Malcolm X — Timeline
Key moments in the life of Malcolm X.
1925
Born Malcolm Little in Omaha, Nebraska on May 19
1931
Father Earl Little killed; family experiences increased hardship and racism
1946
Imprisoned in Charlestown State Prison for burglary; begins studying the Nation of Islam
1952
Released from prison; joins the Nation of Islam in Boston; becomes Minister Malcolm X
1954
Appointed Minister of Boston Temple; begins rapid rise within the Nation of Islam
1959
Appears on Mike Wallace documentary 'The Hate That Hate Produced,' gaining national attention
1964
Leaves the Nation of Islam in March; founds Muslim Mosque, Inc.; travels to Africa and Mecca
1964
Establishes Organization of Afro-American Unity in June; adopts name El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz
1965
Assassinated in New York City on February 21 at age 39
1965
Autobiography published posthumously, co-written with Alex Haley