Malcolm X, a prominent civil rights activist and advocate for Black empowerment, challenged societal norms with his powerful speeches and played a crucial role in the fight against racial injustice.

Malcolm X | Biography, Nation of Islam, Assassination, & Facts | Britannica

Malcolm X was the provocative yet charismatic face of Black Nationalism and spokesman for the Nation of Islam before he was gunned down at an event in New York City on Feb. 21, 1965, after breaking with the group. In a new book, “The Afterlife of Malcolm X: An Outcast Turned Icon’s Enduring Impact on America” (2025), journalist Mark Whitaker ’79, explores how the controversial Civil ...

Malcolm X was born Malcolm Little on in Omaha, Nebraska. His mother was the National recording secretary for the Marcus Garvey Movement which commanded millions of followers in the 1920s and 30s. His father was a Baptist minister and chapter president of The Universal Negro Improvement Association who appealed to President Hoover that Marcus Garvey was wrongfully arrested. Earl ...

Key Points Malcolm X was a prominent African American leader and civil rights activist known for his advocacy for Black empowerment and human rights. He became a key figure in the Nation of Islam, promoting a message of self-determination and racial pride. Malcolm X's philosophy evolved over time, particularly after his pilgrimage to Mecca, where he embraced a more inclusive view of race and ...