120 likes | 340 Views
Malcolm X. “Be peaceful, be courteous, obey the law, respect everyone; but if someone puts his hand on you, send him to the cemetery .” “I don't call it violence when it's in self defense; I call it intelligence. “. Early Life. Born May 19 th 1925 in Omaha
E N D
Malcolm X “Be peaceful, be courteous, obey the law, respect everyone; but if someone puts his hand on you, send him to the cemetery.” “I don't call it violence when it's in self defense; I call it intelligence. “
Early Life • Born May 19th 1925 in Omaha • His given name was Malcolm Little • Raised in large family that was closely connected with the black pride movement • Father was an outspoken baptist • Three of his uncles died at the hands of angry mobs
Fathers Murder • In 1931, Malcolm’s father was found dead • The body was found severed in half on the train tracks • Despite contrary evidence, the local police called the death a suicide
Detroit Red • After dropping out of school, he worked in Boston before moving to Harlem • By 18 he was a ruthless criminal and drug addict • His reddish hair earned him the nickname “Detroit Red” • In 1946 Malcolm and his friend Malcolm were arrested and convicted of 14 burglary charges
Satan • When in prison, Malcolm began to focus his immense anger on God and Christianity • He would often walk around his cell loudly cursing God, causing his cellmate to call him Satan • He began to self educate, reading the works of Muhammad as well as attempting to memorize the entire dictionary
Becoming X • After spending seven years in prison reading and debating, Malcolm was released on parole • He changed his last name to X and began to actively spread the teachings of Islam • He joined the Nation of Islam in 1952 and quickly became close with Elijah Muhammad
The Rise of the Nation of Islam • Malcolm’s passion for the Nation of Islam caused him to become an official minister • His fiery rhetoric put both him and the Nation into the national spotlight • In 1959, the NOI created a documentary called “The Hate that Hate Produced” which furthered the fame of Malcolm and the NOI
Clash with Muhammad • Malcolm’s popularity soon surpassed his mentors • Despite his growing fame, Malcolm continued to pay homage to Muhammad • “Anyone who has ever listened to me will have to agree that I believed in The Honorable Elijah Muhammad and represented him one hundred per cent. I never tried to take any credit for myself.“ • In 1963, Muhammad confided to Malcolm that he had committed adultery • After controversial comments, Muhammad ordered Malcolm to undergo a 90 day speaking ban,
El Hajj Malik El Shabazz • On March 12th 1964, Malcolm left the NOI to form his own organization • He took a Haji to Mecca which cemented his faith in Islam • He returned May 12th as El Hajj Malik El Shabazz • The Haji transformed his negative view of white people
Assassination • As relations with the NOI worsened, Malcolm received numerous death threats • On February 14th 1965, his families house in New York was firebombed • Just one week later, Malcolm was ambushed by three gunmen while giving a speech and shot 15 times at point blank range • On February 27th, his funeral was attended by 1,600 people
Sources • http://www.colostate.edu/Orgs/MSA/find_more/m_x.html • http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Malcolm_X