Today makes 51 years since Malcolm X, later known as El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz, was assassinated while delivering a speech at the Audubon Ballroom. Though he is typically referred to in history as a more radical and vocal version of MLK Jr., Malcolm X, killed at only 39, had his own agenda and contributed vastly to the fight for freedom. Here’s 5 forgotten facts about one of the greatest activists in American history:
1. Malcolm X was raised by activist parents. Malcolm’s mother, from Grenada, spoke multiple languages and served as the national recording secretary for Marcus Garvey’s United Negro Improvement Association. His father was a minister as well as an organizer for Garvey’s organization. Malcolm’s family was consistently threatened by white supremacy groups and Earl Little, Malcolm’s father, was assassinated the same night he had been petitioning in KKK territory.
2. Malcolm X served time in prison before his rise to political action. After Malcolm’s father died and his mother was put into a mental institution, Malcolm did what most youth did in times of strife and got into trouble. He got involved with drug dealing and burglary and was arrested. He spent six and a half years in prison which is where he got acquainted with learning his history and more about Islam.
3. Malcolm X’s influence brought the Nation of Islam into mainstream popularity. Malcolm X launched a Nation of Islam newspaper and gave speeches at universities around the country promoting his findings. The membership of the Nation of Islam grew from a few hundred to close to 75,000 because of his efforts. It’s also debated that Cassius Clay (Muhammad Ali) joined because of his agreement with Malcolm’s ideals.
4. Malcolm strongly opposed integration. At the time of Malcolm’s rise to fame, integration was a key topic and goal for many activists. Malcolm thought this mindset was that of “Uncle Toms.” He even negotiated secretly with the KKK in efforts to fully separate the races. His approach would change after his pilgrimage to Mecca in 1964.
5. Malcolm X’s break from the Nation of Islam was multi-faceted. Malcolm X disapproved of Muhammad having multiple illegitimate children in violation of the Nation’s teachings. Malcolm X also reportedly disapproved of the way monetary funds were allocated and spent in the Nation and some say that he objected to rules for women in mosques. Historians have noted that he left the Nation of Islam in part to testimonies of sexual harassment against his once mentor Elijah Muhammad.
Source: History, http://www.history.com/news/7-things-you-may-not-know-about-malcolm-x
Shabazz Center, http://theshabazzcenter.net/page/malcolm_x.html
TSR Intern: Jalen Mosby @JalenMosby
