Malcolm X: A Journey of Transformation

Background

• Born as Malcolm Little on May 19, 1925, in Omaha, Nebraska.
• His father was a Baptist preacher and supporter of Marcus Garvey.
• Family was terrorized by white supremacist groups, leading to his father's mysterious death.

Education and Early Life

• Brilliant student but discouraged and demeaned by white teachers.
• Dropped out of school at age 15.
• Turned to crime for survival, leading to his arrest for burglary at age 21.

Prison and Transformation

• Sentence: 8-10 years, served in 1946.
• Influence of fellow prisoner John Bembry led to his love for reading.
• Adopted Nation of Islam's teachings, led by Elijah Muhammad.
• Changed his surname to X to symbolize his lost African identity.

Rise in the Nation of Islam

• Released on parole in 1952.
• Worked to expand the Nation of Islam's membership.
• Married Betty Shabazz in 1958 and had six children.
• Organized a significant demonstration in 1957 to protect Hinton Johnson from police violence.

Views and Influence

• Promoted black nationalism and self-determination.
• Did not rule out violence to combat white oppression.
• His ideas attracted FBI attention but also momentum in the Civil Rights movement.

Disillusionment and New Phases

• Disillusioned with Nation of Islam due to Elijah Muhammad's affairs.
• Publicly cut ties with the Nation in 1963.
• Travelled to Mecca and Cairo, deepened his faith and hope for peaceful resolution.

Challenges and Death

• Faced death threats, particularly from Nation of Islam followers.
• Collaborated with Alex Haley on his autobiography.
• Assassinated on February 21, 1965, by three Nation of Islam members.

Legacy

• Words and spirit continue to illuminate issues of inequality.
• Remains one of the most influential figures in American history.