May 19

Born Malcolm Little in 1925, he became a prominent figure in the American civil rights movement as a minister of the Nation of Islam. Known for his powerful oratory and uncompromising stance on racial justice, he challenged both white supremacy and mainstream civil rights strategies. His autobiography, co-written with Alex Haley, brought his ideas to a wide audience. After splitting from the Nation of Islam, he embraced a more inclusive vision of human rights. His legacy endures as a symbol of Black empowerment and social change.