Malcolm X, born Malcolm Little on May 19, 1925, in Omaha, Nebraska, was a powerful figure in the American civil rights movement. His life was marked by struggle; he witnessed his father’s death at the hands of white supremacists and his mother’s institutionalization. After a stint in prison, he converted to Islam and joined the Nation of Islam, becoming a prominent spokesperson. Malcolm X advocated for Black empowerment, racial pride, and self-defence, often challenging the nonviolent approach of Dr Martin Luther King Jr.
In 1964, after a pilgrimage to Mecca, Malcolm X had a change of heart. He left the Nation of Islam and began preaching a message of unity across racial lines. Tragically, on February 21, 1965, he was assassinated in New York City. Though his life was cut short, Malcolm X’s powerful voice and unwavering commitment to justice continue to inspire generations in the fight for racial equality.