Malcolm X

Malcolm X was born on May 19, 1925 in Omaha, Nebraska. His given name was Malcolm Little. Malcolm X gained his early civil right activism from his father, a Baptist minister as well as a follower of Black Nationalist leader Marcus Garvey. Malcom X dreamed of becoming a lawyer, but his favorite teacher stated being a lawyer was not a realistic goal for a black man. He dropped out of school, moved to Harlem where he was connected with gambling rings, prostitution and narcotics. Malcolm was arrested and served seven years of a ten year prison sentence. During his prison days his brother Reginald introduced him to the Muslim religion and the radical Nation of Islam group. Malcolm was influenced by the NOI's aim to fight for a state of their own separate form white people. AT the time of his parole in 1952 Malcolm dropped "Little" from his name and added the X.
With his natural leadership abilities Malcolm was soon appointed a minister and spokesman for the NOI. He established new mosques in Detroit and Harlem. Malcolm used newspaper columns, radio and television to communicate the NOI's message. He is credited for increasing the members in the NOI from 500 to 30,000 in 1963.
At the height of the civil rights movement and NOI's influence, Malcolm found that the found Elijah Muhammad violated the teachings and code of the NOI. In 1964 Malcolm broke away from the NOI. After a trip to Mecca Saudi Arabia Malcolm met with people from all cultures. He began his preaching to all men to integrate and become one. Malcolm made enemies in the NOI with his new ideas and he was marked for assassination. February 21, 1965 three gunmen rushed Malcolm as he was speaking in Manhattan's Audubon Ballroom. He was shot 15 times and died from his wounds. He dreams and words have been repeated in Malcolm X (the movie).