# Malcolm X

> American Black rights activist (1925–1965)

**Wikidata**: [Q43303](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q43303)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malcolm_X)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/malcolm-x

## Summary
Malcolm X was an American Black rights activist (1925–1965) who became a prominent leader in the civil rights movement, advocating for racial equality and self-determination through Islam. He is best known for his transformative speeches, autobiography *The Autobiography of Malcolm X*, and his role in organizing the Nation of Islam, which later became the Organization of Afro-American Unity.

## Biography
- Born: May 19, 1925, Omaha, Nebraska, United States
- Nationality: United States
- Education: Attended Lincoln High School and later studied at Lincoln University
- Known for: Leading the Nation of Islam and advocating for Black empowerment through Islam
- Employer(s): Nation of Islam (founded by Elijah Muhammad), later the Organization of Afro-American Unity
- Field(s): Civil rights, political activism, human rights

## Contributions
- **The Autobiography of Malcolm X** (1965): Published posthumously, this memoir documented his life, conversion to Islam, and activism, becoming a foundational text in Black liberation literature.
- **Nation of Islam Leadership**: As a minister and spokesperson, Malcolm X expanded the Nation of Islam’s influence, challenging racial segregation and advocating for Black self-defense.
- **Organization of Afro-American Unity**: Founded in 1964, this group promoted Black nationalism and self-determination, influencing later civil rights movements.

## FAQs
**What was Malcolm X’s primary role in the civil rights movement?**
Malcolm X was a key leader of the Nation of Islam, advocating for Black empowerment through Islam and challenging racial segregation. His speeches and writings inspired many in the civil rights movement.

**Where did Malcolm X work?**
He worked for the Nation of Islam, first as a minister and later as a leader, before founding the Organization of Afro-American Unity in 1964.

**What is Malcolm X best known for?**
He is best known for his autobiography *The Autobiography of Malcolm X* and his role in organizing the Nation of Islam, which later became the Organization of Afro-American Unity.

**What was Malcolm X’s educational background?**
He attended Lincoln High School and later studied at Lincoln University, though his formal education was limited compared to his activism.

## Why They Matter
Malcolm X’s work reshaped the civil rights movement by emphasizing Black self-determination and Islam as a path to empowerment. His speeches and writings influenced generations of activists, and his leadership in the Nation of Islam and later the Organization of Afro-American Unity helped mobilize Black communities. His legacy continues to inspire movements for racial justice and self-reliance.

## Notable For
- Founder of the Organization of Afro-American Unity (1964)
- Author of *The Autobiography of Malcolm X* (1965)
- Leader of the Nation of Islam, expanding its influence in the civil rights movement
- Advocate for Black empowerment through Islam and self-defense

## Body
### Early Life
Malcolm X was born Malcolm Little on May 19, 1925, in Omaha, Nebraska. He grew up in a working-class Black family and faced racial discrimination early in life. After dropping out of high school, he joined the U.S. Army in 1942, where he was exposed to segregation and racism, which deepened his activism.

### Activism and Conversion to Islam
In 1946, Malcolm X was imprisoned for robbery and assault. While in prison, he met Elijah Muhammad, the leader of the Nation of Islam, and converted to Islam, adopting the name Malcolm X. He became a minister and spokesperson for the Nation of Islam, delivering powerful speeches that challenged racial segregation and advocated for Black self-defense.

### Leadership and Influence
Malcolm X rose to prominence as a leader of the Nation of Islam, expanding its influence and attracting followers. His speeches, such as "The Ballot or the Bullet," emphasized the importance of political power and self-defense. He also traveled internationally, speaking to audiences about Black empowerment and Islam.

### Later Life and Legacy
In 1964, Malcolm X founded the Organization of Afro-American Unity, which promoted Black nationalism and self-determination. He was assassinated on February 21, 1965, in New York City, but his legacy continued to inspire movements for racial justice and self-reliance. His autobiography, *The Autobiography of Malcolm X*, was published posthumously and became a foundational text in Black liberation literature.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
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