Malcolm X

Malcolm X (1925-1965) was an important figure in the time of the civil rights movement, but also a controversial one.

He was initially a prominent public speaker as a member of the black nationalist organization the Nation of Islam in the early 1950s, after converting to Islam in prison.

At first, Malcolm X advocated for black supremacy and the separation of black and white Americans, so that African Americans could live in autonomous communities. Gradually, he distanced himself from the Nation of Islam and became a supporter of the more mainstream civil rights movement.

His role in the movement was to encourage Muslim African Americans to join the cause of the civil rights. He often commented on the civil rights movement, including at the UN General Council in 1960 where...