Essays On Malcolm X

Malcolm X

There are many prominent Civil Rights Activists that can be thought of, but one of the most controversial was Malcolm X. His personality and beliefs differed from the majority and this greatly impacted his approach to establish equality of race. Past events, violence, his political philosophy, and Religion all were instrumental in his fight for Civil Rights.

Malcolm Little was born in 1925 to a homemaker and an outspoken Baptist minister in Omaha, Nebraska. Similar to other black youth, he felt the pain of segregation. Unlike others, both younger and older than he, Malcolm desperately desired a change. He was wise enough to realize that things were happening yet he knew more needed to happen. He was determined to do something but was unsure of how to put his plan into action. He had a difficult childhood and adolescence and eventually found himself on the wrong side of the law. He became a burglar and was convicted of armed robbery landing him in a prison cell. In a prison cell is where he began his transformation. Malcolm Little entered jail as a common thug and emerged as a significant force that would awaken the consciousness of many.

While imprisoned, Malcolm Little converted to the Black Muslim faith Nation of Islam and changed his name to Malcolm X. After his release in 1952 he met the Nation of Islam’s Leader, Elijah Muhammad. Muhammad sent Malcolm on speaking tours promoting the views of the nation. He spoke of violence for the protection of self. He became widely popular which caused him to be at odds with Muhammad. He was eventually suspended from the movement in 1964. In response to the suspension, Malcolm founded the Organization of Afro-American Unity and set out to make a pilgrimage to M...

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...d by Black Muslim assassins.

Malcolm’s methods were not great. His speeches were gritty and politically incorrect. He was controversial. He intended to change whites but his approach was ineffective. His campaigns came across as assaults resulting in some instances with police brutality. The violence led to those being imprisoned or killed. It is clear that Malcolm was haunted by his childhood. He was vengeful and full of anger. His approach and methods in trying to get equality for blacks can be viewed as questionable. Many would agree that he had a tremendous impact on the Civil Rights Movement. He gained a reputation mostly through negative publicity. Malcolm X symbolized black defiance and self respect (Norton 495). He was an influential force that will continue to be remembered as a controversial Civil Rights Activist.