The son of Garveyite UNIA organizers, as a child, Malcolm aspired to be an attorney until a racist white teacher dashed his dreams. Racism also tore his family apart when, first, his father was killed by Klansmen, then when his mother was driven to a mental breakdown by social service agencies, and his siblings scattered to foster homes.

Juvenile delinquency soon followed, as did dropping out of school at the age of 15. Malcolm went to Boston to live with his older sister Ella but the city’s underground continued to be his primary teacher. In 1946 Malcolm “graduated” and was sentenced to 10 years for burglary.

Malcolm could’ve spent the next six years of his life the way a majority of prisoners do: continuing their same criminal existence. A chance meeting with an older prisoner introduced him to the teachings of Elijah Muhammad and the Nation of Islam (NOI), and Malcolm’s life changed. His consciousness was expanded, and he dedicated himself to study and self-improvement, and when he left prison in 1952, he became one of the most sincere and dedicated members of the NOI.

For the next 12 years, Malcolm X spread a “gospel” of separation and independence from white america, Black self-love, and the condemnation of white supremacy from coast to coast. Part of that work entailed establishing new chapters/temples of the NOI and the founding of the Muhammad Speaks newspaper, the forerunner to The Final Call.