Malcolm X (1925-1965
Early Life and Transformation Born Malcolm Little on May 19, 1925 , in Omaha, Nebraska , Malcolm grew up in a family that believed strongly in Black pride and independence. His father, Earl Little , was a supporter of Marcus Garvey and was killed when Malcolm was young, likely by white supremacists. His mother, Louise Little , later suffered a mental breakdown, and Malcolm spent years in foster care. As a teenager, Malcolm faced racism in school and dropped out. He became involved in crime and was sent to prison in 1946. Prison became a turning point—there, he educated himself, discovered the Nation of Islam , and changed his name to Malcolm X , symbolizing the loss of his African family name due to slavery. Malcolm X was a well‑known African American leader and speaker whose ideas influenced American history during the mid‑1900s. He is remembered for encouraging self‑respect, education, and strong community values. He was born Malcolm Little in 1925 in Omaha, Nebraska, and grew...