Malcolm X

Malcolm X was a controversial Black leader during the Civil Rights movement. His father was killed by the Klu Klux Klan (a white racist group) and his mother was not able to find work after his father's death. Because his mother was not able to take care of her children, she was put in a mental institution and the children were sent off to reform schools and group homes. Malcolm started spending time with people who were selling drugs and stealing, and eventually, he was arrested.

While he was in jail he began to read and discovered the readings of Elijah Muhammad, a Black Muslim leader based in Chicago. He became a Muslim and when he got out of jail began to work with Elijah Muhammad.

People said that Malcolm X encouraged violence, but really, he encouraged self-defence, self-respect, and for Black people to know their history.

Malcolm X was assassinated in 1965.

You can read a short biography of Malcolm X here.