Malcolm X (1925-1965) was one of the most influential black American leaders of the 1950's and 1960's. He transformed himself from a petty criminal into an important defender of the rights of blacks. Malcolm X was born Malcolm Little in Omaha, Nebr. His father was a follower of Marcus Garvey, a black leader who worked to establish close political and economic ties to Africa. In 1931, Malcolm's father was found dead after being run over by …showed first 75 words of 398 total…

…showed last 75 words of 398 total…rights activists who favored militant (aggressive) nonviolent protests. But by this time, some Black Muslims had condemned Malcolm X as a hypocrite and traitor because of his criticisms of the group's leader, Elijah Muhammad. On Feb. 21, 1965, Malcolm X was fatally shot while giving a speech in New York City. Three members of the Nation of Islam were convicted of the crime. Malcolm's views reached many people after his death through his Autobiography of Malcolm X (1965).