Malcolm X
The Struggle for Human Rights
Reason for Change
Muhammad Ali in New York with Malcolm X, 1963.[1]
Malcolm X rose in popularity, taking the NOI with him. In the eleven years after Malcolm joined the NOI (1952-1963), its members grew from 500 to 25,000. Malcolm even recruited Muhammad Ali. On December 1, 1963, Malcolm made remarks about John F. Kennedy's assassination and said that it reminded him of,
"...chickens [that had come] home to roost." [21]
-"Malcolm X Scores US and Kennedy", The New York Times
The NOI was outraged and banned him from public speaking for 90 days. On March 8, 1964, Malcolm broke all ties with the NOI. One of the key reasons for his departure was that Elijah Muhammad was rumored to be sleeping with his secretaries. Malcolm felt betrayed and claimed that the NOI had gone against the beliefs of Islam.
Trip to Mecca
-Malcolm's change of opinion after Mecca
[2]
On April 13, 1964, Malcolm made the pilgrimage to Mecca. During the trip, he witnessed people from different races and genders treating each other equally.
"It was being circumambulated by thousands upon thousands of praying pilgrims, both sexes, and every size, shape, color, and race in the world … it was a sight that stamped itself on the brain."[22]
-A letter written by Malcolm from Saudi Arabia
Malcolm justified his thinking with Islam. He said equality was represented when a man had to step out of his street clothes and wear the two-piece garment so that he can enter the state of Ihram.
“You could be a king or a peasant and no one would know.”[22]
-A letter written by Malcolm from Cairo, Egypt
Malcolm X praying outside a mosque in Cairo.[1]
Malcolm X standing outside a mosque in Cairo.[1]
Malcolm X standing outside the pyramids in Cairo.[1]