Malcolm X

Malcolm Little, as he was originally named, was a profound Civil Rights activist, who was not opposed to resorting to violence in order to promote change. He believed that in order to enact change, people had to do fight "by any means necessary."  As a young child, his father was killed. He had always been a smart student, but when a teacher told him he could not achieve his dreams because of his race, Malcolm lost interest in school and dropped out. He went to Massachusetts and New York where he got caught up with narcotics, prostitution, and gambling. Malcolm and his friend were caught and charged for burglary. Malcolm was sent to prison for 10 years. While there, he became interested in the Muslim religion, and the teachings of the Nation of Islam's leader, Elijah Muhammad.  By the time he was out of prison, Malcolm became a follower and changed his last name to X, to represent the lost tribal name of his family.

Malcolm was appointed as minister and spokesman for the Nation of Islam. His personality had captured attention, and he brought in thousands of members within about a 10 year span. However, Malcolm was crushed to find that his leader, Elijah Muhammad, was secretly having relations with 6 other women, some of which resulted in children. Malcolm felt that the entire organization was built on too many lies, so in 1964, he terminated his relationship with the NOI. In the same year, he went to Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Upon returning, Malcolm now spoke for equality for all races. While at a speaking engagement in Manhattan, 3 gunman from the NOI assassinated Malcolm.

Malcolm X was a powerful Civil Rights leader; he not only spoke for African Americans, but for all races. His intelligence and vitality made him an excellent speaker and leader. Some of his most famous quotes are:

"By any means necessary."

"...Early in life, I had learned that if you want something, you had better make some noise."

"Human rights are something you were born with. Human rights are your God-given rights. Human rights are the rights that are recognized by all nations of this earth."

                  

 

http://www.malcolmx.com/about/bio3.html