Malcolm X

Malcolm X was an African-American Muslim minister, public speaker, and human rights activist. In 1946, Malcolm X was sentenced to eight to ten years in prison. While in prison, Malcolm X became a member of the Nation of Islam. After his parole in 1952, he became one of the Nation's leaders and chief spokesmen. He was the public face of the Nation of Islam. Tension between Malcolm X and Elijah Muhammad, head of the Nation of Islam, led to Malcolm X's departure from the organization in March 1964. After leaving the Nation of Islam, Malcolm X became a Sunni Muslim and made a pilgrimage to Mecca, after which he disavowed racism. He traveled extensively throughout Africa and the Middle East. He founded Muslim Mosque, Inc., a religious organization. Less than a year after he left the Nation of Islam, Malcolm X was assassinated while giving a speech in New York.

On the left is a famous image of Malcolm X holding a rifle looking outside his window. This picture was taken after Malcolm had received numerous amount of death threats. During this time some people even attacked Malcolm's home where they threw burning rocks into his house. The burning rocks hit the room where his three daughters were sleeping. Malcolm X was furious and had been reported to have said that if had seen the suspects he would have got his riffle and shot them on sight. Know the previous events this image has significant power. The image shows Malcolm X looking out his window holding a riffle, as to indicate that he is watching and is ready to take action. The image has more of an effect because his finger is on the trigger. The expression on his face is very serious as to indicate that this is not a joke and he is not just doing it to take the photograph.