Malcolm X

Born: 1925 in Nebraska

Assassinated: 1965

Exposed to racial violence from young age, which included having his family’s house set on fire & firemen refusing to help.

Committed crimes and was sent to prison where he read and educated himself.

He became a leader in the Nation of Islam (growing it from 400 to 40,000 followers), founding temples and becoming a minister in a number of cities in the northeast.

His philosophy was opposite MLK – he encouraged African Americans to rise up & stand in defiance, even using violence, a technique earning him many strong critics.

Said: “Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.”