(ThyBlackMan.com) Malcolm X’s assassination on February 21, 1965, is one of the most debated and controversial events in the history of the American civil rights movement. It stands out as a turning point in African-American history and remains a subject of intense speculation and conspiracy theories. This essay examines the relationship between Malcolm X and Louis Farrakhan, scrutinizing the events leading up to the assassination and whether Farrakhan had any involvement.
Malcolm X and the Nation of Islam
Malcolm X, born Malcolm Little in 1925, was drawn into criminal activity as a young man before being sentenced to prison for burglary. During his incarceration, he became influenced by the teachings of Elijah Muhammad, the leader of the Nation of Islam (NOI). After converting to Islam and adopting the name Malcolm X, he became a prominent spokesperson for the NOI, advocating for Black empowerment, self-reliance, and the separation of Black and White societies.
Malcolm X’s magnetic personality and forceful oratory attracted thousands of new members to the NOI, significantly increasing its influence and visibility. His fiery rhetoric, which often advocated for self-defense and Black separatism, made him a polarizing figure in America but also earned him immense respect among many African Americans.
The Rift and Departure
Tensions between Malcolm X and Elijah Muhammad began to surface in the early 1960s. Malcolm X became increasingly disillusioned with Muhammad, particularly after learning of the latter’s alleged infidelities. In addition, Malcolm X’s pilgrimage to Mecca in 1964 profoundly impacted his worldview. There, he experienced the unity and diversity of Muslims of all races, leading him to embrace a more inclusive interpretation of Islam that diverged significantly from the NOI’s separatist teachings.
These ideological shifts and revelations led Malcolm X to resign from the NOI in March 1964 and establish his own organizations, the Muslim Mosque, Inc., and the Organization of Afro-American Unity (OAAU). His departure caused significant tensions with the NOI, which saw his exit as a betrayal.
The Role of Louis Farrakhan
Louis Farrakhan, known at the time as Louis X, was a devout follower of Elijah Muhammad and a vocal critic of Malcolm X after his departure from the NOI. Farrakhan was among the more militant members of the NOI and deeply loyal to Muhammad’s leadership. He viewed Malcolm X’s departure as treacherous, and his rhetoric towards Malcolm X became increasingly vitriolic. In a speech to NOI members, Farrakhan denounced Malcolm X as a traitor, insinuating that his death would be justified. In an article published in “Muhammad Speaks,” the NOI’s official newspaper, Farrakhan labeled Malcolm X as “worthy of death,” further inflaming the animosity against him within the NOI.
The Assassination of Malcolm X
On February 21, 1965, Malcolm X was preparing to address a crowd at the Audubon Ballroom in Harlem when he was fatally shot. As he began his speech, a disturbance erupted in the audience, creating chaos. Amid the confusion, gunmen rushed toward the stage and opened fire, hitting Malcolm X multiple times.
Three men with alleged ties to the NOI—Talmadge Hayer (Thomas Hagan), Norman 3X Butler, and Thomas 15X Johnson—were arrested and later convicted of the assassination. Hayer confessed to his involvement but insisted that Butler and Johnson were not part of the assassination plot. Despite his testimony, Butler and Johnson were imprisoned for several decades before being exonerated in 2021.
Allegations Against Louis Farrakhan
Following Malcolm X’s assassination, speculation swirled regarding Louis Farrakhan’s potential involvement. Farrakhan’s harsh criticism and incitement against Malcolm X are believed to have contributed to the hostile climate that surrounded Malcolm X leading up to his assassination. In a 1993 interview with PBS, Farrakhan admitted that his rhetoric might have contributed to the atmosphere that led to Malcolm X’s assassination but denied any direct involvement in the crime.
