Who Was Malcolm X?

Key Points

• Malcolm X was a prominent African American leader and civil rights activist known for his advocacy for Black empowerment and human rights.

• He became a key figure in the Nation of Islam, promoting a message of self-determination and racial pride.

• Malcolm X's philosophy evolved over time, particularly after his pilgrimage to Mecca, where he embraced a more inclusive view of race and humanity.

• His life was cut short when he was assassinated in 1965, but his legacy continues to influence civil rights movements today.

‘Our Own Black Shining Prince’ 

Legendary actor-activist Ossie Davis, in eulogizing him, spoke of Malcolm X’s remains being consigned to earth, not as a man, but as a seed that would return. Upon return, Malcolm X would reveal himself to the world "for what he was and is — a Prince — our own Black shining Prince! — who didn't hesitate to die, because he loved us so."

Despite being one of the world’s most recognizable activists, Malcolm X was a figure in a constant state of social, intellectual, and spiritual evolution and change. One way that change can be seen is how he identified himself throughout his lifetime. Born Malcolm Little, before becoming known as Detroit Red, then Malcolm X, and finally, El Hajj Malik El Shabazz, he was a person who embodied self-determination and transformation. 

The museum commemorates Malcolm X’s life and legacy, acknowledging the magnitude of his presence and the transformative power of his messages. 

Malcolm X: The Early Years 

Born Malcolm Little in Omaha, Nebraska, on May 19, 1925, Malcolm X was the fourth of seven children born to Earl Little and Louise Norton. His parents were members of Marcus Garvey’s Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA) — with his father serving as the Omaha chapter president and his mother, the division secretary. The UNIA stressed Black pride, economic independence, and a celebration of African history and culture — principles that shaped Malcolm X’s early childhood and later shaped his messages of political self-determination, personal and racial pride, and social responsibility.

Devoted Husband and Father 

Those principles also nurtured a bond between Malcolm X and his wife, Dr. Betty Shabazz (Dean Sanders), whom he married in 1958. Born in Georgia and reared in Detroit, Shabazz trained as a nurse at Brooklyn State Hospital School of Nursing. Shabazz met Malcolm X at a Nation of Islam meeting where he spoke and found that they shared a deep commitment to human rights.

Shabazz described her husband as gentle and kind, with a tremendous sense of humor, and an intellectual who read complex books in hours. She also noted Malcolm X’s courage in facing racism, divisions within the Nation of Islam, and a rising tide of racial and social unrest.   

Those principles also nurtured a bond between Malcolm X and his wife, Dr. Betty Shabazz (Dean Sanders), whom he married in 1958. Born in Georgia and reared in Detroit, Shabazz trained as a nurse at Brooklyn State Hospital School of Nursing. Shabazz met Malcolm X at a Nation of Islam meeting where he spoke and found that they shared a deep commitment to human rights.

Shabazz described her husband as gentle and kind, with a tremendous sense of humor, and an intellectual who read complex books in hours. She also noted Malcolm X’s courage in facing racism, divisions within the Nation of Islam, and a rising tide of racial and social unrest.   

His fearlessness was witnessed by his daughters, who, while understanding the fight against injustice their father undertook, saw him first and foremost, as ‘Dad.’

“The man we knew was warm, gentle, empathetic, with a famously electric smile. He was a family man. I remember his great sense of humor, and that he loved jazz music, literature and possibility. He studied history, nature and the arts. He had a butterfly collection! He read poetry to his wife. He was a bright intellect, influenced by his upbringing,” Ilyasah Shabazz said of her father Malcolm X.

Electrifying Orator 

Following in the nationalist tradition of Marcus Garvey, Malcolm X spoke to millions of African Americans who had been cast off, relegated, and abused by society in the hopes of igniting in them a sense of self-worth and racial pride. In addition to promoting clean living, including healthy eating, exercise and avoiding intoxicants, Malcolm X encouraged Black people to take a firm grip of political power.

Through hundreds of speeches, Malcolm X also addressed the injustices that marginalized communities faced. In a Brown University speech Malcolm X gave on May 11, 1961, for instance, he said: "There are 20 million so-called 'negroes' here in America. Twenty million ex-slaves. Twenty million second-class citizens. No matter what other classification you try to put on them, you can't deny that we are ex-slaves. You cannot deny that we are second-class citizens. And the fact that we are second-class citizens means someone has done us an injustice and deprived us of that which is ours by right."

Malcolm X Inspires Many 

Malcolm X epitomized provider, protector, teacher, and companion through the examples he set for the many people around him. As a husband to his wife, Dr. Betty Shabazz, and father to their daughters Attallah, Qubilah, Ilyasah, Gamilah, and Malaak, Malcolm X showed himself to be spiritually grounded. 

His family witnessed his prayer life, the tenacity and courage from which he drew great oratorical skill, and a stalwart perseverance to address friends, foes, strangers, and comrades with unmatched compassion.