overseas directly […]

We will write an essay sample crafted to your needs.

Martin Luther King Vs Malcolm X

Society today, will never understand the struggles of the black community, that had to endure to battle for racial equality and freedom, back in the day. Martin Luther King Jr and Malcom X were very influential African American individuals who had a goal to achieve and to accomplish one task, to fight for their rights. Years after the deaths of Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X, still remain the two of the world's most respected political activists of the […]

Malcolm X a Visionary and Passionate Man

As an influential African-American leader, Malcolm X climbed to fame in the mid-1950s as an outspoken national minister of the Nation of Islam under Elijah Muhammad. Malcolm challenged the civil rights movement (Malcolm X, Enotes.com). He openly called for black independence and snubbed nonviolence and integration as an effective means of contesting racism. In the 1960s, however, Malcolm rejected Muhammad and the Nation of Islam and embraced conventional Islam. He authenticated his various experiences in The Autobiography of Malcolm X(1965), […]

Champion Boxer Muhammad Ali

Muhammad Ali was a very important American. He was the greatest champion boxer of his times. He was born on January 17, 1942, and in Louisville, KY. Some important details of his early life are that Muhammad Ali lived during the segregated times. He couldn't go to any school that the white people were in so instead he went where the black people were. Muhammad Ali couldn't go to the same school, restaurants and store as the white people. There […]

Booker T. Washington, Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr.

Ragtime portrays a world that is chock full of injustices, whether its been racial or xenophobic. Racial tensions are at an all time high during the progressive era, between the years 1900-1917. These changes were needed to adapt a society full of white supremacy. Poll taxes, literacy tests, and grandfather clauses were all used to keep blacks out of politics. Booker T. Washington was not a fictional person like Coalhouse Walker and had a large political following during this era. […]

What was Malcolm X Famous For?

Malcolm x was born May 19 1925 in Omaha Nebraska. His parents name was Louise Norton Little and Earl little. Malcolm's father was an outspoken baptist minister. X's father's civil rights movements promoted death threats from the white supremacist organization . Witch caused them to have to relocate there home twice before his fourth birthday . In there year of 1929 there Lansing , Michigan house was burned to ashes. Two years afterward Malcolm's family got news that there father's […]

About Malcolm Alexander

Malcolm Alexander was freed 38 years after being wrongly convicted of rape on january 30th. Malcolm was accused of rape of a 39-year-old woman who was managing an antique shop in Jefferson Parish. The woman told the authorities her attacker raped her twice in a bathroom while holding a gun to her head. She then identified Malcolm on March 24, 1980. After looking through hundreds of photos and five photographic lineups she tentatively identified Alexander. The woman still wasn't sure […]

Who was Malcolm X?

Malcolm X was born Malcolm Little on May 19, 1925, in Omaha, Nebraska. His father, a Baptist minister, was an outspoken follower of Marcus Garvey (1887-1940), the black nationalist leader. (A nationalist is a person who promotes one nation's culture and interests over all others.) Garvey supported a "back-to-Africa" movement for African Americans. During Malcolm's early years, his family moved several times because of racism (dislike and poor treatment of people based on their race). They moved from Omaha, Nebraska, […]

Malcolm X. Deeper: into his Autobiography

As Everyone knows, racial discrimination in the U.S. has always existed. Many races were discriminated against, but one of them suffered more unjust treatment than others; yes I am talking about African-Americans. This group of people was seen as “the worst”, were treated badly and taken as slaves, just because of their skin color. They were looked down on, separated from the rest, and even lynched at many unfortunate occasions. One of the most cruel group to go against African-Americans […]

Roles of Civil Rights Advocates

Throughout the Civil Rights Movement during1954-1968, there were many people who fought for civil rights for African Americans and many activists who brought attention to the movement. There were many activists who rose and created change for African Americans. Some activists who brought attention to the movement had many different roles and approaches in the Civil Rights Movement. Activists like Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, and Stokely Carmichael were very influential activists who had very different tactics to achieve […]

Was Martin Luther King Jr’s or Malcolm X’s Doctrines a Better Course of Action for African Americans?

To decide this simple yet very complexed question we shall discuss each man and their thoughts and ideas. While both men fought and paved the way for civil rights not just for themselves but for generations to come they each had different ways of doing so. Although which of them had a more effective way of doing so is still undecided. Looking at the supporting evidence in this essay will help us make that decision. They had similar beliefs in […]

Malcolm X and Islam

Moreover, the chapter then discusses Malcolm X. Malcolm X represents the Islam tradition and the principle of peace or defense. They first begin by telling some key differences between Dr. Martin Luther King and Malcolm X. One of these differences include their upbringing, Malcolm Little was born to a family and tossed into mayhem when his dad was murdered, his mom was placed in a psychological establishment and he and his siblings were separated among various temporary families and orphanages. […]

The Enigma Unveiled: Exploring the Assassination of Malcolm X

In the tumultuous landscape of civil rights activism during the mid-20th century, the name Malcolm X stands as a symbol of unwavering advocacy and unyielding defiance. Yet, on a fateful day in 1965, this luminary figure was silenced by an act that sent shockwaves through the pages of history—the assassination of Malcolm X. Unraveling the layers of this complex narrative requires a journey into the socio-political currents of the time, the evolution of Malcolm X's ideology, and the shadowy corridors […]

Revealing the Truth: Crucial Details Regarding Malcolm X

The name Malcolm X is connected with the fight for civil rights and the empowerment of African Americans, resonating throughout American history. His life and legacy have been the focus of much research and debate since he was born Malcolm Little. This article explores Malcolm X's early life, metamorphosis, activism, and the lasting effects he had on society in an effort to provide the essential details about him. Malcolm X was born in Omaha, Nebraska, on May 19, 1925. His […]

US Police Brutality and African Americans

Police brutality is a major issue in the United States, with its target against African Americans being a longstanding problem. The history of police brutality closely relates to racism and discrimination in America. Many factors, such as institutional racism, poverty, education, and even the drug war, contribute to this issue. With these factors combined, there is an increased risk of violence from law enforcement officials toward African Americans. According to Schwartz and Jahn (2020), African Americans are three times more […]

