Malcolm X (1926-1965)

US black nationalist leader. After converting to Islam, he joined the Nation of Islam sect, became a persuasive speaker about white exploitation of black people, and gained a large popular following, especially among black youth. He opposed the civil-rights movement and, instead of integration and equality, advocated black separatism and self-dependence, using violent means if necessary for self-defence. His Autobiography of Malcolm X, written with Alex Haley, was published in 1965.

Malcolm Little was born in Omaha, Nebraska, but grew up in foster homes in Michigan, Massachusetts, and New York. In 1952 he officially changed his name to Malcolm X, the X representing his lost African ancestral surname. His Muslim name was el-Hajj Malik el-Shabazz. While serving a prison sentence for burglary 1946-53, he joined the Black Muslims sect, led by Elijah Muhammad, and converted to Islam. On his release he campaigned for black separatism, but in 1964 he modified his views and publicly broke with the Black Muslims; he founded the Islamic, socialist Organization of Afro-American Unity and preached racial solidarity. A year later he was assassinated while addressing a rally in Harlem, New York. Three Nation of Islam members were convicted of his murder.

The film Malcolm X, directed by Spike Lee, was released in 1992.