Malcolm X (1925–1965), born Malcolm Little, was a prominent Black American Muslim minister and human rights activist. His early life was marked by poverty and crime, but while serving a prison sentence, he became a member of the Nation of Islam (NOI) and adopted the name Malcolm X. He quickly rose through the ranks of the organization, becoming one of its most influential leaders.
Malcolm X advocated for Black self-determination, separatism, and armed self-defense in response to racial oppression. He challenged mainstream civil rights leaders and called for more militant action to achieve equality for Black Americans.
After leaving the Nation of Islam, Malcolm X embraced Sunni Islam and moderated his views on racial separatism. He continued to speak out against racism and inequality until his assassination in 1965. His autobiography, written by Alex Haley, remains a seminal work in Black American literature and continues to inspire generations of activists fighting for social justice and civil rights.
The Joy Trip Project celebrates the enduring legacy of Black American History. The Unhidden Minute is part of the Unhidden Podcast Project supported through a National Geographic Explorer Grant from the National Geographic Society, with the cooperation of the National Park Service. This series elevates the untold stories of Black American historical figures, events and cultural contributions.
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Malcolm X