“The Ballot or the Bullet” a Summary of Malcolm X’s Speech

The Call for Empowerment: "The Ballot or the Bullet" Summary Throughout the nation's history, there has always been a rift between races. White males have always felt superior to African Americans and, therefore, have been enslaving them. This was one of the lowest points in history, but the country and its leaders have done a good job to diminish inequality and build upon the nation's civil rights issues. As of today, there are no outstanding civil rights leaders, but at […]

The Leader of the Afro-American Unity

Malcolm X Little was born on May 19, 1925 in Omaha, Nebraska. His death date was in February 21, 1965, he died in New York. Malcolm Little when he was a child he was not the oldest, nor the youngest. Malcolm was actually the middle child fourth child out of 8. He was the smartest child out of all. The school we went to get his education was West Junior High School. His father tried to help his african american […]

Civil Rights Leaders

Malcom X and Dr. Martin Luther King were two of the most influential and inspiring leaders during the Civil Rights Movement. Both leaders had methods used to inspire followers, major key events, and strong effects on both religion and political views regarding war. The leader had their own unique way in changing history as we know it, but both had a similar goal in mind. Even though both had a similar goal one had a larger effect on Civil rights […]

Religion and Social Commitment

Religion and social commitment are the point at which somebody's religious convictions or developments of their faith on the world has an effect or a potential effect on their social success. Also, the job that religion should play in the public arena is to help shape the character of an individual and form social activity. It ought to deliver the feeling of social incentive in the psyche of individuals. My religious beliefs have affected my social engagement tremendously. For instance, […]

Civil Rights Movement Debate: American Culture and Ideas

The civil rights movement lasted roughly a decade and was a tremendous struggle that took place for African Americans to receive the same constitutional and legal rights that other Americans already enjoyed. This was a time where many white people truly believed they were a superior race and acted out violently towards African Americans simply due to the color of their skin. A period where black people dealt with discrimination, violence and prejudice against them at an alarming rate. Something […]

The Assassination of Malcolm X: a Tragic End to a Revolutionary Life

Malcolm X, born Malcolm Little and later known as El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz, was a big deal in the Civil Rights Movement. His life got cut short tragically on February 21, 1965. His assassination marked the end of a life dedicated to fighting for African American rights and left a big mark on history. The circumstances around his death are complicated, involving personal changes, clashes in ideas, and political games. Malcolm X's journey from a troubled kid to a leading voice […]

The Assassination of Malcolm X: Unraveling the Truth Behind his Death

The day Malcolm X got shot at the Audubon Ballroom in Harlem, New York, it shook up the whole civil rights scene in America. This happened on February 21, 1965, and left everyone asking who did it and why. To really understand what went down, you gotta dive into the mix of politics, society, and personal clashes that filled Malcolm X's life and work. Malcolm X, originally Malcolm Little, was a big name in the civil rights game, speaking out […]

The Impactful Life of Earl Little: Shaping Malcolm X’s Vision

Earl Little father of the renowned Malcolm X was pivotal in shaping the early life and ideologies of his son one of America's most influential figures. Despite his life being tragically cut short Earl Little's dedication to civil rights and racial equality significantly influenced Malcolm X’s trajectory and the broader fight for justice. Born in Reynolds Georgia in 1890 Earl Little became an ardent follower of Marcus Garvey the eminent Jamaican activist who promoted black nationalism and advocated for the […]

Malcolm X: Height and Presence

Malcolm X a towering figure in American history stood tall at about 6 feet 3 inches. But his influence went far beyond his impressive height—it was his powerful voice sharp mind and fierce dedication to justice that made him such a monumental figure in the civil rights movement. Born Malcolm Little in 1925 in Omaha Nebraska Malcolm X faced tough challenges from the start. His father's suspicious death and his mother's institutionalization thrust him into a turbulent childhood. Despite facing […]

Malcolm X: a Trailblazing Figure in Civil Rights

Malcolm X stands how the patient symbol of resistance against a pedigree injustice and marine lantern of plenary powers for African Americans, whose influence is reflected through history. Born Malcolm Small in 1925, he appeared, as visible voice during a disorderly era marked a segregation and institutionalized discrimination in America. Expressive from his contemporaries, what protects for integration, Malcolm X protected self-respect, self-defence, and confidence in own forces among black societies. His passionate calls for black pride and autonomy philosophized […]

Malcolm X: a Visionary of Black Empowerment and Social Change

If you dive into the history of the civil rights movement in the United States, it’s impossible to miss the sharp, compelling voice of Malcolm X. Known for his fiery speeches and a no-nonsense approach to the fight against systemic racism, Malcolm X carved a niche that still resonates in the corridors of social justice movements today. From his early days marked by adversity to his rise as a leader calling for radical change, Malcolm’s life story is not just […]

Malcolm X: the Birth and Legacy of a Civil Rights Icon

In the intricate mosaic of American history, there stands a figure whose journey intertwines with the nation's narrative of struggle and resilience—Malcolm X. Born Malcolm Little on May 19, 1925, in Omaha, Nebraska, his life story unfurls like an epic of perseverance and transformation, mirroring a country wrestling with its own paradoxes. From his earliest days, Malcolm's existence was marked by strife and injustice. The brutal murder of his father, Earl Little, a fervent supporter of Marcus Garvey's Back-to-Africa movement, […]

Charting the Legacy: Malcolm X’s Impactful Contributions

In the annals of history, few figures loom as large and enigmatic as Malcolm X. Born Malcolm Little on May 19, 1925, his journey from a troubled youth to becoming one of the most influential civil rights leaders of the 20th century is a testament to the transformative power of resilience and conviction. Charting the legacy of Malcolm X necessitates a multifaceted exploration of his impactful contributions, which reverberate through time, shaping conversations on race, justice, and empowerment. Malcolm X's […]

Additional Example Essays

• Followership and Servant Leadership
• Analysis of Letter from Birmingham Jail
• Rosa Parks Vs. Harriet Tubman
• Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass
• Bob Marley as the most influential artists
• Frederick Douglass Biography
• Rhetorical Analysis of “The Letter of Birmingham Jail"
• Essay About “Letter From A Birmingham Jail” by Martin Luther King Jr
• Logical Fallacies in Letter From Birmingham Jail
• Research Paper #1 – The Trail of Tears
• History of Mummification
• Why Was Herbert Hoover Blamed For The Great Depression?

