Malcolm X was born Malcolm Little on May 19, 1925, in Omaha, Nebraska. He grew to be one of the most influential Black revolutionaries of the Civil Rights Movement. A prominent figure in the Nation of Islam, an organization that sought to blend Islamic traditions with Black nationalist ideals, Malcolm X was a Muslim minister and a human rights activist. He made significant contributions to the Black Power movement of the 1960s and the broader Civil Rights Movement.

Although Malcolm X and his legacy are widely celebrated today, he is often seen as a controversial political figure. He is recognized for his unwavering pursuit of justice for the Black community and his promotion of Islam. Malcolm X played a significant role in both the Black Power Movement and the Black Arts Movement. However, he faced criticism for advocating violence as a means to combat oppression. Initially, he preached racial separation and expressed hostility toward white people. Later in his political career, he evolved his views on separatism and began advocating for racial unity. This shift in perspective led to his estrangement from the Nation of Islam, which ultimately resulted in threats to his life and his assassination.

Interesting Facts about Malcolm X:

• Malcolm X changed his name from Malcolm Little after he joined the Nation of Islam. The X stood for his unknown African name. 
• Two of his brothers introduced Malcolm X to the teachings of Elijah Muhammad, the leader of the Nation of Islam.
• In 1964, Malcolm X made a pilgrimage to Mecca and later renamed himself el-Hajj Malik el-Shabazz.
• Malcolm X is often seen as a counterpart to Martin Luther King Jr., who advocated for peaceful protests. In contrast, Malcolm X argued that violence was a necessary response to the oppression of Black Americans.
• Malcolm X had red hair, which earned him the nickname “Detroit Red.” 
• Malcolm X had six daughters, through whom his legacy continues to live on despite his assassination at the age of 39.