Malcolm X, El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz was an African-American Muslim minister and human rights activist. Malcolm X drew from elements of Pan-Africanism and Black Nationalism to challenge white supremacy and American imperialism.

Born on May 19, 1925, in Omaha, Nebraska, Malcolm X was a prominent black nationalist leader who served as a spokesman for the Nation of Islam during the 1950s and '60s. Due largely to his efforts, the Nation of Islam grew from a mere 400 members at the time he was released from prison in 1952 to 40,000 members by 1960. Articulate, passionate and a naturally gifted and inspirational orator, he served as the public face of the group for a dozen years and became an important civil rights leader. 

By March 1964, Malcolm X had grown disillusioned with the Nation of Islam and its leader Elijah Muhammad. After a period of travel in Africa and the Middle East, which included completing the Hajj, he repudiated the Nation of Islam, disavowed racism and founded Muslim Mosque, Inc. and the Organization of Afro-American Unity. He continued to emphasize Pan-Africanism, black self-determination, and black self-defense until his assassination in Feb, 1965.