How to Write an Essay About Malcolm X

Understanding malcolm x's life and legacy.

Before writing an essay about Malcolm X, it's important to understand his role in American history and the civil rights movement. Malcolm X was an African American leader and prominent figure in the Nation of Islam who articulated concepts of race pride and black nationalism in the 1950s and 1960s. Start your essay by providing a brief biography of Malcolm X, including his early life experiences, incarceration, conversion to Islam, and role as a spokesman for the Nation of Islam. Discuss his evolving views on civil rights, race relations, and black empowerment, leading to his break with the Nation of Islam and the formation of Muslim Mosque, Inc., and the Organization of Afro-American Unity. Understanding Malcolm X's complex personality, his controversial methods, and his significant impact on the civil rights movement is crucial for a comprehensive analysis.

Developing a Thesis Statement

A strong essay about Malcolm X should be centered around a clear, concise thesis statement. This statement should present a specific viewpoint or argument about Malcolm X. For instance, you might explore his influence on the civil rights movement, analyze his philosophical and ideological evolution, or assess his legacy in contemporary discussions on race and justice. Your thesis will guide the direction of your essay and provide a structured approach to your topic.

Gathering Supporting Evidence

To support your thesis, gather evidence from a variety of sources, including Malcolm X's speeches and writings, biographies, historical texts, and scholarly articles. This might include quotes from his speeches, analysis of his autobiographical work, or perspectives from other civil rights leaders and historians. Use this evidence to support your thesis and build a persuasive argument. Remember to address different perspectives and consider how Malcolm X's legacy has been viewed over time.

Analyzing Malcolm X's Contributions and Ideology

Dedicate a section of your essay to analyzing Malcolm X's contributions to the civil rights movement and his ideology. Discuss the impact of his advocacy for black empowerment, his critique of the civil rights movement's integrationist goals, and his later advocacy for human rights and global solidarity among oppressed peoples. Explore the complexities and contradictions in his ideology and how his views evolved over time, particularly after his pilgrimage to Mecca.

Concluding the Essay

Conclude your essay by summarizing the main points of your discussion and restating your thesis in light of the evidence provided. Your conclusion should tie together your analysis and emphasize the significance of Malcolm X's life and work in the context of American history and the ongoing struggle for racial justice. You might also want to reflect on Malcolm X's relevance to current social and political movements.

Reviewing and Refining Your Essay

After completing your essay, review and refine it for clarity and coherence. Ensure that your arguments are well-structured and supported by evidence. Check for grammatical accuracy and ensure that your essay flows logically from one point to the next. Consider seeking feedback from peers, educators, or experts in American history to further improve your essay. A well-written essay on Malcolm X will not only demonstrate your understanding of his life and legacy but also your ability to engage critically with historical figures and their impact.

1. Tell Us Your Requirements

2. Pick your perfect writer

3. Get Your Paper and Pay

Hi! I'm Amy, your personal assistant!

Don't know where to start? Give me your paper requirements and I connect you to an academic expert.

short deadlines

100% Plagiarism-Free

Certified writers

consultant and research

• Grade 7 paper topic ideas
• Technology paper questions
• Format issues
• Sample APA project title pages
• Common mistakes of writing
• WWI research paper ideas
• Ancient world: term paper ideas
• Term paper ideas on current events
• Paper questions: government
• To Kill A Mockingbird
• Writing ideas for a finance paper
• Biology topic suggestions
• Paper topics on modern computers
• Writing ideas: voting
• Criminology project ideas
• Zoos: great writing prompts
• Malcolm X: research project ideas
• Developmental psychology topics
• Ideas on modern US history
• Psychology paper tips
• Horses: project topics
• Writing ideas on accounting
• Topics about child abuse
• 9/11 research project writing advice
• Search directions
• Free assistance
• Study background examples
• Abstract writing tips
• Getting APA paper samples
• Purchasing a custom term paper
• Finding project samples: Education
• Academic paper writing
• Finding paper editing companies
• Buying term papers with no risks
• Writing a research project outline
• General writing advice
• Example paper proposals
• Completing a history project
• Books and Web: paper tips
• Hints on literature review
• Computer science paper advice
• Visualization paper hints
• Finding a proper writer
• Qualified help with term papers
• Asthma: paper tips
• Choosing a writing company
• In quest of skilled writers for hire
• How to find a proper helper
• A guide to the writer's search
• Why to purchase projects
• Fresh tips on papers for sale
• Writing service selection
• Writing hints

Creative Suggestions For Writing A Research Paper On Malcolm X

Writing a research paper isn’t always the easiest thing to do – especially when you’re stuck for inspiration or you just don’t know what would be best to explore. Luckily, Malcolm X is one of the best things you could be researching, as it is an interesting topic and there are tonnes of information out there about him. Here are some creative suggestions you could use:

• What happened in his early life? – This is a good topic to write about as many people don’t know his past. You could write about the murder of his father and how his mother ended up in a mental hospital.
• What happened while he was in prison? – You should first talk about how he got put in prison and what age he was. Then you should explore what actually happened while he was in prison and how this may have affected what he went on to be famous for.
• His promotion of black supremacy – In a time when white people were seen as superior, there were black supremacist groups who thought the opposite, and Malcolm X was one of these people. You could talk about why he supported black supremacy and how he didn’t support the civil rights movement because it said black and whites should integrate.
• How is he portrayed in film – You could talk about how Malcolm X is portrayed in films. Some of these films include The Greatest and Death of a Prophet. It might be best, however, to leave this as the last thing on your paper – you could even put it as the first thing. It wouldn’t make sense to just put in the middle, though.
• Malcolm X’s private life – You may want to talk about how Malcolm X married, who it was to and in what year. It might be a nice idea to briefly describe his wife’s history and what she went on to do. You could also talk about how they had children, how many they had, and what they were called.

