Final answer:
Malcolm X was a pivotal figure in the civil rights movement, advocating for African American self-determination and empowerment. His membership and later split from the Nation of Islam, as well as his evolving views on race relations, impacted his advocacy and contributed significantly to the foundation of Black Power and Black Nationalism movements.
Step-by-step explanation:
The life and influence of Malcolm X are significant topics in the study of American history and the civil rights movement. Born Malcolm Little in Omaha, Nebraska, Malcolm X's upbringing in the North exposed him to more subtle forms of discrimination. His transformation into a powerful voice for African Americans began during his imprisonment, where he joined the Nation of Islam and became its leading spokesman. His advocacy for African American empowerment was characterized by a willingness to consider violence in the face of oppression, a stark contrast to the nonviolent approach of the civil rights movement at the time. Malcolm X's radical approach appealed to many, especially after the disillusionment following Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination.
After his release from prison, Malcolm X rapidly became a prominent minister within the Nation of Islam, under the leadership of Elijah Muhammad. His public speeches often highlighted issues of racism and advocated for African American self-determination. Following a pilgrimage to Mecca and a tour of Africa, he moderated some of his views on race, but continued to passionately fight for racial justice until his assassination in 1965 by members of the Nation of Islam. His legacy continued as it provided a crucial intellectual foundation for the Black Power movement and Black Nationalism.