This post has been written based on this episode of crash course: Malcolm X
Malcolm X was one of the most revolutionary thinkers of the Civil Rights Movement, known for his unwavering stance on Black self-determination, economic independence, and self-defense. His ideas evolved throughout his life, shifting from a strict Black separatism under the Nation of Islam (NOI) to a broader vision of international unity against oppression. His words continue to inspire those fighting against systemic racism and inequality.
1: The Power of Self-Education and Transformation
Malcolm X believed deeply in the power of self-education as a tool for liberation. While incarcerated, he dedicated himself to reading and expanding his understanding of Black history and global oppression. He later recalled, “Right outside my door was a corridor light that cast a glow into my room. The glow was enough to read by once my eyes adjusted to it. So when lights out came, I would sit on the floor where I could continue reading in that glow.”
This period of intense self-education shaped his later views on Black empowerment. He saw knowledge as a means to break free from the psychological and economic chains of white supremacy, famously declaring, “Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.”
2: The Nation of Islam and Black Nationalism
Upon his release from prison in 1952, Malcolm X became a devoted follower of the NOI and its leader Elijah Muhammad. He adopted the surname “X” to signify the loss of his ancestral African identity, explaining, “My X replaced the white slavemaster name of ‘Little’ which some blue-eyed devil named Little had imposed upon my paternal forebears.”
As the NOI’s national spokesperson, he fiercely criticized integration efforts and nonviolent protest, believing that Black people should create their own institutions rather than assimilate into white society. He was skeptical of white liberals and their role in the Civil Rights Movement, stating, “The white man pays Rev. Martin Luther King, subsidizes Reverend Martin Luther King, so that Reverend Martin Luther King can continue to teach the Negroes to be defenseless.”
Instead of seeking approval from white institutions, Malcolm X urged Black people to embrace their own strength: “We declare our right on this earth…to be a human being, to be respected as a human being, to be given the rights of a human being in this society, on this earth, in this day, which we intend to bring into existence by any means necessary.”
3: Critique of Nonviolence and the Shift Toward Global Human Rights
Malcolm X was a staunch advocate for self-defense, rejecting the notion that Black people should endure racial violence without resistance. “Be peaceful, be courteous, obey the law, respect everyone; but if someone puts his hand on you, send him to the cemetery.” This belief in self-defense resonated with many Black Americans who were frustrated by the slow progress of nonviolent demonstrations.
However, Malcolm X’s ideology began to shift after he left the NOI in 1964. He embarked on a pilgrimage to Mecca, where he witnessed unity among Muslims of all races. This experience led him to reconsider his earlier views on race, stating, “What I have seen and experienced has forced me to rearrange much of my thought patterns previously held and to toss aside some of my previous conclusions.”
This revelation contributed to his new approach, emphasizing human rights over racial nationalism. He founded the Organization of Afro-American Unity (OAAU) with the goal of addressing Black economic and political struggles on an international level. He sought to present the plight of Black Americans to the United Nations, arguing that racism in the U.S. was a human rights violation, not just a civil rights issue.
4: Legacy and Lasting Impact
Shortly before his assassination in 1965, Malcolm X predicted his own death, recognizing that his growing influence had made him a target. He once remarked, “I live like a man who’s already dead. I have no fear whatsoever of anybody or anything.” His assassination did not silence his ideas; instead, his words became immortalized through his autobiography and the continued struggle for Black liberation.
His famous call to action, “You can’t separate peace from freedom because no one can be at peace unless he has his freedom,” continues to resonate in movements for racial justice today. His influence is evident in organizations like the Black Panther Party, which adopted his principles of self-defense, self-sufficiency, and political activism.
Conclusion
Malcolm X’s ideology was shaped by a deep commitment to Black empowerment, self-defense, and political independence. His willingness to evolve and challenge oppressive systems made him one of the most complex and compelling figures in American history. His words remain a powerful reminder that the fight for justice requires both education and action: “If you’re not ready to die for it, put the word ‘freedom’ out of your vocabulary.“
I recommend you watch this episode of Crash Course:
