Childhood and Education Journey of Malcolm X in Timeline
An overview of the childhood and early education of Malcolm X, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.
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.
May 19, 1925: Malcolm X's Birth
On May 19, 1925, Malcolm Little, later known as Malcolm X and el-Hajj Malik el-Shabazz, was born. He became a prominent African American revolutionary, Muslim minister, and human rights activist.
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.
1948: Influence of Reginald and the Nation of Islam
In 1948, Malcolm's brother Reginald encouraged him to quit smoking and refuse pork, leading Malcolm to show interest in the Nation of Islam.
1948: Correspondence with Elijah Muhammad
In late 1948, Malcolm wrote to Elijah Muhammad and began following his guidance, eventually becoming a member of the Nation of Islam.
1950: Adoption of 'Malcolm X' Name
In 1950, Malcolm began signing his name "Malcolm X," symbolizing the loss of his true African family name due to slavery.
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.
August 1952: Visit to Elijah Muhammad After Parole
In August 1952, after being paroled, Malcolm X visited Elijah Muhammad in Chicago, marking the beginning of his active involvement with the Nation of Islam.
1952: Parole and Leadership in Nation of Islam
In 1952, Malcolm X was paroled from prison and quickly rose to become one of the most influential leaders in the Nation of Islam.
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.
1955: Meeting Betty Sanders
In 1955, Betty Sanders met Malcolm X after one of his lectures, which led to a courtship and her eventual involvement with the Nation of Islam.
1956: Betty Sanders Joined Nation of Islam
In 1956, Betty Sanders joined the Nation of Islam and changed her name to Betty X, strengthening her connection with Malcolm X and the organization.
1956: Khan Younis Massacre
In 1964, Malcolm X met Palestinian poet, Harun Hashem Rashid, who recounted how he narrowly escaped the Khan Younis massacre of 1956. This encounter influenced Malcolm X's views on Palestine.
1957: Public Awareness of Malcolm X
In 1957, the American public first became aware of Malcolm X after Hinton Johnson, a Nation of Islam member, was beaten by New York City police officers, leading to Malcolm X's involvement in the case.
January 1958: Marriage to Betty X
In January 1958, Malcolm X proposed to Betty X during a telephone call from Detroit, and they married two days later, marking the beginning of their family life.
1959: Malcolm X Visited Al-Aqsa Mosque
In 1959, as a representative of Elijah Muhammad, Malcolm X visited and met with religious leaders at Al-Aqsa Mosque. This event showcases his early role and responsibilities within the Nation of Islam.
1960: Birth of Qubilah
In 1960, Malcolm X and Betty X had their second daughter, Qubilah.
1962: Birth of Ilyasah
In 1962, Malcolm X and Betty X had their third daughter, Ilyasah.
1963: Malcolm X began collaboration with Alex Haley
In 1963, Malcolm X began collaborating with Alex Haley on his autobiography, "The Autobiography of Malcolm X". He remarked that it would be a miracle if he were alive when the book came out. This collaboration proved pivotal in documenting his life and ideas for posterity.
March 8, 1964: Malcolm X publicly announces his break from the Nation of Islam
On March 8, 1964, Malcolm X publicly announced his break from the Nation of Islam, citing its rigid teachings and expressing a desire to work with other civil rights leaders.
March 26, 1964: Malcolm X briefly meets Martin Luther King Jr.
On March 26, 1964, Malcolm X met Martin Luther King Jr. for the first and only time in Washington, D.C., during the Senate's debate on the Civil Rights bill.
April 1964: Malcolm X travels to Jeddah for Hajj
In April 1964, Malcolm X traveled to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to begin his Hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca. He faced delays due to questions about his U.S. citizenship and Arabic language skills.
April 1964: Malcolm X revisits Africa after Hajj
In April 1964, after his pilgrimage to Mecca, Malcolm X visited Africa a second time, meeting with officials and speaking on radio and television in several countries.
September 1964: Ebony publishes photograph of Malcolm X holding an M1 carbine
In September 1964, Ebony magazine published a photograph of Malcolm X holding an M1 carbine while peering out of a window, dramatizing his defiance of threats against him.
1964: Birth of Gamilah Lumumba
In 1964, Malcolm X and Betty X had their fourth daughter, Gamilah Lumumba.
1964: Left Nation of Islam
In 1964, Malcolm X ceased being a spokesman for the Nation of Islam, marking a turning point in his activism and beliefs.
1964: Malcolm X Visits Gaza and Meets with PLO
In 1964, Malcolm X visited the Khan Younis refugee camp in Gaza and met with Palestinian poet, Harun Hashem Rashid, members of the Palestinian Liberation Organization in Cairo. His experiences and meetings inspired him to write "Zionist Logic" where he critiqued the occupation of Palestine.
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.
February 5, 1965: Malcolm X flies to the United Kingdom
On February 5, 1965, Malcolm X flew to the United Kingdom again.
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.
1965: Malcolm X advocates for a free Palestine in Detroit speech
In 1965, Malcolm X gave a speech in Detroit where he advocated for a free and undivided Palestine. He stated, "We need a free Palestine... We don't need a divided Palestine. We need a whole Palestine." This underscores his evolving political views and his support for Palestinian liberation.
1965: Birth of Twins Malikah and Malaak
In 1965, after Malcolm X's death, Betty X gave birth to twins Malikah and Malaak, who were named in his honor.
1965: Malcolm X's first childhood home was torn down
In 1965, the house at 3448 Pinkney Street in North Omaha, Nebraska, Malcolm X's first home, was torn down by new owners unaware of its historical significance. This event highlights the loss of a physical connection to his early life.
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.
1968: UCSB students rename North Hall to Malcolm X Hall
In 1968, twelve black students at University of California, Santa Barbara temporarily renamed North Hall to Malcolm X Hall. This action led to the creation of the Department of Black Studies at UCSB.
1969: Malcolm X Liberation University Founded
In 1969, Malcolm X Liberation University, based on the Pan-Africanist ideas of Malcolm X, was founded in North Carolina. This institution reflects his influence on education and Pan-Africanist thought.
1975: Michigan Historical Marker erected at Malcolm Little's childhood home
In 1975, a Michigan Historical Marker was erected at Malcolm Little's childhood home in Lansing, Michigan. This memorializes his early life and connection to the city.
1996: Opening of the Malcolm X Branch Library and Performing Arts Center
In 1996, the first library named after Malcolm X was opened: the Malcolm X Branch Library and Performing Arts Center, part of the San Diego Public Library system. This dedicated library represents a significant cultural and educational tribute to Malcolm X.
2005: Opening of the Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial and Educational Center
In 2005, Columbia University announced the opening of the Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial and Educational Center, located in the Audubon Ballroom, where Malcolm X was assassinated. This center serves as a memorial and educational resource dedicated to their lives and legacies.
2021: Malcolm X Peace and Conflict Studies Scholarship Launched
In 2021, Conrad Grebel University College in Canada launched the Malcolm X Peace and Conflict Studies Scholarship to support Black and Indigenous students. This initiative recognizes Malcolm X's influence on peace and conflict studies.
2021: Death of Malikah
In 2021, Malikah, one of Malcolm X's twin daughters, passed away.
2024: Life insurance value
In 2024, the life insurance benefit was nominally $1,000 —about $20,000 in 2024).
