Course Name: Malcom X - Social Justice Advocate Essay

This essay delves into the life and impact of Malcom X, a prominent advocate for social justice and the Black Nationalist movement during the 1960s. It explores his early life, marked by racial and social injustices, and how these experiences shaped his activism. The essay examines his key strategies, including his critique of non-violent approaches, his use of the Nation of Islam, embracing socialism, and his Pan-Africanism. It highlights the controversy surrounding his methods and the attempts on his life, ultimately emphasizing his enduring legacy through his writings and the inspiration he provided to future generations. The essay concludes by underscoring Malcom X's profound influence on African Americans, his role in raising self-esteem, and his impact on popular culture, solidifying his status as a pivotal figure in the fight for equality.

1
Malcom x
Student's Name
Institutional Affiliation
Course Name and Number
Professor's Name
Date

2
Malcom x
Introduction
The standing and equality debate on the minorities particularly those of the African
Americans has been prominent throughout United states history. Malcom X goes down as one of
the most important advocates of the Black Nationalist movement and social justice during the
1960s. Malcom Little popularly known as Malcom X was born on May 19th 1925. Malcom X
was a controversial human activist and Muslim leader who was accused of preaching violence
and racism. Many people acknowledge his efforts within the African-American and Muslim
American communities in pursuit of social and racial justice. This essay explains how Malcom X
was a troublemaker for justice.
Malcom X was a victim of social injustice before he was even born. His father, Earl and
his mother, Louis were subjected to social and racial harassment by the white supremacist groups
such as Ku Klux Klan before Malcom X was born. The family had to relocate from Omaha to
Milwaukee and from Milwaukee to Michigan before he even turned four years after several
death threats and harassment they received. While in Lansing, things even become worse. their
house was set on fire by racists while the police and the firemen watched it burn in flames.
Moreover, Malcom X also encountered social injustice during her school days in Mason High
School. In one of their English sessions, the teacher asked him what he aspired to do in future
and he said that he wanted to be a lawyer. The teacher in jest told Malcom X to look for a more
‘‘realistic’’ dream like being a carpenter. Malcom X had a tough childhood. he was sent to prison
at an early age after being caught with stolen goods. During his stay in prison, he become a
Muslim and joined the Nation of Islam group. it is also at this point in time where he changed his

3
surname to ‘‘X’’ since he considered that his other name, ‘‘Little’’ was a slave name and
therefore his new name signified his new tribal name.
Unlike his counterpart Martin Luther King, Malcom X believed that violence was a
necessary weapon in the civil rights movement. He criticized Martin Luther King for his non-
violent approach on activism. Instead, he urged all his follower to use, ‘‘any means possible’’ to
fight for their freedom and equal rights. Another important strategy that Malcom X used to fight
for social justice was the use of Islam through the Nation of Islam group. Malcom X had been
appointed as the national spokesman for the group. His charisma and conviction attracted new
members to the group and by 1963 the group moved from about 500 members to over 30,00
members. The Islam group were champions of the black civil rights movement. Through the
influence of Malcom X on the Nation of Islam, there was a change in the names that were used
to refer to African Americans. The name ‘‘Negro’’ change to ‘‘Afro-American’’ or ‘‘black.’’
Embracing socialism and Pan- Africanism was another key strategy that Malcom X used
to achieve justice. In 1964 he visited North African and the Middle East. This journey is seen as
one of the important turning points in his political and spiritual life. his journey from Africa
created a new view in his life in which he believed that political, social and economic evil
affiliated to people in the black community should be stopped. Another key strategy that he used
was leaning towards the idea that the fight for black freedom should not be defined only as a
racial conflict of the white against the black but rather be viewed as global fight of the oppressed
people against their oppressors. Form then onwards, he stopped viewing the whites as enemies
since they could take part in the revolution of the black community.
The efforts of Malcom X towards social justice was never appreciated by some people
who even plotted to assassinate him. There were several attempts on his life before he met his

4
death on February 21, 1965 when three gunmen shot him at close range. His gunmen were later
confirmed to be former members of the Nation of Islam group. in spite of his death, Malcom X’s
legacy still lives on from one generation to another through his books and documentaries about
his life. The impact that Malcom X had cannot be understated. First, through his fight for justice,
African Americans are capable of standing for themselves knowing that there are people who
died for them. second, Malcom X’s impact is felt though the raising of the self-esteem of the
African-Americans. Thirdly, during the 1980’s and the 1990’s many hip-hop groups such as the
famous Public Enemy used Malcom X as their icons. His images were displayed in homes,
offices, schools and T-shirts. Moreover, Malcom X was also an inspiration for fictional
characters such as the X-Men character Magneto.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Malcom X was a trouble maker for justice. He influenced African men to
follow his path in spreading unity and equality across all persons of different color and social
status. Through his fight for justice, people can also learn that however difficult life gets, they
should always strive in making moves that will help themselves and the next generations