Malcolm X, born Malcolm Little on May 19, 1925, was a prominent civil rights leader and advocate for Black empowerment in the United States. He rose to prominence as a key figure in the Nation of Islam, a religious and political organization that preached Black separatism and self-reliance.

Malcolm X articulated a message of Black pride, self-respect, and self-defense in the face of systemic racism and oppression. He famously advocated for Black Americans to reject white supremacy and to embrace their African heritage. Malcolm X's powerful oratory skills and uncompromising stance made him a polarizing figure during the civil rights movement of the 1960s.

In 1964, Malcolm X broke away from the Nation of Islam and converted to Sunni Islam after a pilgrimage to Mecca transformed his views on race and ethnicity. He began to promote a more inclusive message of unity among all races and cultures and continued to fight for civil rights until his assassination on February 21, 1965.

Malcolm X's legacy as a fearless and uncompromising advocate for Black liberation continues to inspire generations of activists and leaders in the ongoing struggle for racial justice. His autobiography, written with assistance from Alex Haley and published posthumously, remains a seminal work in Black literature and a powerful testament to his life and vision.