Malcolm X was one of the most prominent black leaders during the civil rights era of the 1950s and 1960s, advocating black pride, a separate black community and  self-defense.

In December 1953, a little more than a year after he was paroled from prison, Malcolm was named the minister at the NOI’s Boston mosque, Temple No. 11. The following year he also became the minister at Temple No. 12 (Philadelphia) and Temple No. 7 (New York).

In 1957, this political leader came under the New York police scrutiny, when he stood up against the arrest of his colleague Johnson Hinton from the ‘Nation of Islam’.

Muhammad Speaks, the NOI newspaper, was founded by Malcolm in 1957.

Beginning in the 1960s, Malcolm was invited to participate in numerous debates, including forums on radio stations (Los Angeles, New York, Washington), television programs (“Open Mind,” “The Mike Wallace News Program”) and universities (Harvard Law School, Howard University, Columbia University).

In 1963, the New York Times reported that Malcolm X was the second most sought after speaker in the United States.

On June 29, 1963 Malcolm lead the Unity Rally in Harlem. It was one of the nations largest civil rights events.

In 1964, Malcolm founded the ‘Organization of Afro-American Unity’ with the goal of promoting human rights for African-Americans, and bringing about cooperation between Africans across the United States.

On this Malcolm X Day, we celebrate and express our gratitude to Brother Malcolm X for loving us, fighting for us, and making the ultimate sacrifice for us.  Malcolm X expressed his Power In One.  You can too.  You have the Power In One.