Topic > Malcolm and '60. Known for his controversial views on race and self-defense, Malcolm Despite his brief autobiography, Malcolm X left a lasting impact on the civil rights movement in the United States. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Early Life Malcolm Little, as Malcolm X was known before his conversion to Islam, was born on May 19, 1925, in Omaha, Nebraska. His family moved frequently during his childhood to escape racist attacks from white supremacists. Malcolm's father, Earl Little, was an outspoken Baptist minister and civil rights activist, and his mother, Louise Norton Little, was a housewife who taught her children about black pride. Malcolm's family life was troubled, and his father's activism made him a target for white supremacists. Tragically, Earl Little was killed by members of the Black Legion in 1931, forcing Malcolm's mother to raise their eight children alone. Malcolm's early experiences with racism and discrimination had a profound impact on his later life and activism. During his adolescence, Malcolm moved to Boston to live with his half-sister, Ella, and became involved in criminal activity, leading to his arrest and incarceration. in 1946 for burglary. It was during his time in prison that Malcolm began to read a lot and discovered Islam. After his release in 1952, he became involved in the Nation of Islam, a Muslim organization that preached black separatism and self-defense. Nation of Islam Malcolm's connection to the Nation of Islam led to a significant change in his life and activism. He became a close ally of the organization's leader, Elijah Muhammad, and became a prominent speaker and leader within the organization. Malcolm's speeches drew attention to the plight of African Americans in the United States and inspired many to join the Nation of Islam and work for racial equality. Malcolm's views on race and politics had a significant impact on the Nation of Islam. He argued that the white man was the "devil" and that black Americans should take control of their own destiny and establish their own country separate from white America. Malcolm's advocacy for self-defense and armed resistance was controversial, but spoke to the frustrations of many African Americans who had grown tired of the nonviolent approach of other civil rights leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr. Ideology and Approach The controversial views of Malcolm X on race and self-defense sparked debate and criticism within the civil rights movement. Many leaders considered his approach too militant and divisive, and his relationship with the Nation of Islam was fractious. Malcolm's speeches and writings, however, had a significant impact on African Americans who sought a more aggressive approach to racial equality. In his famous speech "The Ballot or the Bullet," Malcolm argued that African Americans should use any means necessary to fight for their rights, urged them to unite against a common enemy, and criticized government inaction toward racial inequality. His