With these suggestions, you should be well on your way to writing the best Malcolm X research paper your teacher has ever seen in their life, and I hope these ideas help you to enjoy and really get to know the topic you are writing about. Don’t hesitate to use your own ideas, too. These are just suggestions!

Hire a professional paper writing service to complete your term paper or essay in few hours or days.

Writing Help

ideas to try right now.

• Buying research projects with no risk
• College term project tips: bibliography
• Working with project writing companies
• General paper writing advice
• Essay writers online
• Project ideas on natural disasters
• Excellent term project writing advice
• Inventing a Psychology paper question
• Topics for a middle school paper
• Secure methods to buy projects
• A guide to the research project structure

The New York Public Library

Archives & manuscripts, the malcolm x collection : papers 1948-1965 [bulk 1961-1964] d.

• Toggle Mini Map
• View as Network
• Collection Overview

Biographical/historical information

Scope and arrangement, administrative information, using the collection.

Malcolm X was an African American nationalist leader and minister of the Nation of Islam who sought to broaden the civil rights struggle in the United States into an international human rights issue, and who subsequently founded the Muslim Mosque Incorporated and the Organization of Afro-American Unity. Assassinated at the Audubon Ballroom in New York City on February 21, 1965. Writings, personal memorabilia, organizational papers and printed matter documenting Malcolm X's activities and opinions as the Nation of Islam's first National Minister, and following his separation from the organization and his embrace of orthodox Islam in early 1964, as a prominent advocate of human rights and self-determination for African-Americans.

The Malcolm X Collection is divided into nine series, the bulk of which range from 1961 to 1964. The papers consist of personal and family memorabilia, correspondence, writings and notes, selected organizational records and printed matter. They provide an in-depth documentation of Malcolm X as Black Muslim theologian, black nationalist ideologue, propagandist for the Nation of Islam, and skilled organizer — with occasional glimpses of his private or family life. Overall, the collection's original order has been preserved.

The The Malcolm X collection : papers are arranged in nine series:

This small group of personal items includes two address books (1958-1961), a notebook with details of the Shabazz family vacation in Miami in January 1964, hotel receipts from 1961 to 1965, and various items found in Malcolm X's heavily scored copy of the Quran and in one of the two address books. In this latter group are several newspaper clippings, some disparaging notes about Martin Luther King, Jr., described as the "hare in the bushes" without the desire "to run for self", and a 1961 letter from a member of Mosque No. 7 in New York who found himself "obligated to recognize the good work that you are doing for the Nation of Islam", while deploring that "with the pace of things going so fast, it is a rare occasion for me to see you, lest I interfere or detain you at your busiest moments". In his autobiography, Malcolm X explained how the demand on him to speak all over the country grew dramatically with the publication of C. Eric Lincoln's book, The Black Muslims in America in 1961. Letters, airline tickets, hotel bills, currency exchange slips, customs declarations, telephone messages, visitors' cards and an announcement for a public lecture in Ghana in the Middle East and West Africa Trip folder, amount to a day to day itinerary of Malcolm X's first major trip abroad in 1964.

Miscellaneous items in this and the next series include invoices for the Corona Mosque in Queens, a prescription for Phenobarbitol, one to be taken "as needed for nerves", an invoice for a new 1962 Oldsmobile, various receipts (camera shop, book stores, a master tailor), household expenditure lists in Malcolm X's hand, a message from one Dr. Adams at Bellevue Hospital, and an airline questionnaire where the subject listed the year of his first airline flight as 1956 and his highest level of education as elementary school.

This small but significant group of documents includes both incoming and outgoing correspondence, receipts and other household-related items. The earliest document in this series is a 1955 letter to a friend where Betty Shabazz, then Betty X Saunders, a nursing student, discusses the difficulty of conforming to the Nation of Islam's religious strictures against socializing with whites, whether at meal times, in class projects, or at a dance party her class was organizing. The outgoing correspondence also includes three letters to Elijah Muhammad, two of them written during the period of her husband's silencing. The earlier letter (February 18, 1963) was written at Muhammad's suggestion to "tell you what I thought about the trip to Philadelphia (critical points)". She went on to confide that "Ministers' wives have a full time job keeping the minister happy so he can do his job", but also felt that she could do other "constructive things" and was "wasting away". The second letter dated January 5, 1964 was an appeal "to come out to see you one week end", adding that "I have no one that I feel I can talk to but you". The last letter written three months later, three days before Malcolm X's official separation from the NOI, was an attempt to elucidate the charges against herself and against her husband "beside speaking against past President JFK". "In your letter, you stated my action toward the Muslims since my husband was sat down is deserving of time, how have I acted? " she wrote.

The incoming correspondence includes letters from Elijah Muhammad's wife and daughter, Clara and Harriett Muhammad, and Elijah Muhammad's special instructions for Ramadan in 1962. Orthodox Islam follows the lunar calendar in the observance of Ramadan, but Muhammad had set December as Ramadan month for his followers, "because we were once Christian believers and we used to worship this month as the month Jesus was born". His instructions called on married couples to "take no pleasure during this month", and on all his followers "not to forget in our prayers that the enemy has killed one of our brothers this year - the first we have lost since Allah's coming - due to the murderous hands of the devils". NOI member Ronald Stokes had been killed earlier that year in a police shooting at the Los Angeles Mosque. Letters to her from Malcolm X are filed in the next series. There are several letters from her adoptive mother in Detroit, ending typically: "Write when you feel like it. Your worried lonely mother". The Condolence file, more than 70 letters and cards, includes messages of sympathy from prominent figures across the country, many of which were read by Ruby Dee at the funeral service for Malcolm X. Other documents in the series include a selection of charity slips or receipts for contributions paid first to Muhammad's Mosque No. 7 and later to the Muslim Mosque, Inc.

