People Archives

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.

American Prometheus: A Book About J. Robert Oppenheimer

Why did J. Robert Oppenheimer participate in the development of the atomic bomb? What did he do after the war? Did his attitude about the Manhattan Project ever change? American Prometheus, a book by writers Kai Bird and Martin Sherwin, provides a comprehensive look at scientist J. Robert Oppenheimer. A historical figure best known for developing the atomic bomb that wrought destruction on Japan in World War II, his broader and deeper story is told in this biography. Continue reading for our American Prometheus book overview.

J. Robert Oppenheimer’s Mental Health Struggles in Early Life

How did J. Robert Oppenheimer struggle with mental health? Was he ever diagnosed with specific conditions? In American Prometheus, biographers Kai Bird and Martin Sherwin provide an in-depth look into the life of the man best known for his work on developing the atomic bomb. The authors discuss how J. Robert Oppenheimer’s adolescent years were marked by emotional instability. Read more to learn about Oppenheimer’s mental health struggles in his youth.

33 Brené Brown Vulnerability Quotes (+ Context)

How important is vulnerability? Why is it vital for healthy relationships, effective leadership, and a fulfilled life? Brené Brown studies, promotes, and lives vulnerability. In her bestselling books, if vulnerability isn’t the main theme, it still features prominently. We’ve put together a collection of quotes from her books that will help you know why it’s a quality worth understanding and practicing. Continue reading for 33 Brené Brown vulnerability quotes that will give you a glimpse into her insights.

Before the Manhattan Project: J. Robert Oppenheimer’s Early Life

Why did J. Robert Oppenheimer almost get kicked out of Cambridge? Was he a communist? How did the attack on Pearl Harbor change his focus and, ultimately, his life? Biographers Kai Bird and Martin Sherwin aren’t content to talk only about J. Robert Oppenheimer’s work on the Manhattan Project. They also discuss his struggles with mental illness in his youth, his education and career launch, and his political activism that led to allegations of Communist Party membership. Keep reading to learn about Oppenheimer’s early life, including the preface to his involvement in the development of the atom bomb.