Malcolm X, born Malcolm Little, was an influential Black civil rights activist and leader during the mid-20th century. He was born on May 19, 1925, in Omaha, Nebraska. Malcolm’s early life was marked by hardship and adversity. His father was killed when he was just six years old, and his mother was committed to a mental institution when he was 13. As a result, he spent much of his youth in foster care and juvenile detention. However, it was during his time in prison that Malcolm underwent a transformation. He joined the Nation of Islam and became a devoted follower of its leader, Elijah Muhammad. Malcolm became known for his powerful speeches, which advocated for black empowerment and self-defense. He was a vocal critic of racial inequality and the nonviolent approach of the mainstream civil rights movement. However, his views evolved over time, and he eventually broke away from the Nation of Islam and embraced a more inclusive approach to racial justice. Tragically, Malcolm was assassinated on February 21, 1965, at the age of 39.
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In this lesson, students will examine what factors influenced the creation of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and the Black Panther Party and what impact the two organizations had on the movement for Black liberation.
In this lesson, students will examine what factors influenced the creation of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and the Black Panther Party and what impact the two organizations had on the movement for Black liberation.
