Malcolm X was one of most influential faces in the history of Black Movements in USA. Unlike many leaders, most inspired by Martin Luther King, Malcolm X decided to step aside from the peaceful speeches to a more confrontational way, being associated with the Black Panther Party.
But before his public image, he was just a boy related to robbery and drug selling. In 1946 was imprisoned, and during the years in jail, he spent his time studying. He soon converted to the Nation of Islam, or Black Muslims.
Once X was freed, Elijah Muhammad, leader of the Nation of Islam, was impressed by Malcolm's abilities and named him second-in-command. X saw Muhammad as a paternal and spiritual figure, but shortly after he figured out that the private life. Malcolm felt betrayed when he learnt that Muhammad had fathered six children with different women. He left the Nation of Islam and their relationship deteriorated further.
Malcolm X in Saudi Arabia |
Compulsory for all muslims, he flew to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in order to make the pilgrimage to Mecca, regarded as the holiest city of Islam. There he felt thrilled with the fact that people from all races were equal when they praised Allah. He changed his name to El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz, converted to the Sunni Islam, and returned to the US as a more moderate man.
But when he returned to the US, Malcolm received numerous death threats from the Nation of Islam, being February 21st, 1965, his last day. He was about to deliver a lecture at the Audubon Ballroom in Harlem, when followers of Elijah Muhammad shot dead Malcolm with pistols and gunshots.
Extract of the movie "Malcolm X"
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