Malcolm X Essay -- essays research papers

The 1950’s and 1960’s were decades full of powerful speakers. These speakers could motivate people in such a strong way. They were a huge part of the Civil Rights Movement being successful. One of these powerful speakers was Malcolm X. He led a very interesting, yet tragic life.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Malcolm X was born Malcolm Little on May 19, 1925 in Omaha, Nebraska. He was one of eight children. His mother, Louise Norton Little, was a homemaker while his father, Earl Little, was a Baptist minister. His father was a devoted follower of Marcus Garvey, who was the Black Nationalist leader. Malcolm had already moved twice by the time he was four because of threats aimed towards his father from white supremacy groups. Earl tried to get his family away from groups like the Black Legion but despite his efforts, the Legion burned down their house in Lansing, Michigan in 1929. In 1931, Malcolm’s father’s body was found mutilated on the town’s trolley tracks. Even though both incidents were ruled by police, the family knew the Black Legion was behind them both. Louise had a very hard time with the death of her husband. A few years after he died, Louise broke down and was committed to a mental institution. Because of this, all eight children were split up into various foster homes.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Malcolm was always a very smart student. In junior high, he was at the top in his class. Malcolm went through some hardships in school though. One of his favorite te...