• Correspondence 1948-1965 0.6 linear feet

The Writing series is divided into the following subseries: Major Addresses, Interviews, Radio Scripts, Religious Teachings, Diaries, and Speech Notes. For the most part the documents within each subseries have been kept in the order they were found. However, documents that reveal a clear relationship to another category have been moved to the appropriate subseries (i. e. alternate versions of a lecture, various drafts of a speech) and arranged chronologically when possible. In the main, the writings in this series are dated pre-December 12, 1963 or until Malcolm X's silencing. But there are several speeches, in addition to the travel diaries of Malcolm X's trips to Africa and the Middle East, that date after March 12, 1964, following his split from NOI.

Divided into General, New York Mosque and Other Cities subseries, these selected files and working papers are not the actual records of the Nation of Islam, nor are they necessarily the extent of NOI-related documents once in Malcolm X's possession. The General subseries opens with the form letter addressed to "W. F. Muhammad... Dear Saviour Allah, Our Deliverer", that new recruits were required to copy without fault before they would be granted an X as the replacement of their "slave name". Louis Lomax wrote that "The Black Muslims have little or no liturgy". The file "Lessons and Questions, Prayers" holds some of the few documents that form the NOI creed. "Actual Facts" and "Student Enrollment, Rules of Islam", are the first sets of questions and answers that the new convert had to memorize by rote and in sequence. Then came "Lesson No. 1" and "Lesson No. 2", which also came in the form of questions and answers, to be memorized textually. These basic documents, together with a selection of prayers and a glossary of some twenty words or concepts, were the cornerstone of the convert's new worldview. Also included here is a set of nine questions answered by Malcolm X on December 25, 1963, during the period of his silencing, "to the best of my knowledge and understanding of the Honorable Elijah Muhammad's Mission (message and work) among us". Two other documents, "English Lesson C-1" and "The Problem Book", and two additional texts distributed among Muslims, "The Sacred Ritual of the Nation of Islam" and a religious cryptogram, "Teachings for the Lost-Found Nation of Islam in a Mathematical Way", that only W. D. Fard, it was said, could interpret, are other tenets of the NOI dogma that are not available in this collection.

The Elijah Muhammad file consists of printed matter and carbon copies of pronouncements by and about Muhammad. Also included are letters and directives from Muhammad to his ministers across the country. A four-page introductory essay entitled "The Honorable Elijah Muhammad" argues that the historical Muhammad was not an actual prophet, or Allah's final messenger. "The Holy Quran was not meant for that Muhammad 1400 years ago in Arabia.... The Injil [New Testament] prophecies last right up to the resurrection, but how could the Holy Quran be the fulfillment (destroy) [sic] of the Injil prophecies when there was no resurrection in Muhammad's days 1400 years ago". Elijah Muhammad, on the other hand, was the last messenger, "raised up from among the dead" by the Mahdi (W. D. Fard or God in person). He and his followers were the real fulfillment of prophecy. "I am here to tell you", Muhammad wrote in a 1958 untitled pronouncement, "why America does not want you to accept Islam...not the 'old' Islam, but the 'New Islam'.... Ours is a new government and a new religion". Muhammad further clarifies that the United States was not alone in keeping the Black Man at the bottom of civilization. "I have seen the Black Man even in Africa and Asia working as the burden-bearer (doing all the heavy work) while the Brown Man sat in the shade". In a broadside, "What Is Un-American? Problems of the Black Man in Africa, Asia, America the Same", written in response to a 1961 report by the California State Senate Fact-Finding Subcommittee on Un-American Activities, he reaffirmed his Twelve-Point Program as the only salvation for African Americans.

The Muhammad Speaks file includes correspondence and typed articles by Abdul Naeem, a Brooklyn-based Pakistani immigrant who served as a go-between between Muhammad and the orthodox Islamic world, and articles by Charles P. Howard whose syndicated column, "United Nations Report", appeared in the NOI newspaper. Publicity Material in this subseries include leaflets, broadsides and a souvenir journal, advertising public appearances by Malcolm X and Elijah Muhammad. The Printed Matter file consists of articles and essays by scholars such as C. Eric Lincoln, August Meier, J. Schacht, professor of Arabic and Islamics at Columbia University, and by law enforcement agencies.

This series is very sketchy, containing many gaps in the documentation. The MMI survived its founder for about a year, at which point the papers were reportedly dispersed. Included here are several statements by Malcolm X (March 1964) announcing his separation from the Nation of Islam, and his rationale for launching a new group. Malcolm X insisted he did not leave NOI of his own free will, but that he had been driven out by the "Chicago officials". The philosophy of the MMI was to be Black Nationalism. The switch to orthodox Islam came during his pilgrimage to Mecca in April 1964. In statements issued in Jedda, Saudi Arabia, and in Lagos, Nigeria, the author told the story of his conversion to "true Islam", which "removes racism" and "concerns itself with the human rights of all mankind, despite race, color or creed". James Shabazz, Malcolm X's personal assistant and Vice-President of the new organization, handled the day-to-day business of the group. His list of twelve questions put to Malcolm X, indicating the areas of responsibility entrusted by the latter to his associates can be found here.

In this series is a group of letters Shabazz sent on May 14, 15 and 16, 1964, to a wide array of national and international contacts, thanking the latter for their assistance to the MMI leader during his pilgrimage, and expressing Malcolm X's new disposition for "mutual cooperation" with leaders of the civil rights movement. The only substantive response to these letters in the collection came from James Farmer, Executive Director of the Congress of Racial Equality. Malcolm X's itinerary during the Hajj, his schedule of activities immediately after his return to the U. S. in early June, and a log of telephone calls received by his office at the Theresa Hotel during that period, give a sense of the tremendous interest occasioned by Malcolm X's new orientation.

