1. Malcolm X

2. Biographical Information
Born: Omaha, Nebraska
Lived in Boston and New York
Father murdered when he was a boy
Minister of the Nation of Islam
Shot and killed in March of 1965

3. Important Achievements/Life Changing Events
Became a Muslim in 1952, while in prison
Founded the Muslim Mosque in 1964 (Nation of Islam)
Went to Middle East (Mecca)
Formed Organization of African American Unity

4. Role in the Civil Rights Movement?
Malcolm X at first believed that whites were the enemy and promoted violence.
After his trip to the Mecca, he was convinced that “whites were not inherently racist”

5. What is he/she best known for?
Promoting violence against whites
A spokesman for the Nation of Islam
His assassination in 1965

6. Why would you consider him/her a revolutionary?
Malcolm X is a revolutionary figure in the civil rights movement because even though he promoted violence against whites early in his career, he had the courage to change his mind later in life. After his trip to Mecca, he came back to the United States trying to work WITH whites to achieve equality for African Americans. Malcolm X also seemed to know that what he was preaching was going to get him killed, but he continued despite the danger because he knew the importance of what he had to say.

7. Sources
“Malcolm X Biography.” The Biography Channel.