Potential Motives for Farrakhan’s Involvement
Understanding why some speculate about Louis Farrakhan’s involvement in Malcolm X’s assassination requires examining several key motives:
- Loyalty to Elijah Muhammad: Farrakhan was deeply loyal to Elijah Muhammad and considered Malcolm X’s departure a betrayal of Muhammad’s leadership. His strong allegiance to the NOI and Muhammad could have influenced him to take extreme actions against those deemed enemies of the movement.
- Ideological Differences: Malcolm X’s evolving ideology after his pilgrimage to Mecca clashed with the NOI’s teachings. He began advocating for more inclusivity and was willing to work with other civil rights leaders from different religious and ideological backgrounds. Farrakhan, known for his strict adherence to the NOI’s doctrines, may have viewed Malcolm X’s changing views as a threat to the NOI.
- Power Dynamics: Malcolm X was a highly influential figure whose leadership within the NOI rivaled that of Elijah Muhammad himself. His departure created a power vacuum, and Farrakhan, as an ambitious and rising member of the NOI, might have seen the opportunity to consolidate his influence by discrediting Malcolm X.
- Rhetorical Influence: Farrakhan’s inflammatory speeches and writings created a culture of hostility towards Malcolm X. While not directly implicated in the assassination, Farrakhan’s rhetoric may have encouraged radical elements within the NOI to believe that violence against Malcolm X was justified.
Investigations and Recent Developments
The investigation into Malcolm X’s assassination has undergone several reviews, uncovering new evidence that has raised questions about the original investigation and trial. The FBI and NYPD have been implicated in potential cover-ups and mishandling of evidence. A 2020 Netflix documentary, “Who Killed Malcolm X?” brought renewed attention to the case, presenting fresh evidence and theories. In 2021, Butler and Johnson were formally exonerated after a reinvestigation found inconsistencies in the original case.
Conclusion
While Louis Farrakhan’s incendiary language and harsh criticism likely contributed to a climate of hostility that led to Malcolm X’s assassination, there is no definitive evidence directly linking him to the murder. The complexities surrounding the case reflect deep-seated tensions within the civil rights movement and the broader political landscape of the 1960s, leaving many questions unanswered regarding Malcolm X’s death.
Sources
- Manning Marable, Malcolm X: A Life of Reinvention. Viking, 2011.
- Bruce Perry, Malcolm: The Life of a Man Who Changed Black America. Station Hill Press, 1991.
- “Louis Farrakhan on Malcolm X” (1993 interview with PBS).
- Les Payne and Tamara Payne, The Dead Are Arising: The Life of Malcolm X. Liveright, 2020.
- Henry Hampton, Eyes on the Prize: America’s Civil Rights Years, 1954-1965. Penguin Books, 1987.
- Ronald Kessler, The FBI. Pocket Books, 1993.
This brother has a passion for poetry and music. One may contact him at; JJackson@ThyBlackMan.com.
I recognize the deep emotions and concerns you have expressed regarding the injustices and mistreatment of our people. I would caution against responding with inflammatory rhetoric or calls to violence, as that is unlikely to lead to meaningful progress or change.
Meeting hate with more hate will only perpetuate the cycle of division and conflict. Progress can only be made through open and honest dialogue, where all parties involved. This may require challenging our own biases and preconceptions, and being open to perspectives that differ from our own.
We cannot afford to endorse or support any plans that involve violence, as that would only serve to further destabilize and harm our community. Inflaming tensions or promoting extremism is not the answer.
Can Someone Tell Me One Thing The Minister Has Done For The African American in this country? Not The Black me who are a part of his group of followers, Black People at Large. At The End Of The Day. Lip Service Is Just Lip Service. Enough Said.
That article was and is a joke ?!
Black people is too smart to fall for that stuff today!
Same people who wrote and posted that garbage are the same folks who believe that Israel is justified for that slaughter they are committing TODAY! That’s the real news that should be talked about today!
Anybody, who thinks that the Minister had ANYTHING to do with the murder of Malcolm X is either stupid or mentally challenged, or maybe both.