Also included is a copy of the certificate from the office of the Supreme Imam of Al-Azhar University designating Malcolm X as "one of the Muslim community...with his true and correct faith", with the responsibility "to propagate Islam and offer every available assistance and facilities to those who wish conversion to Islam". A leaflet in the same file boldly advertised twenty "stipend-bearing" scholarships to Al-Azhar University and fifteen additional scholarships to the University of Medina in Saudi Arabia, and called on people to join the MMI, the Organization of Afro-American Unity and the Organization of Afro-American Students. Malcolm X had developed a strong NOI chapter in Philadelphia and retained a strong base of support in that city. The Philadelphia file in this series gives some indication that the MMI leader was planning to develop an MMI chapter there with the help of a local barber, "Brother Aaron". The remaining files in the series deal with mosque attendance, donations and charity slips, and the sale of the Theresa Hotel. There are also leaflets and publicity material, including a March 22, 1964 Spanish-language flyer advertising a talk by Malcom X at the Rockland Palace on "El Nacionalismo de la Raza de Color en Harlem".

Malcolm X founded the OAAU to broaden the scope of the African-American civil rights movement into a struggle for human rights with international linkages. Partly due to his prolonged trips abroad, he only played a limited role in the day-to-day life of the new organization. An early draft of the OAAU's "Basic Aims and Objectives" called for organizing "the Afro-American community block by block", and proposed to join or to form political clubs, and to establish local businesses "to stop the flow of millions of dollars that leave our community weekly, never to return". But superimposed on that grassroots "organization of the people" was the expectation of a leadership structure "patterned after the letter and the spirit of the Organization of African Unity", with the purpose of uniting "Afro-Americans and their organizations around a non-religious, non-sectarian program for human rights". These two contrasting views are reflected in the collection through Malcolm X's statements from abroad and in local efforts to organize a membership base for the new organization.

The correspondence file includes carbon copies of Malcolm X's well-publicized June 30, 1964 telegrams to Martin Luther King, Jr. in St. Augustine, Georgia, and to James Forman, chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, in Mississippi, proposing to "immediately dispatch some of our brothers there to organize our people into self-defense units capable of retaliating against the Ku Klux Klan in the only language it understands". Also included are OAAU acting chair, Lynn Shifflet's invitation, on behalf of Malcolm X, to representative African-American leaders and personalities, to a roundtable discussion on the so-called Harlem Riot of 1964; and a two-page letter from Ana Livia Cordero, Puerto-Rican independence activist and the wife of African-American expatriate writer Julian Mayfield, who had launched the first international branch of the OAAU in Ghana, on approaches to the Puerto Rican community in New York.

The file Working Papers consists of research material, and suggestions and recommendations from two OAAU research groups. At an initial May 30, 1964 meeting chaired by Malcolm X, it was decided that the new group would start work at the local level in Harlem. "When we control New York City, we will then be a model for other U. S. cities". The organization would try to mobilize mass resistance against Governor Rockefeller's "No Knock" and "Search and Seizure" laws, and against police brutality. In subsequent meetings, the group laid out its organizational structure, dealt with issues of membership and finances, debated the nature of its relationship with the civil rights movement, analyzed some of the "social, political and economic facts in Harlem", and attempted to define a basic policy on education, on self-defense and on culture. Also included are personal commentaries from Sara Mitchell, a prime contributor to this file.

The balance of this series comprises declarations and statements by Malcolm X upon launching the new organization. Included are his July 17, 1964 address to the OAU in Cairo, a series of research notes prepared by James Shabazz on the legality of rifle clubs in New York and elsewhere, copies of the OAAU newsletter, Blacklash, membership receipts, miscellaneous financial records, a complete set of the resolutions and recommendations adopted at the first OAU assembly of heads of state and government in Addis Ababa in July 1964, including a resolution against "Racial Discrimination in the United States of America", which is attributable to Malcolm X.

This is a broad mix of printed matter on individuals, organizations and subjects of interest to Malcolm X, and typescripts of stories written about Malcolm X, some of them after his death. The Africa file is a compilation of research papers by mostly black scholars on African Americans and Africa, African messianic movements, Africa in antiquity, and the African press. The Muhammad Ali file is mostly newspaper and magazine articles, including a two-page Associated Press report stipulating that "Scholars at Islam's 1,000 year-old university welcomed Cassius Clay's statement that he is a Moslem" but expressed "reservations about the 'Black Muslim' movement in the United States". The file dates from the mid-February 1964 period when the athlete was training for his championship fight against Sonny Liston, and attests to some of Malcolm X's activities and thinking during the later period of his silencing. Invited with his family for a winter vacation at the young boxer's training camp, Malcolm X is credited with recruiting Ali to the NOI. In a little known February 19, 1964 interview Malcolm X circumvented his silencing to tell the Miami News, through a third party, of his admiration for "The Champ", and to predict that "when warmer weather begins to appear in the North, the problem is going to get worse in 1964 than it was in 1963". Malcolm X presumably counted on his friendship with the young athlete to woo him to his side in the feud with his mentor, but the outspoken Ali quickly put any such hope to rest. "I don't know much what Malcolm X is doing", he told the Norfolk Journal and Guide, "but I do know that Muhammad is the wisest". (March 14, 1964).

Taken together, the Civil Rights files in this and the Printed Matter series attest to Malcolm X's intense preoccupation throughout 1963 with the nonviolence and integration movement represented by King. The annotated and underscored articles, noting every hesitation or setback, comforted the author in his claim that the civil rights movement was controlled by the white-Jewish "liberal establishment", and was running out of steam. The Education folder complements other materials in the NOI series. The Group on Advanced Leadership (GOAL) convened the November 1963 Grassroots Leadership Conference in Detroit at which Malcolm X delivered his celebrated speech, "Message to the Grassroots". The file documents the split between the GOAL group, led by Richard B. Henry, and the more conservative Detroit Council for Human Rights, which had initially called for a Northern Negro Leadership summit, with the exclusion of known nationalists and communists, including the Black Muslims. The Rev. Albert Cleague, who represented GOAL on the Council, insisted that "all black men, regardless of their views, should sit down and hammer out a concerted policy for a united civil rights push in the North".

