Malcolm X

Malcolm Xhttps://thehollywoodunlocked.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/The-Nation-of-Islam-has-petitioned-Attorney-General-Eric-Holder-to-release-Malcolm-X-files-that-will-provide-evidence-behind-how. png“You can’t separate peace from freedom because no one can be at peace unless he has his freedom” (Malcolm X). Primarily known for his support to the poor treatment of Blacks; Malcolm was an outspoken activist. Growing up, he was exposed to oppression because of his family’s participation in black nationalism. For his safety, he was forced to move from his hometown of Omaha, Nebraska to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. However, this wasn’t enough.It was believed that his father was murdered when he was at the age of six. Not only that, his mother was admitted into a state mental hospital due to being mentally unstable and enduring emotional turmoil. As a result, he and his siblings were separated into varying foster homes. As time passed, Malcolm continued to undergo the oppression that many Blacks faced at the time. This resulted in him becoming an inspirational voice for African Americans but later died at the age of 39 from three gunmen who attacked him while he was expressing the idea that African Americans should fight for their freedom (Greenspan). Despite the fear that many lived with, he continued to stand firm regardless of the punishments he may have faced. Serving as the people’s champion, Malcolm X played a vital role in the fight for the rights of African Americans. Therefore, his firm belief to refuse total integration in society and perseverance through traumatic childhood experiences led others to view him to be a hero; instill courage in others to stand up for what they believe in.

Malcolm X gives a speechhttps://geekandsundry.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/malcolm-x-3.jpgMalcolm’s lack of fear and influential voice contributed to him spreading his point of view in spite of threats from his superiors and contradicting thoughts with Martin Luther King Jr.Throughout his career, X fearlessly faced the government and superiors. At the peak of his career, he daringly spoke out his thoughts: "In 1963, Malcolm found himself at odds with his mentor, Muhammad. Despite Muhammad's order not to speak on the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, Malcolm did anyway. In a speech, Malcolm declared that the death of the American president was a case of ‘chickens coming home to roost.’" (McGrill). He had little to no concern of two higher powers that were capable for ruining his life. The thought of possible death never crossed his mind; he outwardly expressed his opinion while never pondering over the consequences of his actions. As a result, many persecuted African Americans admired his audacity. When commemorating those that fought for the rights of blacks, we usually idolize Dr. Martin Luther King Jr and his successful idea of nonviolent protest. Yet, here is someone that instilled the same determination with contradictory opinions, "The message he shared with his audiences was the exact opposite of what people were accustomed to hearing from more "main-stream" civil rights activists such as Dr. Martin Luther King, who called for the integration of American society through nonviolent means. Malcolm X advocated black separatism, and he advised blacks to take up arms in self-defense against white hostility" (Malcolm X).Despite having controversial interpretations of “fight for your rights,” his efforts won the support and sympathy of Americans across the country. He was a man that spent his life in the hope of motivating those around him to oppose those who took what should be rightfully theirs. In the end, Malcolm’s intrepid and authoritative statements led to his undying passion to inspire others.

Malcolm X with a newspaper supporting freedomhttps://cdn.inquisitr.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Malcolm-X.jpgDespite facing racial discrimination all his life, Malcolm continued to express his thoughts regardless of the repercussions and persevered. Personalities and attitudes develop from the hardships that we encounter. His resolve was tested, even as a child: "The Littles often received death threats from various white supremacist organizations for their involvement in civil rights causes. He remained critical of nonviolent protest, however, and continued to advocate the forceful reclaiming of black freedom. Malcolm X quickly became an outspoken advocate for the NOI, whose members are often referred to as Black Muslims" (Malcolm X). Even at a young age, he experienced maltreatment due to his skin color. Most would have responded with a crushed spirit and a pessimistic outlook on life; however, Malcolm was an outlier. Instead of reacting negatively, he utilized his experiences to fuel his dedication and proceeded to declare his line of thinking. Upon receiving death threats, one would think that they would put an end to what they were doing. Nevertheless, Malcolm was an anomaly: "The situation took an ominous turn after Malcolm X received many death threats and thwarted what he suspected were Black Muslim attempts on his life, including a firebombing incident at his home during the night of February 14, 1965. Exactly one week later, on February 21, Malcolm X was preparing to address several hundred of his followers in Harlem's Audubon Ballroom when three black men rushed up the center aisle toward him and opened fire with a shotgun and two pistols, striking him more than a dozen times" (Malcolm X). The thought of possible death is enough to make many consider the impact of their choices. Even after barely escaping a firebombing, Malcolm continued to speak until the final moments of his death. All his life, he was prone to the idea of imminent death, yet he endured and produced a spark that led blacks to finally obtain freedom.

When we imagine the freedom fighters that spread equality throughout the United States, Malcolm X is one of the few that comes to mind. He’s perceived to be part of a group of people that fought for what they believed in regardless of the consequences. Despite his previous encounters with racial persecution and prominent outlook on the rights of African Americans; he inspired others to follow in his footsteps and the injustices they faced. X once stated, “Nobody can give you freedom. Nobody can give you equality or justice or anything. If you're a man, you take it” (Moore). He had proven time and time again that people need to stand up for what they feel is right, they can’t just idly stand by and assume that life will get better. He stands as a reminder that doing what is comfortable isn’t always right. A prime example is watching someone getting bullied. The effortless solution would be doing nothing, whereas X would stand up for that person even with the possibility of facing the aftermath. As a child, I grew up with a similar mentality. There were always moments where standing up for what I felt was right was a danger. Malcolm stood as a role model to always look up to. Part of a small group of people that fought and truly believed in their values, Malcolm X spent his life pleading, in the hopes that one day, African Americans could live not only with the peace they desired but with freedom.

Works Cited

Greenspan, Jesse. “7 Things You May Not Know About Malcolm X.” History.com, A&E Television Networks, 2015, www.history.com/news/7-things-you-may-not-know-about-malcolm-x.

"Malcolm X." Gale Student Resources in Context, Gale, 2017. Student Resources In Context, https://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/HDAQVG663899021/SUIC?u=powa9245&sid=SUIC&xid=afaa490d. Accessed 11 Dec. 2018.

McGill, Sarah Ann. “Malcolm X.” Malcolm X, Aug. 2017, p. 1. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=b6h&AN=17884757&site=brc-live. search. ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=b6h&AN=17884757&site=brc-live.

Moore, Jeffrey I. “50 Malcolm X Quotes about Life, Justice and Freedom.” Everyday Power Blog, 4 Jan. 2019, everydaypowerblog.com/malcolm-x-quotes/.

“Quotes.” Malcolm X, The NorthStar Group, 10 Feb. 2015, https://malcolmx.com/quotes/.