Malcolm X (1925–1965)

MALCOLM X is one of the most influential, important, and misunderstood civil rights leaders of all time. He became a prominent figure during the late 1950s and 1960s by preaching in northern American cities about the oppressive nature of institutional racism and the importance of black pride. He never received the acclaim of his peer, Martin Luther King, Jr., whose belief in nonviolence and civil disobedience were better received by white America, whereas Malcolm was accused of being a black militant who advocated violence, and thus instilled fear into the white masses. For African Americans in American cities, though, Malcolm became an icon whose message had more significance than King's movement.

Malcolm Little was born in Omaha, Nebraska, the son of Louise and Earl Little. His ...