Malcolm X assassinated 60 years ago redux

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The Nation of Islam minister was a polarising figure who advocated for Black separatism, self-defence and cultural pride.

Malcolm X assassinated 60 years ago redux

Published On 20 Feb 2025

History Illustrated is a series of perspectives that puts news events and current affairs into historical context using graphics generated with artificial intelligence.

Malcolm X assassinated 60 years ago redux

Malcolm Little, better known as Malcolm X, would have been the first to tell you he was a convicted criminal — he saw no shame in it.

Malcolm X assassinated 60 years ago redux

Malcom X often talked about how a white man raped his grandmother; how racists burned down his home; how his father was killed by the KKK; and how his mother was institutionalised. At age 13, he was in foster care.

Malcolm X assassinated 60 years ago redux

In school, he was seen as smart, but he was also discriminated against. He would become a hustler, and in 1946, at age 20, was sentenced to 8-10 years in prison for burglary.

Malcolm X assassinated 60 years ago redux

In prison, he embraced the Nation of Islam, a Black nationalist group, and would later change his surname to X — because “Little”, he said, had been imposed by white slavers.

Malcolm X assassinated 60 years ago redux

After prison, as a Nation of Islam minister, Malcolm X was blunt and forceful as he advocated for Black separatism, self-defence and cultural pride.

Malcolm X assassinated 60 years ago redux

In April 1964, Malcolm X visited Mecca to perform Hajj. Seeing Muslims of all colours changed his world view.

Malcolm X assassinated 60 years ago redux

Relations with the Nation of Islam had soured, though, and Malcolm X publicly accused the group’s leader, Elijah Muhammad, of being morally suspect due to his serial adultery. Malcolm X now feared for his life.

Malcolm X assassinated 60 years ago redux

Malcolm X was shot dead in New York City on February 21, 1965. Two of three convicted men, linked to the Nation of Islam, would later be exonerated. Reports today suggest there were as many as five shooters, with the FBI accused of a conspiracy of silence.

Malcolm X assassinated 60 years ago redux

Early on, Malcolm X's approach was polarising, but his death brought appeals for unity. Today, 60 years after his assassination, that unity is needed more than ever.
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