Malcolm Little was born on May 19, 1925, to Louise and Earl Little. His father, Earl, was a Baptist minister and follower of Marcus Garvey, a Black Nationalist leader. Because of Earl’s strong support of civil rights, the Black Legion, a sect of the Ku Klux Klan, often threatened Earl and his family. The threats were later realized when their house was burned down. Two years following that suspicious incident, Earl was found dead near train tracks. The Black Legion was suspected for both acts. Malcolm’s mother, Louise, never fully recovered from the emotional trauma and was later put in a mental institution.
In his early years, Malcolm was an ambitious, devoted student who aspired to be a lawyer. However, when a teacher told him that an African American was foolish to dream of such a profession, Malcolm gave up on his schooling and dropped out. Shortly after, he moved to Harlem, New York. In Harlem, he became involved with drugs and other crime, and was eventually sentenced to ten years in prison. While in prison, he regained his desire for education and was often studying. In addition, when Malcolm’s brother informed him of the Nation of Islam, (NOI) and his recent conversion to it, Malcolm became intrigued. He began to examine this religion and became greatly attracted to it and its leader, Elijah Muhammad. Nation of Islam proclaimed that white society was devoted to denying blacks their rights. The NOI attempted to establish their own state separate from whites. With his conversion, Malcolm changed his last name to “X”, because he believed “Little” to be his slave name.
Malcolm was quickly recognized as a natural leader and worked his way up in the NOI, becoming a speaker and minister. His successful work for the group earned him attention from the media, and he eventually became more popular than even Elijah Muhammad. Despite his immense loyalty to the organization, Malcolm and Elijah disagreed on certain issues and tension between the two leaders grew. Then, in 1963, it was revealed that Elijah Muhammad had been sexually involved with six women who were part of the NOI. Malcolm was devastated. This betrayal later led Malcolm to leave the NOI, feeling that he could not support a religion that had deceived him and others. He founded his own organization, the Muslim Mosque, Inc. His organization involved itself in politics and worked with civil rights leaders.
After a pilgrimage to Mecca, Malcolm returned to the U.S. with invigorated faith. He now preached to all people, instead of just African Americans. Malcolm’s success after leaving the NOI was not overlooked. Relations between the two groups were deteriorating and FBI officials discovered that the NOI was attempting to assassinate Malcolm. He began traveling with body guards for protection. However, in 1965, his New York home was firebombed. Fortunately, no one was injured. Then, one week later, he was killed at the Audubon Ballroom in Manhattan. The assassins were identified as members of the Nation of Islam.
Malcolm X displayed staunch faith during his lifetime. While early in his life he made poor choices that led him to crime, his conversion to the Nation of Islam began his life of faith. He was devoted to his religion and did everything he could to further the goals in which he believed. In fighting for his goals he was also fighting for African Americans, whom he believed deserved more rights. Malcolm further reveals his faith with his leaving the church. Instead of continuing to follow Elijah Muhammad, a man he believed to be corrupt, Malcolm dissociated himself with the organization and started another. Despite increasing danger, Malcolm continued to preach and remain faithful to his organization and people. It was Malcolm’s unwavering faith that led to his death.
Sources:
Kelly, Robin. "Malcolm X." Date Accessed: 10/30/07.
Trinklein, Rhaya. "The Official Website of Malcolm X." Date Accessed: 10/29/07.
Spartacus Educational. Date Accessed: 10/30/07.