Violence In All Its Forms
It has been nearly 35 years since the assassination of Malcolm X, yet the stature of the man remains in tact, if not even greater today. His war against the white establishment evolved from inner needs just as he had rebelled against symbols of authority early in his life. It was this early rebellion and the phases that followed, that enabled him to adapt to his later environment. He defended his people and helped them understand that blackness is not a sign of shame but a symbol of pride. To that end Malcolm spent the majority of his life trying to urge the black nation to stand up for their rights and demand equality for all, no matter what it took.
It was in prison that Malcolm discovered the nation of Islam. Malcolm immediately began recruiting for the Nation of Islam. In a short period of time he tripled the membership of the temple in which he was a member, and received praise from Elijah Muhammad.
Malcolm X
Malcolm X at Queens Court
détail of meeting where Elijah Muhammad addresses...Muhammad was very interested in the potential of Malcolm X, and Malcolm worshiped him in return. Malcolm X soon became interested in becoming a minister. He began addressing the Temple, and in 1953, he was named the Temples number one assistant minister. Muhammad continued to teach Malcolm X in the ways of the Muslim beliefs and ways.
Of all the teachings of Mr. Muhammad, Malcolm X recalls one that stands out most in his mind. One day, I remember, a dirty glass of water was on the counter and Muhammad put a clean glass of water beside it. "You want to know how to spread my teachings?" he said, and he pointed to the glasses of water. "Don't condemn if you see a person has a dirty glass...