2. Who Was Malcolm X? Born Malcolm Little (El-Hajj MalikEl-Shabazz) on May, 25 1925 Many Black Muslims such as Malcolm replaced their last name with “X” to signify lost African names Born in Omaha, NE, although spent the remainder of his childhood in Detroit, MI Civil rights leader that promoted black supremacy
3. Malcolm X’s Childhood Malcolm’s father was a Baptist minister and a firm believer in black supremacy which allowed him to be a target of hate groups Crimes were committed against both him and his family including the burning of the Little’s home and later the slaughter of his father Malcolm and his eight siblings were then placed in foster care for the remainder of their youth
4. Malcolm X’s Youth After being told he would never make it as a lawyer because of his race by a school teacher, Malcolm’s hatred for Whites grew Later moved to New York where he began committing crimes such as armed robbery that eventually lead him to serving jail time
5. Malcolm X’s Involvement with the NoI While imprisoned, Malcolm was exposed to the Nation of Islam, which gained many of its members through prison ministry Malcolm's disdain for Whites corresponded with the Nation of Islam’s black supremacy ideology causing him to join this movement and convert to Islam
6. What is the Nation of Islam? Religious organization founded by Wallace D. Fard that follows traditional Muslim customs with several key differences “Justice, Faith, Equality, Islam”
7. Beliefs of the Nation of Islam Believe sthat the prophet Muhammad lives through the founder of the Nation of Islam, Wallace Fard Stresses the superiority of African Americans over other races Like regular custom Muslim ways, Black Muslims are discouraged from smoking, drinking, and eating unhealthy
8. Malcolm X and the NoI After converting, Malcolm became of the organization’s top ministers, speaking to many African American’s and spreading the NOI’s ideology Encouraged Black’s to do what ever needed to gain rights even if it meant using violence Known for key phrase “by any means necessary” (in reference to gaining Black rights)
9. Drifting away from the NOI Malcolm made the pilgrimage to Mecca, the Islamic holy city in 1964 This trip changed his life, and his view on Islam began changing Started accepting all races and lost certain aspects of black supremacy Returned to America and withdrew membership from the Nation of Islam
10. Death of Malcolm X Upset with his choice, many Black Muslims were outraged Later assassinated in 1965 by three Black Muslims at the Autobahn Ballroom in New York City
11. Impact of Malcolm X and NoI Despite Malcolm’s final differing views on the Nation of Islam, his ministry undoubtedly influenced many African American’s during a racially-significant time in American history Recognized today as a former key civil rights activist; he even has a street named after him in New York City
