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17. Changing Society
Malcolm X was a philosopher, a inspiring speaker. He was more radical than others, such as Martin Luther King Jr., but he still worked for gaining rights for African-Americans. Malcolm believed actions spoke louder than words. He was also the voice for the Nation of Islam and spoke for Muslims rights. Malcolm X was considered as one of the largest helpers in getting independence and equality for blacks and Muslims in America. -
1. Birthday
Malcolm X (born Malcolm Little) was born on May 14, 1925 in Omaha, Nebraska. -
2. Parents
Malcolm's father Earl little was a baptist minister and supporter of Marcus Garvey. His mother Louise Little was a activist who was whose birth father was a white man who had raped her mother. -
3. Interesting Fact
When Malcolm was six his father was murdered by a white supremacist group. His mother had a nervous breakdown and was sent to Kalamazoo State Mental Hospital. He was sent to foster care. -
4. Education
Malcolm excelled in school, but got in trouble and was kicked out of school and sent to a juvenile detention home in Mason, Michigan. After one of his eighth-grade teachers told him that he should become a carpenter instead of a lawyer he dropped out. -
5. Interesting Fact
Malcolm X and Redd Foxx were close friends before they both became famous. They sold weed, robbed people and businesses, and chased white women. -
6. Obstacle
20-year-old Malcolm Little entered the state prison in Charlestown to begin serving a sentence for burglary. While in jail, he joined the Black Muslims branch of Islam. -
7. Interesting Fact
The Black Panther Party was established in the 1950s and adopted Malcolm X's radical views to become popular. -
8. Marriage and Kids
Malcolm got married to Betty Sanders in 1958. The couple had six daughters, Gamilah Lumumba, Qubilah, Attallah, Ilyasah, Malaak and Malikah. -
9. Lifetime Achievement
Malcolm X contributed to increasing the Muslim population in America from 500 to over 30,000. -
10. Interesting Fact
One June 10, 1962 Malcolm X met Cassius Clay and they became friends. Clay risked his boxing career by being friends with Malcolm, and would later convert to the Nation of Islam and change his name to Muhammad Ali. -
11. Lifetime Achievement
In 1963 the New York Times reported that Malcolm X was the second most sought after speaker in the United States. -
12. Interesting Fact
The FBI was tracking Malcolm X and recording his phone conversations including death threats made against him. -
13. Unity Rally
On June 29, 1963 Malcolm lead the Unity Rally in Harlem. It was one of the largest civil rights events in America. -
14. Obstacle: Leaving Islam
Malcolm's felt betrayed by Elijah Muhammad and left the Nation of Islam in 1964. They ordered him to give back his house and car, because the Nation of Islam paid for it. -
15. Interesting Fact
Malcolm X told Ebony magazine that the Black Muslim leaders have "got to kill me. They can’t afford to let me live. . . I know where the bodies are buried and if they press me, I’ll exhume some." -
16. Assasination
On February 21, 1965, Malcolm X took the stage for a speech at the Audubon Ballroom in Manhattan. He had just begun addressing the room when men rushed the stage and began shooting at him. Malcolm X was declared dead soon after arriving at the hospital.
