Malcolm X

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Malcolm X

Malcolm X is considered one of the greatest civil rights activists in history. He was known for his somewhat violent message of blacks defending themselves. Despite his original message, he eventually became more peaceful toward whites. However, as his legacy was just beginning to change things for the good, he was abruptly killed by gunmen. Due to his indecisiveness and early death, Malcolm X had a great, yet inadequate impact on the civil rights movement.

Malcolm little was born on May 19, 1925, in Omaha, Nebraska, the son of Louise and Earl Little. In 1929 their house was firebombed by racists while the whole Little family was in the house. It was night and all of them were sleeping. Probably these racists were Ku-Klux-Klan members. The incoming police and firemen didn’t even try to save the house and all of them watched the house burning down. After all that the police arrested Earl Little on suspicion of arson and for carrying a revolver without permit. Earl and Louise Little were followers of Marcus Garvey. He fought for racial separation and more power for blacks. Therefore he founded the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA), the largest black movement to date.

“At no point in his life could Malcolm cease struggling” (Frady 3). “Malcolm was very systematic and disciplined with tasks he enjoyed doing even at an early age” (Roedmeir 2). However, he began to have troubles in school. He knew there were things he couldn’t do because he was black. This brought him to the streets. Later on, Malcolm was sent to prison.

In prison he learned of the Islamic religion and studied the teachings of Elijah Muhammad. Malcolm was released from prison in 1952. “He never forgave society for wha...

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...le of attitude, as evidenced by the swagger and bluster of many rap artists” (Frady 1). But for the most part, racism had lessened slightly and civil rights have greatly improved.

In the future, this can only increase as people learn to unite and accept others ideas. Hopefully, civil rights leaders like Malcolm X won’t be needed anymore. Until then, people must make change and be leaders as was Malcolm, but keep in mind some of his more positive methods and stay away from the negative ones.

As for Malcolm himself, his few achievements perhaps could have been greater had his life not been but short by his assassination as well as his time in jail. The powerful message he gave set small precedents for future leaders. As long as the issue of civil rights is apparent, Malcolm will always be remembered for his devotion to the cause “by any means necessary”.

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