Malcolm X (born Malcolm Little, later el-Hajj Malik el-Shabazz; May 19, 1925 – February 21, 1965) was an African American revolutionary, Muslim minister, and human rights activist. A leading figure in the civil rights movement, he was a prominent Nation of Islam spokesman until 1964, later advocating Black empowerment and Islam.
After a troubled youth and prison sentence, he became a major NOI leader. He criticized Martin Luther King Jr. and non-violence, praised NOI’s rehabilitation programs, and was heavily surveilled by the FBI until his assassination.
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Table of Contents
Malcolm X Net Worth
Malcolm X had a net worth of approximately $150,000. After spending his childhood years in foster homes with his siblings, Malcolm dropped out of middle school.
A few years later, he moved to Boston, where he worked on the streets as a shoe-shiner, drug dealer, gambler, and burglar. His early life struggles shaped his later activism and leadership in the fight for civil rights and racial justice.
Early life
Malcolm Little was born May 19, 1925, in Omaha, Nebraska, to Louise Little (from Grenada) and Earl Little (from Georgia), both supporters of Marcus Garvey and active in the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA).
Due to threats from the Ku Klux Klan, the family moved to Milwaukee, then Lansing, Michigan, where they were harassed by the Black Legion. Earl died when Malcolm was six; though ruled an accident, many believed it was murder. Louise struggled financially, raising seven children after Earl’s death.
Career
From age 14 to 21, Malcolm lived with his half-sister Ella Little-Collins in Roxbury, Boston, holding various jobs. In 1943, he moved to Harlem, New York City, working on the New Haven Railroad while engaging in drug dealing, gambling, racketeering, robbery, and pimping.
Biographer Bruce Perry claimed Malcolm occasionally had sex with men for money, though this is disputed. He befriended John Elroy Sanford, a dishwasher nicknamed “Chicago Red,” while Malcolm was called “Detroit Red” due to their red hair.
Personal life
After leaving the Nation of Islam, Malcolm X founded Muslim Mosque, Inc. (MMI) and the Organization of Afro-American Unity (OAAU), promoting Pan-Africanism. On March 26, 1964, he briefly met Martin Luther King Jr. in Washington, D.C. during the Senate debate on the Civil Rights bill.
In April, Malcolm delivered “The Ballot or the Bullet” speech, urging African Americans to vote wisely but warning of armed resistance if equality was denied. He later converted to Sunni Islam after encouragement from Sunni Muslims.
What were Malcolm X’s last words before he died?
Then there was a scuffle in the back of the room and, as I turned my head to see what was happening, I heard Malcolm X say his last words: “Now, now brothers, break it up,” he said softly. “Be cool, be calm.”
Conclusion
Malcolm X’s net worth at the time of his passing reflects only a small part of his story. His true legacy lies in his profound impact on civil rights, African American empowerment, and his role in changing the course of American history. His teachings continue to inspire and resonate with many, making him one of the most influential African Americans in history.
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FAQs about Malcolm X Net Worth
- How did Malcolm X contribute to the civil rights movement?
- Malcolm X contributed by advocating for Black empowerment, self-defense against racial violence, and challenging the systemic inequalities faced by African Americans.
- What was Malcolm X’s role in the Nation of Islam?
- He served as a minister, spokesperson, and national representative, promoting the organization’s teachings and expanding its membership.
- Why was Malcolm X assassinated?
- Malcolm X was assassinated due to tensions with the Nation of Islam following his departure from the organization, his public criticism of Elijah Muhammad, and his evolving views on race and activism.
- How has Malcolm X’s legacy influenced modern activism?
- His emphasis on justice, equality, and the importance of self-determination for African Americans has inspired generations of activists and remains a cornerstone of contemporary discussions on race and civil rights.
- What publications contributed to Malcolm X’s net worth?
- His autobiography, speeches, and other writings have been published posthumously, contributing to his net worth and ensuring his ideas continue to be disseminated.
