Malcolm X is one of the most controversial figures in American history. Born as Malcolm Little in Nebraska, he settled in New York and became a common thug. At the age of 19 he became a hustler and was eventually arrested for cocaine position and theft and sentenced to ten years in prison.
While in prison his life radically changed when he discovered the teachings of Elijah Mohammed and the Black Muslims. Malcolm X became enthralled with Mohammed’s teachings and attempted to write him a letter, but encountered a slight problem. X later wrote in his autobiography that he attempted to write the letter over twenty-five times, but his handwriting and spelling were so terrible he was embarrassed to send it.
After attempting to read several books and only taking away every other word, he vowed to become educated. In pursuit of his education, X later wrote that he copied the dictionary forwards and backwards and then read aloud every word to help his grammar and pronunciation. He went on to become one of the most prominent figures in the civil rights battle for equality.
Today, there are few who would not say his name second after that of Martin Luther King Jr. and although his methods are controversial, there is no denying the commitment Malcolm X gave to his education and cause.