The slim Martin Luther King file includes material by and critical of King's nonviolent strategy. The Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party (MFDP) folder consists mostly of educational or promotional material leading to and following the MFDP Challenge to the white Democratic delegation at the 1964 National Democratic Convention. The Monroe "Kidnapping" file includes a draft article by the same title by Julian Mayfield, and printed matter of the Committee to Aid the Monroe Defendants. The story of the Monroe incident is told in Robert F. Williams's Negroes with Guns (Third World Press, 1975). The Repatriation Commission file contains a 25-page report to Prime Minister Michael Manley of Jamaica by a 1961 "Back to Africa" mission that traveled to five African states to explore the conditions for "Africans living abroad" to return to the "ancestral land". The original manuscripts in this series include "A Fallen Star" by Ruby Williams, a disillusioned Black Muslim who aspired to tell "the naked truth" of some of Elijah Muhammad's shortcomings, and "Malcolm", a screenplay by Betty L. Rhea, completed in 1974.

• Printed Matter 1959-1965 1.6 linear feet

Custodial history

The papers form the larger part of the Malcolm X collection, stored initially in the Shabazz family home in Mount Vernon and later sold at a storage auction in Miami. The Shabazz family regained control of the papers after cancellation of the public auction by Butterfields Auctioneers in Los Angeles, and deposited them at the Library for a period of 75 years.

Source of acquisition

Estate of Betty Shabazz, December 2002

Processing information

Processed by Andre Elizee, Millery Polyne and Lisann Lewin, with the expert assistance of Mr. Abdullah Abdur-Razzaq (formerly known as James 67X and James Shabazz), 2004-2005

Accessioned by Andre Elizee, January 2004

Separated material

The following records have been transferred:

Moving Image and Recorded Sound Division - Film and Audio Materials

Photographs and Print Division - 22 archival boxes and binders of photographs, slides and negatives.

Related Material

Malcolm X Material in Other Collections And Repositories

Schomburg Center, MARB: Organization of Afro-American Unity Collection, 1964-1965. 0.2 lin. ft.

Schomburg Center, MARB: John Henrik Clarke Papers, box 24. 1.0 lin. ft.

Schomburg Center, MARB: David Garrow / Freedom of Information Act Materials on the Civil Rights Movement, SCM 92-42, boxes 19-20. 1.6 lin. ft.

Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, Detroit, MI: Malcolm X Collection, 1941-1955. 0.5 lin. ft.

Access to materials

Conditions governing use.

Reproductions, including scans, photographs, and photocopies, are prohibited.

Information on copyright (literary rights) available from repository.

Access restrictions

Researchers are restricted to the microfilm copy in the Manuscripts, Archives and Rare Books Division. Reproductions, including scans, photographs, and photocopies, are prohibited.

• Privacy Policy
• Rules and Regulations
• Using the Internet
• Website Terms and Conditions
• Gifts of Materials to NYPL

Essay Service Examples Social Issues Racism

Malcolm X Essay

61 samples in this category

“Malcolm X was a hustler and then he was convicted of robbery in 1946, he spends seven years in prison”.[Malcolm, paragraph 1] “Malcolm X was born on May 19, 1925, in Omaha, Nebraska and assassinated in 1965.” [Malcolm paragraph 1]He also became an orthodox Muslim, adopting the Muslim name El...

“Malcolm X was a hustler and then he was convicted of robbery in 1946, he spends seven years in prison”.[Malcolm, paragraph 1] “Malcolm X was born on May 19, 1925, in Omaha, Nebraska and assassinated in 1965.” [Malcolm paragraph 1]He also became an orthodox Muslim, adopting the Muslim name El Hajj. “Moreover, the days of civil rights movements, Malcolm X emerged as political, social and economic ties with the white community.”[Malcolm paragraph 2]

“The history of the United States has in it much separation or segregation due to race.” “Malcolm X is one strong example of an African American man who became a part of a group that acted against it, uniting people to promote the advancement of colored people and change.”[Malcolm paragraph 2] ‘Also, this autobiography of Malcolm X attacks his inability while imprisoned for battling the white man.’’[Malcolm paragraph 5] Another reason how Malcolm X begins to teach himself in prison and he would go through the hard stages to become an intelligent person. For example, he would write words on the table to remember them. Another, he spends two days riffling and unknown words in the dictionary pages.

Malcolm X article covers the different literacy that influenced him in his life. Also, the article explains his motivation can push someone to further his or her academic learning. For example, the prison motivated him to further his reading and become literate and intelligent. Another, he wrote to Mr. Elijah Muhammad of the Islam Nation about his frustration about not being able to express what he wanted to convey them. He said “I became increasingly frustrated at not being able to express what I wanted to convey in letter that I wrote”[Malcolm X paragraph 2].

In this article, Malcolm X tells us how he learns to read and write and imprisonment change his mind to read and write. One example was the dictionary pages made him remember words. Another was he wrote his words on the table and started reading his own handwriting. Prison gave him the freedom to learn from his mind. He says, “As I see it today, the ability to read awoke inside me some long dormant craving to be mentally alive”[Malcolm X paragraph 12]. This example tells that his freedoms are curtailed reading allows him to expand his mental vistas. Then Malcolm learned to how write and he said “I’d written words that I never knew were in the world”[Malcolm X paragraph 13]. He started using the dictionary that had pictures and remembering the words with his imagination which helped him. As he reads more, he understands the history of African Americans and thinks about how that history still affects African- American people in his time. Like he said in the article that he was a hustler and he could barely write and read words but after he was in prison his mind changed.

The purpose of Malcolm X was intended audience everyone to learn history. For example, learning about his autobiography of his learning to read in prison and other. Also he went around the world spreading philosophies, prison population, and history. Another reason to educate people of an important portion of his life his education and promote education literacy.

A personal connection from the article would be how Malcolm X learned words from the dictionary by looking at the pictures. I remember when I was in 1st grade my teacher would give the whole class books to read and it had lots of pictures. This made me remember words and meanings. Another, experience from a Malcolm X article he would copy the dictionary in alphabetically and study each word. This is also an example of my personal experience when I studied for my spelling test in fifth grade I would learn each word alphabetically.

