People Archives

Malcolm X in Prison: How He Went From Burglar to Believer

Why was Malcolm X in prison? How did his life change dramatically when he was incarcerated? Malcolm X’s childhood was steeped in adversity, and it didn’t take long for him to turn to crime. When he was just 20 years old, he was sent to prison after being convicted on burglary charges in Boston. Six years later, he emerged a different man than he was when he went in. Keep reading to learn about Malcolm X in prison, as presented in his autobiography.

Why Did Malcolm X Change His Name—Twice?

Why did Malcolm X change his name? What do his name changes tell us about his life? You might know him only as Malcolm X. But, that wasn’t his original name, nor was it his name at the time of his death. The fact is that Malcolm X changed his name twice in his lifetime, and the reasons reflect his evolving beliefs and experiences. Read more to learn why Malcolm X changed his name, as presented in his autobiography.

Malcolm X and the Nation of Islam: The Rise & Fall of an Alliance

What’s the Nation of Islam? Why did Malcolm X join it, and how did it impact his life? When he was in prison, Malcolm X embraced the Nation of Islam. It changed his life for the better in many ways, culminating in the beginning of his civil rights career. But, the partnership didn’t last, and Malcolm X eventually went his own way. Continue reading to learn the history of Malcolm X and the Nation of Islam.

How Malcolm X and Elijah Muhammad Became Enemies

How did Malcolm X and Elijah Muhammad become allies? Why did they later become enemies? What changed? Malcolm X joined the Nation of Islam when he was in prison in his early 20s. Elijah Muhammad was the leader of the movement at the time, having succeeded founder W. D. Fard. What began as an alliance between Malcolm X and Muhammad eventually turned into a bitter division between these two leaders. Read more to learn about the relationship between Malcolm X and Elijah Muhammad.

Malcolm X: Mecca Opened His Eyes to Racial Harmony

Why did Malcolm X go to Mecca? What did he learn during his time in the Middle East? Why did he change his name a second time? In his autobiography, Malcolm X explains that he’d heard criticism that the Nation of Islam wasn’t truly Islamic. And, because he was still a firm believer in Islam, he decided he needed to learn more about the religion. What he found put him on a new path both religiously and politically. Keep reading to learn about Malcolm X’s Mecca experience.

Malcolm X’s Political Beliefs: His Radical Approach to Civil Rights

What were Malcolm X’s political beliefs? How did his approach differ from that of Martin Luther King, Jr., and other civil rights leaders? Malcolm X was critical of the American civil rights movement and its more moderate leaders. Coming from his perspective of the Nation of Islam (and later Islam), he advocated a different approach through strategies of separatism, self-defense, & pan-Africanism. Continue reading to learn about Malcolm X’s political beliefs in the context of civil rights and Black liberation.

How Police Brutality Spurred Malcolm X’s Activism Into Action

How did Malcolm X become a civil rights activist? Who was Johnson Hinton, and what did he have to do with it? In 1957, New York City police officers severely beat up a Black Muslim man named Johnson Hinton. That incident eventually pushed the Nation of Islam—and Malcolm X—into the spotlight of America’s civil rights movement. Read more to learn about the launch of Malcolm X’s activism.

The Autobiography of Malcolm X Quotes (+ Context)

What was Malcolm X’s childhood like? What was his first experience with racial equality? Malcolm X was a controversial figure. His views were often considered extreme, and they changed radically throughout his life. His autobiography provides a glimpse into his life as well as the history of the troubled and complicated world he inhabited. Continue reading for a few The Autobiography of Malcolm X quotes that will introduce you to the book’s ideas.

The Tragic and Complicated Death and Legacy of Malcolm X

Who assassinated Malcolm X and why? What difference did Malcolm X make in his lifetime? On February 21, 1965, Malcolm X was shot dead in New York City. We’ll explore his death and legacy as discussed by Alex Haley in The Autobiography of Malcolm X, which was published later that year. We’ll also take a look at updates in the decades since Malcolm X’s tragic death. Keep reading to learn about the death and legacy of Malcolm X.

Malcolm X’s Organization of Afro-American Unity (OAAU)

Why did Malcolm X establish the Organization of Afro-American Unity? What were its goals? In 1964, Malcolm X broke ties with the Nation of Islam. He also traveled and spoke in Africa and returned to the United States with a renewed vision. A major part of his new strategy entailed the creation of the Organization of Afro-American Unity. Keep reading to learn about Malcolm X’s Organization of Afro-American Unity.