Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Malcolm X
Public opinion and media debates around Malcolm X—discover key moments of controversy.
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.
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.
1961: Malcolm X speaks at NOI rally with George Lincoln Rockwell
In 1961, Malcolm X spoke at a Nation of Islam rally alongside George Lincoln Rockwell, who was the head of the American Nazi Party. Rockwell saw common ground between black nationalism and white supremacy.
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.
December 1, 1963: Malcolm X comments on the assassination of John F. Kennedy
On December 1, 1963, Malcolm X commented on the assassination of John F. Kennedy, saying it was a case of "chickens coming home to roost," a statement that caused controversy.
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: Criticism of Civil Rights Movement
In 1963, Malcolm X was critical of the civil rights movement, denouncing Martin Luther King Jr. and the March on Washington.
November 23, 1964: Malcolm X speaks in Paris and accuses the U.S. of imperialism in the Congo
On November 23, 1964, Malcolm X spoke in Paris, accusing the United States of imperialism in the Congo for supporting Moïse Tshombe and his hired killers.
1964: Malcolm X broke with the Nation of Islam
In 1964, Malcolm X had broken with the Nation of Islam
1964: Malcolm X criticizes Moïse Tshombe
In 1964, Malcolm X strongly criticized Moïse Tshombe of the Congo, calling him an "Uncle Tom" and condemning his role in the murder of Patrice Lumumba and the hiring of White mercenaries.
1964: Conservative Party wins parliamentary seat in Smethwick
In 1964, the Conservative Party won the parliamentary seat in Smethwick, near Birmingham. The town had become a byword for racial division after the successful candidate, Peter Griffiths, was accused of using the slogan, "If you want a nigger for a neighbour, vote Liberal or Labour."
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 21, 1965: Malcolm X Assassinated
On February 21, 1965, Malcolm X was assassinated in New York City, marking a tragic end to his influential career.
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.
March 1966: Malcolm X's murderers convicted
In March 1966, Nation of Islam members Talmadge Hayer, Norman 3X Butler, and Thomas 15X Johnson were convicted of the murder of Malcolm X and sentenced to life in prison.
1977: Hayer signs affidavit reasserting Butler's and Johnson's innocence
In 1977 and 1978, Talmadge Hayer signed affidavits reasserting Norman 3X Butler's and Thomas 15X Johnson's innocence in the murder of Malcolm X.
1978: Hayer signs affidavit reasserting Butler's and Johnson's innocence
In 1977 and 1978, Talmadge Hayer signed affidavits reasserting Norman 3X Butler's and Thomas 15X Johnson's innocence in the murder of Malcolm X.
1985: Butler paroled
In 1985, Norman 3X Butler, known today as Muhammad Abdul Aziz, was paroled and later became the head of the Nation's Harlem mosque in 1998; he maintains his innocence.
1987: Johnson released from prison
In 1987, Thomas 15X Johnson, who changed his name to Khalil Islam, was released from prison; he maintained his innocence until his death in August 2009.
1993: Farrakhan acknowledges possible NOI involvement
In a 1993 speech, Louis Farrakhan seemed to acknowledge the possibility that the Nation of Islam was responsible for Malcolm X's assassination.
1998: Butler becomes head of Nation's Harlem mosque
In 1985, Norman 3X Butler, known today as Muhammad Abdul Aziz, was paroled and later became the head of the Nation's Harlem mosque in 1998; he maintains his innocence.
May 2000: Farrakhan acknowledges complicity in Malcolm X's assassination
During May 2000, Louis Farrakhan stated in a 60 Minutes interview that some of his words may have led to Malcolm X's assassination, acknowledging complicity and expressing regret.
August 2009: Johnson dies
In August 2009, Thomas 15X Johnson, who changed his name to Khalil Islam, died; he maintained his innocence.
2010: Hayer paroled
In 2010, Talmadge Hayer, known today as Mujahid Halim, was paroled.
2011: Publication of "Malcolm X: A Life of Reinvention"
In 2011, Manning Marable's controversial biography, "Malcolm X: A Life of Reinvention," was published, alleging Malcolm X exaggerated his early criminal career and had a homosexual relationship. These assertions ignited debate and controversy surrounding his personal life and legacy.
August 2014: Online petition started to release files on Malcolm X's murder
In August 2014, an online petition was started to call on the government to release, without alteration, any files they still held relating to the murder of Malcolm X.
January 2019: Public statement calls for review of assassinations
In January 2019, members of the families of Malcolm X, John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King Jr., and Robert F. Kennedy were among those who signed a public statement calling for a truth and reconciliation commission to review the assassinations of all four leaders during the 1960s.
February 21, 2021: Posthumous letter implicates NYPD officer in Malcolm X assassination
On February 21, 2021, a press conference featuring Malcolm X's daughters presented a posthumous letter from deceased NYPD officer Raymond Wood, alleging he was told to encourage civil rights groups to commit felonies.
February 26, 2021: Daughter of Raymond Wood claims posthumous letter is fake
On February 26, 2021, Kelly Wood, the daughter of Raymond Wood, stated that the letter presented at the February 21 press conference is fake and was created by her cousin Reggie Wood for attention and book sales.
2021: Aziz and Islam exonerated
In 2021, Muhammad Abdul Aziz and Khalil Islam (formerly Norman 3X Butler and Thomas 15X Johnson) were exonerated from their murder convictions related to Malcolm X's assassination.
2021: Convictions Vacated
In 2021, two of the convictions for the murder of Malcolm X were vacated, raising further questions about the circumstances of his assassination.
July 14, 2022: Aziz files suit against New York City
On July 14, 2022, Muhammad Abdul Aziz filed suit against the City of New York, seeking $40 million in damages related to his wrongful imprisonment.
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.