The Federal government of the United States of America is responsible for the assassination of Malcolm X. All of the evidence that has been released in recent years proves this beyond all doubt. The family of Malcolm X is suing the government. The only people holding on to the lie that the Minister was involved are knowingly or unknowingly working on behalf of the murderers of Malcolm X.
I’m glad I came across this article because I’ve often wondered about the true circumstances surrounding Malcolm X’s death. Many people believe it was an inside job, with Farrakhan orchestrating the hit. It’s astonishing what some will do to gain power!
This is an insult to the nation of ISLAM and to our honorable Minister Farakhan. No it did not happen and Minister Farakhan did not have anything to do with the death of our beloved Malcom x, Our Malcom X was assassinated by coons under the supervison of racist white American men and women, who View Malcom X as a threat to the white power structure.
Of course, the racist white men of America will always use a sell out negro to write articles defaming the integrity of a black man that fights for the rights and empowerment of his black community. We all know that Martin Luther King was gun down by a white Law enforcement officer who use a fire department station as his shooting location and place to hide until the crowd was clear for him to leave that fire station. Yes, in those days and even today the fire department station was and is still a safe house for white supremacy, KKK and the Aryan brotherhood.
We as a black nation have allow racist America and their Religion of the slaves aka Christianity in cahoot with sellout black pastors, priest and house negros to tarnish, demonizes, dehumanized, label and profile our black leaders and our community itself. We allowed these neanderthal cave dwelling killers to brainwash us and control us via the use Rap Music aka musci of death and destruction; we allowed them to introduce thousands of liquor stores, tobacco stores into our poorest inner cities that in short are causing the demised of our young black Christian children. We let the white men piss and shit on us everyday and every day we believe that these nasty white bastards will change and accept us. Well guess what, it will never happen.
My fellow black men, women and LGBT, we must unite and stand up against any racist Muzungu and any house or sell out negro that sides with them in order to destroyed our beloved African American community and create chaos and division among ourselves. This is not the time for black people to divide and turn against each others base on false alegations created by white people with smllal penis and small buttocks to turn us against each other and against the Nation of Islam. Remember, we are black first and we must with each other until death because the white man and the Jewish man stick with his own people until death.
I am now asking all African American men, women, LGBT to be ready for November election because there will be none and there will be a bloodbath, so we must be prepare to fight and protect our community and ourselves from the onslaught of crazy and racist white people who are infected with the disease of madness, insanity, insecurity, fear and the shortcomings of having small private parts from attacking us and killing us. I am asking for All African Americans to armed yourselves and exercise your second amendment rights by legally purchasing guns, rifles, shot guns, revolvers, pistols, cross bows, Kevlar helmets, bullet proof vest, body armor, first aid kit and survival food to prepared to defends our selves against racist Americans and illegal immigrants who are coming to killed you and children but more so to take your jobs and benefits.
Sometimes, we as black people continue to forget the past and what white people, Asians and Hispanics are done to us, and for that reason we are loosing and our black children are loosing. We must learned from the past and never forget what our enemies have done to our forefathers and onto us and our children. There are times in which all black men in American will have to adopt and follow the steps of the Palestinians who have been oppress and abuse for years by the untouchables who close friend’s and allies of racist white people. Therefore, all black men, women and LGBT must be ready and be willing to do the same thing in American as what Hamas did in Isarael. enough is enough with white supremacy and discrimination.
Black people must be willing to armed themselves and fight racist and corrupt cops and white men to the death ; even though, we may not win this war, but at least we will give these racist bastards with little penis a good hamering or die trying.
Are you certain about this? It appears that Louis Farrakhan may have always intended to take control of the Nation of Islam. I’m skeptical that they were truly close, as one seemed focused on the people, while the other seemed driven by a desire for power. The truth will eventually reveal itself, so there’s no need to defend him vehemently. It’s said that the truth will come to light, and it seems the Nation of Islam needs to address these issues.