Life of Malcolm X

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Malcolm X , was one of the most influential civil rights leaders of all time. The first thought that comes to most people’s mind when they hear the name Malcolm X is violence. To many, he is the exact opposite of MLK. In reality, Malcolm X was not violent, but he was much more aggressive than MLK, he was a passionate leader. As a child, Malcolm was influenced by his father. He was affected by white people at an early age when they burned his families house down and killed his father. Malcolm took a life of crime as a teenager, which would eventually lead him to serve time in prison. In prison is when Malcolm was taught Islam and about the teachings of Elijah Muhammad. Malcolm went on to study Islam and practice the teachings of Muhammad. When he was released from prison, he would later come in contact with Muhammad and join the NOI ( Autobiography of Malcolm X). Under the influence of Elijah Muhammad (leader of the Nation of Islam) Malcolm spent most of his activist life in the NOI, his ideas were unique and different from others leader. Also, after his trip to Mecca, people thought he was a different man, but he still fought hard to bring justice to his people.
Malcolm was introduced to the teachings of Elijah Muhammad and Islam when he was serving time in prison. He looked up to Elijah Muhammad mainly because his teachings changed his life from a criminal to an educated black muslim. In his own words, “The Honorable Elijah Muhammad found me here in America in the muck and mire, in the filthiest civilization on earth. He pulled me out and cleaned me up, and he stood me on my feet and made me the man I am” (Autobiography of Malcolm X). He was named minister by Elijah, he took over the Temple No.7 in Harlem, New York. Malcolm wou...

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...and Row, 1973). Malcolms movement with the NOI was effective, in gaining supporters. His ideas were realistic and it made people realize the importance on being independent. The pilgrimage to Mecca was more of a personal trip and didn’t affect his ideas much. Malcolm’s leadership was strong and he made an impact to many people lifes. He will always be remembered as a person with integrity. Today, many of Malcolm’s ideas have been forgotten, despite that, Malcolm was the greatest activist of his time.

Works Cited

Malcolm X. Malcolm X Talks to Young People. New York: Pathfinder, 1991.
From Malcolm X: A Search for Truth, Exhibit at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, The New York Public Library, May 19 - December 31, 2005.
X, Malcolm. "God's Judgement of White America (The Chickens Come Home to Roost)."Malcolm-X. Ed. Imam B. Karim. N.p., n.d. Web.

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