Malcolm X

Malcolm X (Malcolm Little; 1925–65), U.S. black militant leader. He was also known as El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz. While in prison for burglary (1946–52), he was converted to the Black Muslim faith and upon release became a Muslim minister and leader of the black separatist movement. In 1964 he split with another leader, Elijah Muhammad, to form the Organization of Afro-American Unity, speaking for black nationalism but allowing racial brotherhood. He was assassinated at an OAAU meeting in New York City in 1965, purportedly by Black Muslims. The Autobiography of Malcolm X (1964) is a classic concerning the black power movement of the 1960s.

See also: Black Power.