Malcolm X is one of the most pivotal figures in civil rights history. His powerful words captured the attention of a country, encouraging empowerment and inspiring pride in black heritage.
Malcolm became interested in different religious views after his brother, Reginald, talked to him about his conversion to the Muslim religious organization the Nation of Islam. Intrigued, Malcolm studied the teachings of Nation of Islam leader Elijah Muhammad. Muhammad taught that white society actively worked to keep African-Americans from empowering themselves and achieving political, economic and social success. Among other goals, the Nation of Islam fought for a state of their own, separate from one inhabited by white people. By the time he was paroled from a jail sentence in 1952, Malcolm was a devoted follower with the new surname “X”. He considered “Little” a slave name and chose the “X” to signify his lost tribal name.
Intelligent and articulate, Malcolm was appointed a minister and national spokesman for the Nation of Islam. Malcolm was largely credited with increasing membership in the Nation of Islam from 500 in 1952 to 30,000 in 1963. Malcolm’s vivid personality captured the government’s attention in addition to the media. As membership in the Nation of Islam continued to grow, FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) agents infiltrated the organization (one even acted at Malcolm’s bodyguard) and secretly placed bugs, wiretaps and cameras surveillance equipment to monitor the group’s activities.
Malcolm X
- Wed, Jun 17Zoom WebinarA friend of Malcolm X: An online lecture with Gus Newport (Zoom & Facebook)Meet the man who traveled and organized with Malcolm X during his last speech tour in Rochester, New York in 1965. Find out what was being planned for the OAAU and speak to this old friend of Malcolm X!
- Sat, Aug 243448 Evans StSōl Food & Music FestivalFirst held in August 25, 2018, the Sol Food & Music Festival was started by a committee of local artists aiming to bring awareness on food insecurity in North Omaha. This event is a sister festival for the Dis Poem Words & Agro Fest held annually in Port Antonio, Jamaica.
- Sun, May 193448 Evans StMalcolm X Birthday Celebration - May 19This year we are hosting a weeklong celebration that is open to the public to honor the life and legacy of Malcolm X. We often collaborate with local historians to host forums, art competitions and performances on this day. Check out the schedule here!