Malcolm X was born on February 14, 1925, in Omaha, Nebraska, to a family that had migrated from West Africa. Malcolm's father, John, was a Muslim convert from the Caribbean who worked as a janitor at a local school. Malcolm's mother, Sarah, was also a Christian who had converted to Islam while pregnant with him.
As a child, Malcolm showed a great interest in reading about African history and culture. He was particularly fascinated by the stories of his ancestors in Africa and how they had struggled against oppression and injustice. These early experiences shaped his worldview and helped to shape his later political beliefs.
Despite the challenges he faced growing up, Malcolm continued to pursue education and eventually earned a degree in theology from Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia. However, his time there was cut short when he was arrested for participating in a civil rights protest.
After being released from prison, Malcolm moved to Chicago where he began working as a minister and organizing meetings to discuss racial issues. In 1947, he founded the Organization of Afro-American Unity (OAAU) which aimed to bring together black people across different regions and ethnicities.
Malcolm's career progressed rapidly after founding the OAAU. He became involved in the struggle for civil rights and was appointed by Martin Luther King Jr. as a spokesman for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC). He traveled throughout the South advocating for equal rights for African Americans and spoke out against racism and discrimination.
However, Malcolm's views on race and politics were often controversial and led to clashes with other leaders in the civil rights movement. In 1964, he was assassinated in Detroit, Michigan, by two white supremacists who believed he was too radical for their cause.
Malcolm's formative years were marked by a complex mix of experiences and beliefs. From his early childhood fascination with African history and culture, through his involvement in the civil rights movement, Malcolm's life was filled with twists and turns. Despite facing numerous challenges, he remained committed to his principles and dedicated himself to fighting for equality and justice for all.