Malcolm X was one of the most influential black American leaders of the 1950's and
1960's. At first he was a criminal but then changed himself into an important defender of the
rights of blacks. Growing up as a boy his father was a follower of Marcus Garvey, a black leader
who worked to create close political and economic ties to Africa. In 1931, Malcolm's father died
after being run over by a car. Malcolm believed white racists took his fathers life. When
Malcolm was 12 years old, his mother was admitted to a mental hospital. After these two
incidents, Malcolm spent the rest of his childhood in foster homes.
In 1941, Malcolm moved to Boston where he became involved in criminal activities. In
1946, he was arrested for burglary and sent to prison. In prison, he joined the Nation of Islam,
also called the Black Muslims. Malcolm was then taught that that white people were devils.
After Malcolm got out of prison, he changed his last name to "X".......
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