"Nobody can give you freedom. Nobody can give you equality or justice or anything. If you're a man, you take it."
Malcolm X
Malcolm X was a black American activist who had a long-lasting impact on race relations in America. His speeches and political work helped bring to the world's attention the evil of racism in the United States.
He was born Malcolm Little in Omaha, Nebraska on May 19th, 1925 but later in life he rejected his surname because it represented his slavery past. He adopted ‘X’ to indicate his unknown ancestry. He was top of the class at junior high school and wanted to become a lawyer, but a teacher told him he was the wrong colour to study law and as a consequence he dropped out of high school.
He moved to New York in 1943 and slowly became involved in drug dealing, gambling, robbery and other crimes. In 1946, he was sent to gaol. He became a fervent reader and educated himself in many topics. He also converted to Islam and met leaders of the Nation of Islam and the Black Muslims. He left prison in 1952.
In 1954, Malcolm X became leader of a Nation of Islam temple in New York. He became well known for his political views and regularly appeared on TV and in newspapers. He became famous around the world. In 1964, Malcolm X made his pilgrimage to Mecca, where he realized all races were the same. Malcolm X was assassinated at the age of 39, while making a speech, in New York City on February 21st, 1965.