Challenges Faced by Malcolm X: Obstacles and Turning Points

Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Malcolm X. A timeline of obstacles and growth.

Malcolm X was a prominent African American activist and minister. Initially a spokesman for the Nation of Islam, he advocated for Black empowerment and the spread of Islam within the African American community. While a controversial figure often accused of preaching violence, he is also celebrated for his pursuit of racial justice and significant contributions to the Civil Rights Movement. He was assassinated in 1965.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

1926: Family Relocated to Milwaukee

In 1926, due to Ku Klux Klan threats, the family relocated to Milwaukee because Earl's UNIA activities were considered "spreading trouble".

1929: Family Home Burned

In 1929, the family home in Lansing, Michigan, was burned, an act Earl attributed to the Black Legion, a White racist group.

1937: Louise's Relationship Ended

In 1937, a man Louise had been dating vanished from her life when she became pregnant with his child, marking a turning point in the family's stability.

1938: Louise Committed to Kalamazoo State Hospital

In late 1938, Louise experienced a nervous breakdown and was committed to Kalamazoo State Hospital, leading to the separation of her children and their placement in foster homes.

1941: Malcolm Dropped Out of High School

In 1941, Malcolm dropped out of high school after a White teacher discouraged his aspiration to become a lawyer, an event that shaped his views on racial barriers.

1943: Moved to Harlem, New York City

In 1943, Malcolm moved to Harlem, New York City, where he became involved in drug dealing, gambling, racketeering, robbery, and pimping.

1943: Draft Board Rejection

In late 1943, Malcolm was summoned by the draft board for military service in World War II but was declared "mentally disqualified for military service" after feigning mental disturbance.

1945: Return to Boston

In late 1945, Malcolm returned to Boston, where he and four accomplices committed a series of burglaries targeting wealthy White families.

1946: Sentenced to Prison

In 1946, Malcolm X was sentenced to 8 to 10 years in prison for larceny and burglary, marking a significant turning point in his life.

1946: Arrested for Burglary

In 1946, Malcolm was arrested while picking up a stolen watch and began serving a sentence of eight to ten years at Charlestown State Prison for larceny and breaking and entering.

1950: FBI Opened File on Malcolm X

In 1950, the FBI opened a file on Malcolm after he wrote a letter from prison to President Harry S. Truman expressing opposition to the Korean War and declaring himself a communist.

1953: FBI Surveillance Focused on Nation of Islam

In 1953, the FBI shifted its surveillance of Malcolm X from potential communist associations to his rapid ascent in the Nation of Islam, indicating his growing prominence and influence.

1961: Violent confrontations between the Nation of Islam and police

In late 1961, violent confrontations occurred between Nation of Islam members and police in South Central Los Angeles, leading to arrests and increased tensions.

April 27, 1962: LAPD officers beat Muslims outside Temple Number 27

On April 27, 1962, two LAPD officers shoved and beat several Muslims outside Temple Number 27 in Los Angeles, leading to an angry response from a large crowd.

1962: Malcolm X begins to reassess relationship with Nation of Islam

During 1962, events began to cause Malcolm X to reassess his relationship with the Nation of Islam, particularly its leader, Elijah Muhammad.

1963: Malcolm X continues to reassess relationship with Nation of Islam

During 1963, events continued to cause Malcolm X to reassess his relationship with the Nation of Islam, particularly its leader, Elijah Muhammad.

1963: Malcolm X confronts Elijah Muhammad about extramarital affairs

In 1963, Malcolm X came to believe rumors of Elijah Muhammad's extramarital affairs and confronted him. Muhammad confirmed the rumors, attempting to justify his behavior.

1963: Malcolm X's popularity causes tension within the Nation of Islam

In 1963, Malcolm X's rising media profile and the focus on him in Louis Lomax's book, When the Word Is Given, led to envy and upset within the Nation of Islam, particularly from Elijah Muhammad.

1964: Malcolm X receives threats

Throughout 1964, Malcolm X was repeatedly threatened as his conflict with the Nation of Islam intensified.

1964: Conflict with the Nation of Islam Intensified

Throughout 1964, Malcolm X's conflict with the Nation of Islam intensified, and he repeatedly received death threats, foreshadowing his assassination.

1964: Malcolm X testifies to Elijah Muhammad's child rape

Throughout a series of national TV interviews between 1964 and 1965, Malcolm X testified regarding his investigation, corroboration, and Elijah Muhammed's own confirmation of multiple counts of child rape.

February 14, 1965: Malcolm X's house is destroyed by fire

On February 14, 1965, the night before a hearing on postponing his family's eviction, Malcolm X's house in East Elmhurst, Queens, New York, was destroyed by fire.

February 19, 1965: Malcolm X tells interviewer that the Nation of Islam is trying to kill him

On February 19, 1965, Malcolm X told interviewer Gordon Parks that the Nation of Islam was actively trying to kill him, indicating the intensity of the threats against him.

1965: Malcolm X reveals assassination attempt and death threats

Throughout a series of national TV interviews between 1964 and 1965, Malcolm X revealed an assassination attempt on his life and the death threats he was receiving as a result of exposing Elijah Muhammad.

2023: Malcolm X Family Plans Wrongful Death Lawsuit

In early 2023, Malcolm X's family announced plans to file a $100 million wrongful death lawsuit against the CIA, FBI, NYPD, and others, alleging they concealed evidence related to his assassination. The family is represented by attorney Benjamin Crump. This event involves potential government accountability for the death of Malcom X.

November 2024: Malcolm X's Daughters File Wrongful Death Lawsuit

In November 2024, three daughters of Malcolm X officially filed a $100 million wrongful death lawsuit in Manhattan Federal Court against the CIA, FBI, NYPD, and others, alleging they concealed evidence related to his assassination and were involved in it. This event marks a significant step in the pursuit of justice and accountability for Malcolm X's death.