Malcolm X

His real name is Malcolm Little, and after converting to Islam, he took the name El-Hajj Malik el-Shabazz; he is an American politician and human rights advocate. He was a good student and wanted to become a lawyer. When his father was murdered when he was 6 years old, he was raised by a foster family. At age 20, he was caught committing theft. He converted to Islam while in prison and joined a Black movement called the “Islamic Ummah.” Embracing his African identity, he began signing his name with an “X” instead of his last name, “Little.” After his release, his oratory skills and charismatic style made him one of the movement’s leaders, inspiring many African Americans—including Muhammad Ali—to join the movement. After 12 years of advocating for Black supremacy, he left the Nation of Islam and renounced the beliefs he had previously championed. He went on the Hajj and began advocating for the Sunni interpretation of Islam. In February 1965, he was assassinated by three members of the movement he had once led.