MALCOLM X

Racial discrimination and segregation has been part of American history since the day Europeans set foot on western lands and claimed them as their own. All who were not of white ancestry were thought to be inferior and were treated in an inhumane manner. This type of division amongst human beings can still be seen in some parts of the world today. The Civil Rights movement was therefore created to fight for the rights of black Americans and speak for those who had no voice. One part of this movement was Malcolm X. Though Malcolm X was striving for the rise of the black race in the United States, unlike the movement, he did not believe in equality nor did he believe that the fight could remain nonviolent. Yet, he was a great leader whose actions made a great impact on American history and played a big role in the American way of life.

Malcolm X

Malcolm X at Queens Court

Malcolm X

This is so because, in the long run, his speeches brought respect for blacks and pride to those who were African descendants. Not only did he speak the minds of millions of blacks and some whites around the nation, he also gave them courage to defend themselves and stand up for what they believe in. Furthermore, he created awareness of the negative effects that racial discrimination had in the world.

He was a son of two active black nationalists who followed the teachings of Marcus Garvey, the most influential pan-Africanist of the early twentieth century. His farther Earl Little had very little formal education and, growing up, he worked mostly on his father's farm. His mother Louise Little was biracial with a white father. On May 19, 1925, Malcolm Little was born with blue-green eyes and light red hair, the baby out of five children. Earl...