BLACK HISTORY + SOCIETY
Why Malcolm X's Words Are Timeless and Unerring In Context
Why Malcolm X is a Black History hero all year round
Malcolm X is one of my favorite Black historical figures. And even though Black History month has come to an unceremonious end, I believe it’s important to honor Black history icons throughout the year. Nearly every sentence of his bold, unapologetic speeches had a timeless quality that resonated with the experiences of Black people in the modern era. In fact, each time I listen to one of his speeches or read one of his quotes when scrolling through social media feeds or articles, I find that his points always stand out since the issues he discussed are still applicable to modern-day Black activists.
Malcolm X's early life
Malcolm X was born in 1925, and during his life, he became a minister, a prominent civil rights leader, and an advocate for Black nationalism. Prior to becoming a civil rights leader, Malcolm X dropped out of school in the eighth grade because of the racism he faced in school growing up in Omaha, Nebraska. By 1946, he was incarcerated on charges of burglary, although this experience would not define his career. While imprisoned, Malcolm X started to follow the teachings of leader Elijah Muhammad, one of the most…
