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Malcolm X is a Black History Icon.
Known as one of the greatest civil rights activists of all time, Malcolm X was a champion of Black empowerment, Black nationalism, and racial justice.
What lessons can we learn from his life and legacy?
Did you know?
Speak Out Against Injustice
"By Any Means Necessary..."
As a Muslim minister and spokesperson for the Nation of Islam (NOI), he gave passionate speeches advocating for Black nationalism.
Photo by Unseen Histories on UnsplashRacial segregation in the U.S. and the rise of racist groups like the Ku Klux Klan in the early 20th century fueled violence against Black communities. Therefore, he argued that Black people should defend themselves against white supremacist violence "by any means necessary."
However, he was never antagonistic towards White people . Instead, he was acting in response to the violence and harm being perpetrated against Black people.
While his beliefs were controversial, they gave a necessary voice to Black Americans who felt frustrated with the civil rights movement's strategy of non-violence .
Quiz
Malcolm X advocated for Black empowerment through which of the following means?
Malcolm X was a strong proponent of black nationalism, which espoused the belief in black independence and uplifting the black community (Harris 2013). He was critical of the civil rights movement's fight against racial segregation, arguing that separatism would better benefit Black Americans. Moreover, he rejected the movement's strategy of nonviolence, arguing that Black Americans should engage in self-defense from white supremacist violence per their right via the Second Amendment (Lomax 1963). These philosophies and teachings are not the same as Black supremacy, which is the belief that black people are superior to other races of people (BlackFacts 2022).
Evolution Is A Necessary Part Of Life
His commitment to learning and growing was inspirational.
Despite his tragic childhood and incarceration, his commitment to self-improvement and education was key to his evolution from petty criminal to world class orator, scholar, and activist.
In 1964, he left the Nation Of Islam due to tensions with leader Elijah Muhammad and questioning of its teachings, igniting another transformation.
Always keep an open mind, which is necessary to the flexibility that must go hand in hand with every form of intelligent search of truth.
Soon after, he converted to the Sunni faith, went on a pilgrimage to Mecca, and changed his name to Malik el-Shabazz.
Photo by ibrahim uz on UnsplashWhile on his travels, he was inspired by the camaraderie of all races of worshippers. As a result, he embraced a more inclusive vision of civil rights for Black Americans.
Did you know?
Be True To Who You Are
Malcolm's teachings are rooted in self-esteem.
Even though he was criticized in the media, people were drawn by his intelligence, charisma, and most importantly, his bluntness about the insidious nature of anti-Blackness, White supremacy, and racism.
He boosted the self-esteem of Black Americans due to his advocacy for black empowerment and self-determination.
Malcolm's courage and bravery to stand for what he believed in, regardless of public opinion, inspired a generation to speak out against injustice.
During the late 1980s, Many Hip-hop groups adopted Malcolm X as an icon. Most notably, Public Enemy sampled his "Message to the Grassroots" speech in their 1987 song "Bring the Noise".
Take Action
Preserving Malcolm X's legacy
Malcolm X's philosophy remains relevant today. You can honor his advocacy and teachings by doing the following:
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This Byte has been authored by
Emily Larin
Career Development Instructor