Malcolm X

From the Americana published for 1966. "Malcolm X (39), U. S. black nationalist leader: b. Omaha, Neb., May 19,1925; d. (assassinated) New York, N.Y. Feb. 21, 1965. In 1964, after several years as the most articulate spokesman for the militant Black Muslim sect, he formed his own black nationalist movement, the Organization of Afro-American Unity. A feud developed between the two groups, and at a rally of his followers, Malcolm x was assassinated. A minister's son, originally named Malcolm Little, he acquired a hatred of whites early in life as a result of childhood experiences. In his teens he went to New York and drifted into Harlem's underworld of dope peddlers, procurers, and gamblers, and before he was 21 he was arrested for burglary in Boston. In prison he learned of the Black Muslim sect, which taught the superiority of the Negro, and he accepted its militant and ascetic doctrines. At Black Muslim headquarters in Chicago, following his release, he greatly impressed the sect's leader, Elijah Muhammad, who sent him on speaking tours and placed him in charge of Mosque No. 7 in New York. A speech in which he had made light of President John F. Kennedy's assassination led to his suspension by Elijah Muhammad, and subsequently Malcolm X established his rival organization in Harlem."

He found true Islam, and went on a once-in-a-lifetime hajj to Mecca, came back to America with the solution to solving America's racial problems and that is true Islam, the answer to ending racial strife and conflict. If Americans black and white accepted the message of Islam, then there would be peace and brotherhood throughout the nation. (Emphasis: Malcolm X, the movie starring Denzel Washington)