Malcolm X

MALCOLM X

There are many people known throughout time for their Philanthropy dedication. Philanthropy is when someone gives themselves for the greater good. There are many great African-Americans known for this but the one that I thought was the most heroic and whose life story was most interesting was Malcolm X. Malcolm X was not born with the name Malcolm "X." He changed his name from Malcolm Little to Malcolm X because he thought that black people lost their identity during slavery. He was born May 19, 1925 in North Omaha, Nebraska. He is known for his childhood change from a troubled soul doing seven years in the state prison and getting involved with all the wrong people and engaging with people who had no chance at a good life, not because of the lack of education, not because they didn’t deserve attention, but because people thought of them as less of a human being because their skin was darker rather than being light. He is also known for being Inspirational, and a Brave man as well.

Malcolm X is joined by the great Muhammad Ali

When growing up, Malcolm was a smart and focused student. He graduated Middle school at the top of his class. He lost interest in school when his teacher told him that becoming a layer was "No realistic goal" for an African American. After that Malcolm hit rock bottom pulling petty crimes, coordinating various narcotics, prostitution, and gambling rings. In 1946 Malcolm was convicted of burglary charges and was sentenced to seven years in jail. During this prison time Malcolm used the years to further his education. Not long after this, Malcolm was introduced to the Nation of Islam (NOI) and later became the official spokesman for the NOI, in other words the leader of the 1960’s Black Power Movement.

Malcomlm X speaking to the crowd (Google Image)

Malcolm X was world known for his inspirational speeches. He got many people involved to fight for their own rights. He showed that if you believed that you can make a change it doesn’t matter what others point of view towards you were. He showed everybody that every man is equal. It wasn’t the fact that your color had anything to do with the problem because no matter if you were black, brown, white or orange you can be whatever you want to become and express it. Malcolm X went from serving the years in prison to being the national spokesman for the Nation Of Islam. Malcolm X convinced thousands of people to stand up for what they believed in, even though nobody believed in them. Throughout most of Malcolm’s speeches, his powerful presence and oratory skills stunned the audience.

Fearless Malcolm

Malcolm X feared no one; he fought ferociously for "colored" peoples' freedom which is what he is remembered for - that and becoming the most feared man in America. Malcolm would speak of white man's hypocrisy in his face and express his view publicly without fear. For example one of his statements was on Kennedy’s death that saying that "Chickens coming home to roost never make me sad, rather it makes me glad." Shocking the nation with his works, Malcolm proved that he was fearless to what could happen next. Even though he was then criticized by the media he never looked down, but rather that made him that much more fearless for his safety. Malcolm X was brave not only because he stood up for what was right but because he would also admit to when he was wrong. An example of this was when he apologized to the Nation Of Islam because he had thought that all white men were evil. It takes a brave men to admit he was wrong at the time.

MALCOLMS END (Dogpile Image)

In the end, although Malcolm had came into this world a black man with a dark future ahead, with self enlightenment he became a revolutionary black power advocate and civil rights leader who made an important change in the perspective of human eyes.

One of my favorite quotes from Malcolm X was "If you don’t stand for something you will fall for anything," which means to me that if you don’t stand up to them you will do what might be harmful to you. I chose this quote of Malcolm's because to me I can relate to it in any situation. Malcolm X made a change in the world, he took nothing and ended up with something, he made a change in life, was inspirational, and was fearless at the same time. Malcolm X is my hero because "Malcolm X would rather die on his feet than live on his knees."