Malcolm X Was Born Malcolm Little and Later Adopted a New Surname
Malcolm X was born Malcolm Little in Omaha, Nebraska, in 1925. He later dropped the family name Little, which he associated with slavery, and adopted the letter X to represent his unknown African ancestral name.
He Became a Key Voice for Black Empowerment While in Prison
While serving a prison sentence in the 1940s and 1950s, Malcolm X joined the Nation of Islam and educated himself through extensive reading. His leadership and speeches later made him one of the most prominent African American figures of the 20th century.
His Legacy Is Studied in History, Politics, and Culture
Malcolm X’s ideas on race, identity, and self-determination continue to influence scholars, activists, and public figures. His autobiography, co-authored with Alex Haley, remains a widely cited primary source for understanding his life and views. Learn more about his life and impact through the Britannica biography.