Finally, questions from the article. Why did Malcolm X begin to teach himself? How did the process by which Malcolm learned to read differently from the typical way people learn to read? Describe the benefits of learning for Malcolm X? Describe how Malcolm uses his education to influence others. What was Malcolm X main accomplishment?

Short Biography Of Malcolm X

History of malcolm x and his activity, the truth about malcolm x.

800+ verified writers can handle your paper.

The Challenges Malcolm X Faced

The key events in the life of malcolm x, timeline of human rights activist malcolm x.

Malcolm X's Way Of Life: Research Paper

The analysis of malcolm x and his autobiography, the importance of malcolm x ideas, the portrayal of malcom x as a leader, malcolm x as a muslim leader for civil rights, malcolm x as a famous civil rights leader, malcolm x movie summary essay, essay on what is malcolm x accomplishments, essay on what is malcolm x legacy, essay on what is malcolm x early life, malcolm x: argumentative essay, essay on malcolm x prison studies, essay on black panthers and malcolm x, the objectives of dr. martin luther king jr and malcolm x, malcolm x and plato: the path to become mentally alive, malcolm x and experiencing education, malcolm x: the ballot or the bullet, how far was malcolm x the most significant black campaigner for civil rights in america, the similarities and differences of mlk and malcolm x, the similarities, differences and effectiveness of malcolm x and emmeline pankhurst, the activity of mlk and malcolm x, the image of modern malcolm x, black power of malcolm x, civil right activist: malcolm x.

Top similar topics

Join our 150k of happy users

• Get original paper written according to your instructions
• Save time for what matters most

Fair Use Policy

EduBirdie considers academic integrity to be the essential part of the learning process and does not support any violation of the academic standards. Should you have any questions regarding our Fair Use Policy or become aware of any violations, please do not hesitate to contact us via [email protected].

• Environment
• Information Science
• Social Issues
• Argumentative
• Cause and Effect
• Classification
• Compare and Contrast
• Descriptive
• Exemplification
• Informative
• Controversial
• Exploratory
• What Is an Essay
• Length of an Essay
• Generate Ideas
• Types of Essays
• Structuring an Essay
• Outline For Essay
• Essay Introduction
• Thesis Statement
• Body of an Essay
• Writing a Conclusion
• Essay Writing Tips
• Drafting an Essay
• Revision Process
• Fix a Broken Essay
• Format of an Essay
• Essay Examples
• Essay Checklist
• Essay Writing Service
• Pay for Research Paper
• Write My Research Paper
• Write My Essay
• Custom Essay Writing Service
• Admission Essay Writing Service
• Pay for Essay
• Academic Ghostwriting
• Write My Book Report
• Case Study Writing Service
• Dissertation Writing Service
• Coursework Writing Service
• Lab Report Writing Service
• Do My Assignment
• Buy College Papers
• Capstone Project Writing Service
• Buy Research Paper
• Custom Essays for Sale

Can’t find a perfect paper?

• Free Essay Samples

Essays on Malcolm X

Malcom X was a renowned human rights activist as well as an African-American Muslim minister who advocated for the rights of blacks. He was an outspoken activist and considered by many especially the black population as an outspoken public voice of the Black Muslim faith. His prominence was felt in...

Words: 1233

The Similarities and Differences between Martin Luther King Jr and Malcolm X The essay discusses the similarities and differences between Martin Luther King Jr and Malcolm X. Malcolm X was an American Muslim who served as a minister and an activist for human rights. His life (1925-1965) is understood by many...

James Baldwin's ideas and those of Malcolm X and Martin Luther King, Jr. James Baldwin is a well-known and renowned American novelist, essayist, social critic, and civil rights fighter. In order to prevent him from ever seeing his real father, James Arthur Baldwin was born in Harlem, New York, and was...

Words: 1545

At a time when racial prejudice and social injustice were at their height in the United States, Martin Luther King and Malcolm X gave speeches on the pilgrimage to violence and a warning to the grassroots, respectively. (Gundlach). They stood in for the underdog race—African Americans, who had long endured...

Malcolm X gained notoriety in the early 1960s for his extreme viewpoints and his ardent devotion to Islam. He used rhetoric effectively in his statements, which was a major factor in his influence. Additionally, theories about racism against African Americans greatly increased his notoriety. He used a variety of rhetorical...

Words: 1388

In Dreams from My Father and I, Rigoberta Menchu: An Indian Woman in Guatemala In Dreams from My Father, Barrack Obama wrote about his encounter with racist attitudes, actions, and individuals in great detail. The same treatment was received by Rigoberta Menchu, who recorded it in her book I, Rigoberta Menchu:...

Words: 1197

Found a perfect essay sample but want a unique one?

Request writing help from expert writer in you feed!

Introduction Malcolm X was born in Michigan State University in 1925. Earl Little's father was a fervent supporter of the civil rights movement, which had common goals of improving social, mental, economic, and spiritual circumstances for all humans regardless of color or ethnicity in America. As a result, Malcolm X was...

Words: 1247

Black Nationalism's advocates not only fought for the liberation of people of color, but also for their empowerment. Some of the courageous persons who made a significant effort to guarantee that black people were treated with respect are Marcus Garvey and Malcolm X. They interacted with Africans in a variety...

Words: 1219

These two are the most considerable men in the civil rights movement, and years later after their demise, America still celebrates them with their image constant in the American consciousness. As great men who share connections, their ideologies and zeal might be similar, however their character and motivation were driven...

Malcolm X delivered one of the most powerful speeches in American civil rights history in April 1964. The Ballot and The Bullet declaration concentrated on Black Nationalism at a time when the African American community had no influence about who they elected. During the electioneering time, white nationalists will usually...

Words: 1332

Introduction Before the adoption of the letter X to signify the lack of his African tribal identity, Malcolm X was known as Malcolm Little. He was born in 1925 in Nebraska, and his political activity started with his conversion to Islam. Learning to Read was based on interviews gathered shortly before...

Words: 1471

Related topic to Malcolm X

You might also like.