Person · 1925–1965
Malcolm X
The fiery minister and orator who gave voice to Black pride, self-defense, and self-determination — a counterpoint and complement to King.
A founding voice of [[black-power]].
Born Malcolm Little, he rose to national prominence as the most electrifying spokesman for the Nation of Islam, preaching Black self-reliance and self-defense "by any means necessary." After breaking with the NOI and making the pilgrimage to Mecca, he moved toward a more internationalist vision of human rights.
His autobiography (with Alex Haley) became one of the most influential American books of the century. He was assassinated in 1965, and his ideas helped ignite the Black Power movement that followed.
On the timeline
Resources
Books·3
One of the most influential memoirs of the 20th century.
The foundational first-person account of Malcolm X's life.
Pulitzer-winning modern biography that deepens the autobiography's record.
Videos·1
The web
Connections to other moments, systems, and investigations — the links rarely drawn together.
- inspired (incoming)·PersonMarcus Garvey
Garvey's Black nationalism shaped Malcolm X — whose father was a Garveyite organizer.