Malcolm X Flashcards
Who was Malcolm X?
Malcolm X was a civil rights activist who believed in black nationalism and separatism. Born Malcolm Little in 1925, he was a member of the Nation of Islam.
What was Malcolm X’s early life like?
❖His father was murdered in a racist attack when he six years old.
❖He and his siblings were separated and put into foster care after their mother was committed to a mental institution.
❖He was heavily involved in crime.
❖He spent time in prison for burglary where he was introduced to the Nation of Islam.
Where did Malcolm X get his name?
Malcolm X stated that the ‘X’ symbolised the true African family name he could never know. His ancestors were forced to take the name ‘Little’ by the family that owned them as slaves.
What did Malcolm X believe?
❖He was critical of the civil rights movement, and leaders like Martin Luther King in particular, because they worked with white people and the government to encourage change.
❖He became a voice for those who felt non-violent action had failed. He accepted violence may be necessary, although only in self defence.
❖After his split with the Nation of Islam in 1964 and his pilgrimage to Mecca, his beliefs changed. He began to work with white civil rights protesters and talked about human rights.
What was the difference between Malcolm X and Martin Luther King?
❖Malcolm X believed in seperation, whereas Martin Luther King believed in integration.
❖Malcolm X focused on the economic, political and social inequalities African Americans faced in the whole of America, whereas Martin Luther King focused on ending segregation and improving voter registration in the south.
❖Malcolm X did not believe in working with white people or the government, at least initially, whereas Martin Luther King did.
❖Malcolm X did not rule out violent protest if violence was used against African Americans, whereas Martin Luther King advocated peaceful protest.
What was the Nation of Islam Malcolm X was associated with?
❖It was a black nationalist group created in 1930, and still exists today.
❖Members believed in the separation of black and white people, not integration. They believed black people would be better off living separately but with the same facilities.
❖It should not be confused with Islam. The NOI was - and continues to be - an American movement that adopted some Islamic rules, such as observing Ramadan and refraining from drinking alcohol.
Who was the leader of NOI?
Elijah Muhammad
Why did Malcolm X leave the NOI?
In 1964, Malcolm X left the Nation of Islam on bad terms after an argument with its leader, Elijah Muhammad.
What happened after Malcolm X left the Nation of Islam?
The Nation of Islam firebombed his home, sent him death threats, and spoke against him publicly.
