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How did Malcolm X's actions link to his religion?

When he was in prison, Malcolm X learned about the Nation of Islam and became what is historically known as a Black Muslim. The Nation of Islam emphasized a strict moral code and reliance upon other African Americans. Black Muslims did not work toward integration; rather, they aimed to open up their own schools, churches, and other community organizations. Malcolm X wanted black people to take pride in their heritage, which extended to a desire...

When he was in prison, Malcolm X learned about the Nation of Islam and became what is historically known as a Black Muslim. The Nation of Islam emphasized a strict moral code and reliance upon other African Americans. Black Muslims did not work toward integration; rather, they aimed to open up their own schools, churches, and other community organizations. Malcolm X wanted black people to take pride in their heritage, which extended to a desire for African Americans to have their own state. He considered this state to be something African Americans had a right to, and was okay with violence being used as one means of achieving this state. This put him in contrast with Martin Luther King, Jr., who advocated exclusively for non-violent protests. 


Malcolm X softened on his stance later on, and eventually left the Nation of Islam in 1963. He continued to identify as Muslim, though, and made his pilgrimage to Mecca in 1964. Also in 1964, Malcolm X met with Martin Luther King, Jr. to discuss the civil rights movement. Unfortunately, while leading a nonviolent protest the following year, Malcolm X was shot by opposing Black Muslims.

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