Malcolm X
When we think of MLK and Malcom X, we generally think of polar opposites when it comes to the Civil Rights Movement. We generally associate peace and non-violence with MLK and Black Power with Malcolm X. I will admit that I always did, too, until I read "The Autobiography of Malcolm X" at Michigan State and viewed Spike Lee's theatrical adaptation of the book in the movie "Malcolm X" starring Denzel Washington as the title character. Malcom X's birth name was Malcolm Little, but after joining the Nation of Islam while in prison for robbery, he began to view "Little" as his slave name. As such, he took the letter "X" as his new last name with the significance of "X" being the unknown in mathematics. He gained famed and notoriety with powerful anti-white speeches ("Plymouth Rock") and called out various Civil Rights leaders as being "house slaves". His rhetoric gained him a powerful following among the Nation of Islam - but it also created jealousies among the other ministers who saw their own dwindling crowds and Malcom's sold-out venues. Disagreements and infighting soon lead Malcolm to leave the Nation of Islam and form his own group, Muslim Mosque, Inc. and take a pilgrimage to Mecca. It was during this time overseas that Malcolm found himself praying with Muslims of all skin colors. This prompted him to alter his anti-white approach, and he returned to the U.S. ready to work with other Civil Rights leaders for a peaceful resolution. He again changed his name to el-Hajj Malik el-Shabazz, but, sadly, he was assassinated during a speech by members of the Nation of Islam in 1965. (His children and wife were in the front row and witnessed his brutal death.)
I have selected 11 key scenes from the movie "Malcolm X" (1992) and uploaded them below. Please view these clips in the order in which they are organized as they provide a visual timeline of Malcolm X's life and career.
I have selected 11 key scenes from the movie "Malcolm X" (1992) and uploaded them below. Please view these clips in the order in which they are organized as they provide a visual timeline of Malcolm X's life and career.
Clip #1 - Russian Roulette (2:53)
In this scene, Malcolm (nicknamed "Red" because of his hair color) uses intimidation to take control of this particular plan to rob an elderly white man. It is this robbery that lands Malcolm X in jail.
Clip #2 - Prison (3:02)
In this scene, Malcolm is approach by a minister of the Nation of Islam who helps Malcolm begin to wean himself off drugs. (The Nation of Islam is an African-American political and religious movement that was founded in 1930 in Detroit, Michigan.)
Clip #3 - Definition of Black (2:01)
In this scene, Malcolm is taught the definition of "black" and the power of knowledge.
Clip #4 - Who is the black man? (3:55)
In this clip, Malcolm learns what it means to be a black man and is told that his last name "Little" is his "slave name". This will later prompt Malcolm to change his last name to "X" (for "unknown").
Clip #5 - What color was Jesus? (1:40)
In this scene, Malcolm, who has become quite knowledgeable, questions the prison's minister.
Clip #6 - Plymouth Rock (1:07)
In this scene, Malcolm has since been released from prison and has officially joined the Nation of Islam. As a new minister, his crowds are small, but he makes one of his most famous speeches here ("Plymouth Rock") and runs into his former hustling buddy "Shorty" (played by Spike Lee, the director of this movie).
Clip #7 - Malcolm Speaks to Harlem (2:13)
In this clip, Malcolm has gained a powerful following and delivers an equally powerful speech.
Clip #8 - Nothing (0:39)
In this scene, Malcolm is approached by a white, female college student who asks what she can do to help. His response typifies his general resentment of all white people (at that time).
Clip #9 - Chickens Come Home To Roost (1:35)
In this scene, Malcolm responds to the assassination of President JFK, delivering a statement that lands him in some hot water with the press and the Nation of Islam.
Clip #10 - Pilgrimage (5:16)
In this clip, Malcolm, who has since left the Nation of Islam, makes a pilgrimage to Mecca where he has a major change of heart in his views of white people.
Clip #11 - Assassination (3:03)
In this clip, Malcolm is assassinated in front of his wife and children, gunned down by members of the Nation of Islam.