Malcolm X

The Universal Negro Improvement Association is founded in 1914 by Marcus Garvey. Earl and Louise Little (Malcolm X's parents) met when Earl was the president of the UNIA chapter in Omaha, Nebraska and Louise was covering UNIA activities for 'Negro World.'

Malcolm Little is born to Earl and Louise Little in Omaha, Nebraska.

Malcolm's father, Earl Little, is tragically killed after being run over by a streetcar.

Despite Earl Little's attempts to distance himself from threats by the Black Legion, the family home in Lansing, Michigan is burned to the ground. This event surely had a major impact on young Malcolm.

Louise has a premonition about her husband's safety and asks him not to leave the house. Later that night, Earl Little is killed in what police term a streetcar accident, but Malcolm later believes that the Ku Klux Klan was behind it.

Louise Little is diagnosed as mentally ill and sent to the Kalamazoo State Mental Hospital, where she will stay for 26 years.

Malcolm X's mother experiences severe depression following her husband's death and is admitted to a mental institution, leading to the children being placed in foster homes.

Malcolm X's mother, Louise Little, was committed to a mental institution following the death of his father. This event led to Malcolm and his siblings being separated and placed in various foster homes and orphanages, profoundly impacting his upbringing and sense of identity.

In October 25, 1943, Malcolm X, who had previously expressed controversial views about the military and race, was found mentally unfit for military service and classified 4F.

Malcolm X is arrested after returning to Harlem, New York.

Malcolm X is convicted of larceny, breaking and entering, and carrying a weapon, and is sentenced to eight to ten years in prison. He begins serving his term in Charlestown Prison, where he starts to educate himself.

Influenced by family members and inspired by letters from Elijah Muhammad, Malcolm X embraces the Nation of Islam, distinct from traditional Islam.

The FBI initiates an investigation on Malcolm X, marking the beginning of their surveillance on him.

Malcolm X is denied parole in 1951 after being introduced to the words of the Nation of Islam's leader, Elijah Muhammad, and demanding the right to practice Islam in prison.

After focusing on his studies in the extensive library at Norfolk Prison Colony, Malcolm X is released from prison.

Malcolm moves to Chicago to live with Elijah Muhammad.

The Supreme Court issues a unanimous ruling declaring school segregation unconstitutional, leading to widespread desegregation.

Malcolm X becomes the Minister of Temple Number Twelve in Philadelphia, where he first hears rumors of Elijah Muhammad's adultery.

In 1956, Malcolm X's future wife, Betty Sanders, became a member of the Harlem Temple and adopted the name 'Betty X'. This event marked the beginning of their relationship and eventual marriage, which had a significant impact on Malcolm X's personal life and activism.

In April 14, 1957, New York Temple member Johnson Hinton was brutally beaten by police. Malcolm X joined a group of Muslims at the 28th Precinct headquarters in Harlem to demand medical attention for Hinton. The incident led to Malcolm X suing New York City for police brutality and winning the largest settlement in its history, bringing him national attention.

On April 26, 1957, Malcolm X intervened in a police brutality incident involving a member of the Nation of Islam in New York City.

Malcolm X marries Betty Sanders. Their first child, daughter Attallah, is born in November.

Malcolm X travels to the United Arab Republic, Sudan, and Nigeria.

On July 13, New York television begins airing a five-part documentary by Mike Wallace entitled The Hate that Hate Produced, which explores the rise of black racism and a call for black supremacy among a segment of the American Negro population. Despite its negative tone, the documentary leads to increased interest and growing membership in the Nation of Islam, alarming many in both the white community and the nascent civil rights movement.

In 1961, el-Hajj Malik el-Shabazz, also known as Malcolm X, played a key role in founding 'Muhammad Speaks', a newspaper that became a platform for the Nation of Islam's teachings and beliefs.

Malcolm X meets with Fidel Castro for half an hour at Hotel Theresa in Harlem in 1962. This meeting is a notable event in Malcolm X's political activities and international relations.

An altercation at the Los Angeles Temple led to police entering and killing its unarmed secretary, Ronald Stokes. Malcolm X eulogized Stokes at a funeral attended by 2,000 people, condemning the police's actions and urging action against the unjust killing.

Malcolm X attends the March on Washington and criticizes it as a 'farce' and claims it was 'run by whites in front of a statue of a president who has been dead for a hundred years and who didn't like us when he was alive.'

Just a few days after President John F. Kennedy's assassination, Malcolm X speaks at a Nation of Islam rally in New York and comments on the foul play committed by the United States around the world. He describes Kennedy's slaying as 'a case of chickens coming home to roost.' This leads to Elijah Muhammad silencing him for 90 days for disobeying orders not to comment on the assassination.

Malcolm X goes to Phoenix to meet with Elijah Muhammad, who orders him to 'put out the fire' regarding the leader's adultery. Additionally, Malcolm is removed as the Nation's national representative and as minister of the Harlem Temple No. 7.

Malcolm X and his family spend a week at boxer Cassius Clay's Miami compound. Clay seeks guidance from Malcolm as he prepares for a fight against Sonny Liston. Tensions increase between Malcolm and Elijah Muhammad after this visit.

On March 8, 1964, Malcolm X publicly announced his break from the Nation of Islam and his plans to organize a black nationalist organization.

Malcolm X publicly declares his separation from the Nation of Islam, following his controversial speech regarding the assassination of Kennedy. This event marks a significant turning point in his ideological and religious journey.

On March 26, 1964, Malcolm X met Martin Luther King Jr. for the first and only time in Washington, D.C.

Malcolm X's family home in East Elmhurst, New York is attacked with a firebomb. Fortunately, no one in the family sustained serious injuries.

On February 19, 1965, Malcolm X expressed concerns about threats to his life from the Nation of Islam.

Malcolm X was tragically assassinated on February 21, 1965, during a speaking engagement at the Audubon Ballroom in Manhattan, New York City, by three members of the Nation of Islam.

Malcolm X, a prominent civil rights activist, was assassinated on February 21, 1965. He was a controversial figure known for his advocacy of black empowerment and self-defense.

The funeral service of Malcolm X took place with eulogy delivered by actor/playwright Ossie Davis. Over 20,000 people attended the service. Bishop Childs and his family faced constant threats at their home and church for agreeing to conduct the funeral.

Three men, Talmadge Hayer, Norman 3X Butler, and Thomas 15X Johnson, were convicted of the murder of Malcolm X in March of 1966.

Betty Shabazz, the wife of Malcolm X, died in a fire that was allegedly set by her grandson, Malcolm, who was named after Malcolm X.