Malcolm X

When you think of a hero, what or who do you think of, a superhero? Heroes can be everyday people just like us, who can change the world and how people think. One hero was Malcolm X, a spokesman for African Americans for equality and freedom. Malcolm X was born in Omaha, Nebraska on May 19, 1925. Shortly after receiving threats from the Black Legion, a white supremacist group, the family moved to Mason, Michigan. Sadly Malcolm Little’s Father (Earl Little) was murdered by a railroad accident that was labeled as a suicide, but was thought to be committed by the Black Legion. The news of her husband’s death struck Louise Little and she was struck with shock, unable to care for her children. Malcolm X was placed in various foster homes. Eventually he moved to Boston to live with his sister. Malcolm X showed many people how to be free. He delivered ideas and movements of freedom through his speeches and actions. Malcolm X showed courage and perseverance through oppressed times for the African American community.

Malcolm X is courageous because he spread freedom in an oppressed time for African Americans. When all seemed lost, he was the light to deliver hope. Malcolm X demonstrated courage by speaking and starting movements to help African Americans. “Malcolm began working in uniting blacks across the word, establishing Afro American unity in New York City in 1964, by contributing to voter registration, community institutions, schools, police, and other civil and political rights for African Americans.” (1) He saw uniting the brotherhood of African–Americans as strengthening and bringing together the people as one. This demonstrates courage by showing how much of ability he had as an individual to stand up for the rights of African Americans. He also displayed courage by speaking, when his life was at stake at any moment. “In 1961 rumors were started that Malcolm X plan to be assassinated was unfolding.” This proclaims courage by believing in something so strongly you are willing to risk your life for the lives of others. Malcolm X’s courageous acts also include that he knew the end of his life was coming, but he didn’t stop speaking for freedom. He indicates courageous acts by advancing African American projects and community efforts by risking his life to help others reach freedom.

Malcolm X shows perseverance by determination, helping others after his life was such a challenge, when he was younger. Malcolm X as he is known today had a different alias. When he was a troubled youth in his crime days, he was known as Detroit Red. “In 1946 he was sentenced to 10 years for burglary. Detroit Red was raised on the streets mainly after his father died, and his mother placed in a mental home. He was forced to steal and was raised in a culture of fear and crime. In 1952 when he was out of prison for good behavior he sought out Elijah Muhammad. After his prison years of theft and dysfunctional childhood, he sought Islam as a religion. “An outspoken national minister of the nation of Islam under Elijah Muhammad.” After being released from prison he could have gone back to committing crimes, the life he knew, but it took lots of strength and instead he pursued a religion and a life of stability. After his life of crime, he became a highly respected minister and speaker. Although, Malcolm X’s childhood was challenging he got though his childhood of crime and became one of the most influential African Americans of the 20th century.

When the African American community was discouraged he showed hope and freedom by his perseverance and courageous acts as an individual. Malcolm X showed courage by delivering freedom to African Americans through his ideas, movements and speeches. He proclaimed all this despite a rough early childhood. His perseverance turned him into a great speaker and minister. Malcolm X inspires me because he shows me how much one person can make a difference for people. In conclusion, Malcolm X is a hero for spreading freedom and powerful ideas, through his perseverance and courageous acts as an individual.