Malcolm X was a prominent civil rights leader who initially followed the black supremacist ideology of the Nation of Islam (NOI). He rose to become one of the NOI's top ministers, encouraging African Americans to use any means necessary to gain rights. However, after making a pilgrimage to Mecca, Malcolm began accepting all races and withdrew from the NOI. Upset by this change, he was assassinated by three Black Muslims in 1965. Despite their differing views later on, Malcolm's involvement with the NOI undoubtedly influenced many African Americans during the civil rights movement.

1. By Candice KerestanMalcolm X and the Nation of Islam

2. Who Was Malcolm X?Born Malcolm Little (El-Hajj MalikEl-Shabazz) on May, 25 1925Many 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, MICivil rights leader that promoted black supremacy

3. Malcolm X’s ChildhoodMalcolm’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 fatherMalcolm and his eight siblings were then placed in foster care for the remainder of their youth

4. Malcolm X’s YouthAfter 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 NoIWhile 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 IslamBelieve sthat the prophet Muhammad lives through the founder of the Nation of Islam, Wallace FardStresses the superiority of African Americans over other racesLike regular custom Muslim ways, Black Muslims are discouraged from smoking, drinking, and eating unhealthy

8. Malcolm X and the NoIAfter 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 violenceKnown for key phrase “by any means necessary” (in reference to gaining Black rights)

9. Drifting away from the NOIMalcolm made the pilgrimage to Mecca, the Islamic holy city in 1964This 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 XUpset 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 NoIDespite 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 historyRecognized today as a former key civil rights activist; he even has a street named after him in New York City

12. References A Brief History on the origin of The Nation of Islam in America A Nation of Peace & Beauty. (2010, April 25). The Nation of Islam. Retrieved from http://www.noi.org/history_of_noi.htm Biography. (2010). Malcolm X. Retrieved from http://www.malcolmx.com/about/bio.htmlBoyer, P., & Stuckey, S. (2005). American Nation in the Modern Era. Austin: Holt, Rinehart, and Winston . (Original work published 2000)