Malcolm X: A Guide : Malcolm X

Malcolm X (born Malcolm Little, later El-Hajj Malik el-Shabazz; May 19, 1925 – February 21, 1965) was an African American Muslim minister and human rights activist who was a prominent figure during the civil rights movement in the United States.

Malcolm X was a spokesman for the Nation of Islam until 1964, serving as a vocal advocate for Black empowerment and the promotion of Islam within the African American community. After parting ways with the NOI, Malcolm X embraced Sunni Islam following his pilgrimage to Mecca, where he experienced a profound transformation. He changed his name to "el-Hajj Malik el-Shabazz," signifying his spiritual rebirth and commitment to a broader global struggle for justice. He went on to establish the Muslim Mosque Inc. and the Pan-African Organization of Afro-American Unity (OAAU), inspired by the ideals of African liberation movements.

Malcolm X’s travels across Africa and the Middle East deepened his ideological transformation and expanded his vision of Black liberation beyond the United States. In 1964, he toured several African nations, including Ghana, Nigeria, Egypt, Ethiopia, Sudan, and Algeria, meeting with heads of state such as Ghana’s Kwame Nkrumah and Egypt’s Gamal Abdel Nasser. These leaders, deeply engaged in the fight against colonialism, influenced Malcolm X’s growing commitment to Pan-Africanism and international solidarity. He also visited the Organization of African Unity (OAU) headquarters in Ethiopia, where he sought support for bringing the plight of African Americans before the United Nations as a human rights issue.

In the Middle East, Malcolm X developed strong ties with influential Muslim leaders and intellectuals, particularly in Saudi Arabia during his Hajj Pilgrimage. His interactions with Muslims of all races challenged his earlier views on racial separatism and reinforced his belief in the unifying potential of Islam. He also visited Lebanon, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates, engaging with scholars and political leaders who shaped his evolving understanding of global struggles against oppression.

Through these travels and relationships, Malcolm X broadened the scope of his activism, linking the African American freedom struggle with global movements for decolonization and human rights. His advocacy for international solidarity continues to inspire activists worldwide, cementing his legacy as a revolutionary thinker with a profound influence beyond American borders.