Malcolm x mini biography harriette scott

Malcolm X — was an influential African-American leader of the s. Initially, he was a member of the Nation of Islam, which advocated the separation of black and white Americans.

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Malcolm X advocated Pan-Africanism and black self-determination. Unlike the mainstream civil rights movement, Malcolm X rejected the philosophy of non-violence and defended the judicial use of self-defence. He was assassinated on February 21, Malcolm Little was born in Omaha, Nebraska, May 19, His father was a Baptist preacher and staunch supporter of Marcus Garvey — a radical exponent of black rights.

As a youngster, he was shocked when he told his teacher he wished to become a lawyer. His teacher discouraged him. Malcolm said that after that sobering experience his attitude to the white establishment soured. He was often on the run from the police, and at age 21 he was arrested and sentenced to 10 years in Charlestown State Prison. However, during his time in prison, he became increasingly receptive to the message of Islam brought to him by his brother Reginald.

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On release from prison, he became closely involved with the Nation of Islam under Elijah Muhammad. The Nation of Islam became an important faction in the civil rights movement. They were more militant than the non-violent civil rights movement and were often criticised for being unpatriotic.