Malcolm X, born Malcolm Little in 1925, was a prominent figure in the civil rights and Black empowerment movements in the United States. He was a powerful orator and a vocal advocate for Black self-determination, unapologetic about his views on racial pride, self-defense, and liberation.

Malcolm X first gained recognition as a minister and spokesperson for the Nation of Islam, a Black nationalist and religious organization. He played a significant role in the growth of the Nation of Islam during the 1950s and '60s, advocating for Black empowerment, economic self-sufficiency, and the rejection of white oppression and colonialism.

In the early 1960s, Malcolm X became increasingly critical of the Nation of Islam and its leader, Elijah Muhammad, and eventually broke away from the organization. He underwent a personal transformation and embraced Sunni Islam, going on to establish the Organization of Afro-American Unity (OAAU) to promote Pan-Africanism and human rights for all people of African descent.

Malcolm X's message of self-respect, self-reliance, and resistance to racial inequality influenced a generation of activists and inspired the Black Power movement. His autobiography, written with the assistance of Alex Haley, remains a classic in Black literature and a powerful testament to his life, beliefs, and legacy.

Malcolm X was assassinated in 1965 at the age of 39, but his impact on the Black liberation struggle and his legacy as a fearless advocate for justice and equality continue to resonate around the world.