Malcolm X was born in Omaha, Nebraska. By the time
he was thirteen, his father had died and his mother
had been committed to a mental hospital. His
childhood, including his father's lessons concerning
black pride and self-reliance and his own
experiences concerning race, played a significant
role in Malcolm X's adult life. After living in a
series of foster homes, Malcolm X became involved in
hustling and other criminal activities in Boston and
New York. In 1946, Malcolm X was sentenced to eight
to ten years in prison.
While in prison, Malcolm X became a
member of the Nation of Islam. After
his parole in 1952, he became one of
the Nation's leaders and chief
spokesmen. For nearly a dozen years,
he was the public face of the Nation
of Islam. Tension between Malcolm X
and Elijah Muhammad, head of the
Nation of Islam, led to Malcolm X's
departure from the organization in
March 1964.After leaving the Nation
of Islam, Malcolm X became a Sunni
Muslim and made a pilgrimage to
Mecca, after which he disavowed
racism. He traveled extensively
throughout Africa and the Middle
East. He founded Muslim Mosque,
Inc., a religious organization, and
the secular, black nationalist
Organization of Afro-American Unity.
Less than a year after he left the
Nation of Islam, Malcolm X was
assassinated while giving a speech
in New York.