Within the Civil Right movement one important and prominent figure that we hear about countless times is El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz AKA Malcolm X. Throughout the course of African American History, Malcolm X stands out the most because of his unique alternative view to “main stream” civil rights. Malcolm’s philosophy advocated for an establishment of a separate black community instead of one that is integrated and the use of violence and self-defense rather than nonviolence. His forceful, uncompromising belief in the evils of the white man made him both a spokesperson and a leader within his community. Due to Malcolm X’s popularity he became the center of attention for not only the U.S. but to the entire world, which ultimately led to his demise due to the events that were taking place during that time.
After finishing his time in prison Malcolm soon became a visible figure within the Nation of Islam (NOI) and attracted national attention. As the nation’s most visible proponent of Black Nationalism, Malcolm X’s challenge to the multiracial, nonviolent. Ideological beliefs helped grant him interviews with many TV Stations across the globe. His views were controversial and not liked by white community and even within a few in the black community. Fears of mass violence to the white community was a growing concern and that his views on militancy would put an end to non-violent, mainstream civil rights movement.
Due to Malcolm X’s celebrity status within the NOI and in the media, other followers of the NOI began to grow weary about Malcolm’s image within the NOI. They say him as competition and grew more and more jealous of him. Jealousy soon began to spark rumors about Malcolm and how he was profiting from the fame and eventually wanted to take over the NOI. Due to pressures from internal and external Malcolm eventually left the NOI and turned to traditional Islam. Although Malcolm’s views had changed dramatically and followed more in tune with mainstream civil rights movement he still had enemies out there. The NOI felt betrayed by Malcolm after he publicly discussed Elijah Muhammad’s adultery. On Feb 21, 1965 after returning from Alabama to New York for another speaking engagement Malcolm was shot and killed by two members of the NOI. Malcolm X’s death was truly tragic not only for the African American community but also for those who were oppressed. He had a vision that was unmatched by anyone else. His vision had out grown the Nation of Islam and was becoming an uncompromising proponent of truth. Malcolm X would have brought about Black independence, Black self-sufficiency and Black sovereignty to not just America but to the entire world.
After finishing his time in prison Malcolm soon became a visible figure within the Nation of Islam (NOI) and attracted national attention. As the nation’s most visible proponent of Black Nationalism, Malcolm X’s challenge to the multiracial, nonviolent. Ideological beliefs helped grant him interviews with many TV Stations across the globe. His views were controversial and not liked by white community and even within a few in the black community. Fears of mass violence to the white community was a growing concern and that his views on militancy would put an end to non-violent, mainstream civil rights movement.
Due to Malcolm X’s celebrity status within the NOI and in the media, other followers of the NOI began to grow weary about Malcolm’s image within the NOI. They say him as competition and grew more and more jealous of him. Jealousy soon began to spark rumors about Malcolm and how he was profiting from the fame and eventually wanted to take over the NOI. Due to pressures from internal and external Malcolm eventually left the NOI and turned to traditional Islam. Although Malcolm’s views had changed dramatically and followed more in tune with mainstream civil rights movement he still had enemies out there. The NOI felt betrayed by Malcolm after he publicly discussed Elijah Muhammad’s adultery. On Feb 21, 1965 after returning from Alabama to New York for another speaking engagement Malcolm was shot and killed by two members of the NOI. Malcolm X’s death was truly tragic not only for the African American community but also for those who were oppressed. He had a vision that was unmatched by anyone else. His vision had out grown the Nation of Islam and was becoming an uncompromising proponent of truth. Malcolm X would have brought about Black independence, Black self-sufficiency and Black sovereignty to not just America but to the entire world.