Malcolm X (born Malcolm Little May 19, 1925 –
February 21, 1965 – also known as: Detroit Red, El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz, and Omowale) was an American spokesman for the Nation of Islam. Malcolm X was the founder of the Muslim Mosque, Inc. and the Organization of Afro-American Unity.
One of the most prominent black nationalist leaders born in the United States. As a militant leader, Malcolm X advocated
black pride, economic self-reliance, and identity politics. He ultimately rose to become a world renowned Pan-Africanist and human rights activist. Malcolm X was assassinated in New York City on February 21, 1965 on the first day of National Brotherhood Week.
"To take one's 'X' is to take on a certain mystery, a certain possibility of power in the eyes of one's peers and one's enemies ... The 'X'; announced what you had been and what you had become:
Ex-smoker, Ex-drinker,
Ex-Christian, Ex-slave." -
Malcom X