Malcolm-X

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Malcolm's writings are a reflection of his depressed and hardship filled life. They also show his own self expression could earn him a lot of enemies. Also, many agreed with his beliefs but not with the way in which he expressed them.

Malcolm X was born Malcolm Little in Omaha, Nebraska, on May 19, 1925. His parents were Reverend Earl Little and Louise Little. Earl Little's controversial beliefs led to constant trouble for his family. (Sagan, Miriam 8) His father was a follower of Marcus Garvey. He preached many of Marcus teachings to his congregation, and he was then singled out for persecution by white racists.(Sagan, Miriam 8) When Malcolm's mother was pregnant with him the Ku Klux Klan rode up to the house and demanded to see Earl, but Louise told them that he was out of town preaching and made sure that it was obvious to them she was pregnant.

(X, Malcolm 1) They soon left that night but was still under persecution.

The family soon moved to Lansing Michigan where Earl could start his own business but his reputation of an agitator followed him.(X, Malcolm 3) Soon a society of white racists burned down Earl's and his family's house because the labeled him as being a "uppity nigger."( Malcolm X: A Research Site 1/21/00) Malcolm later recalled the moment "....My mother, with the baby in her arms, just made it into the yard before the hose crashed in, showering sparks. I remember we were outside in the night in our underwear, crying and yelling our heads off."(Sagan, Miriam 10) Although the family survived the incident, when Malcolm was only 6 years old his father was run over by a streetcar and killed. The family believes this was to disguise that Earl was really murdered.(Malcolm X: A Research...