The Centenary of Malcolm X

May 19th marks 100 years since the birth of Malcolm X, born Malcolm Little in Omaha, Nebraska in 1925. Malcolm X’s early life was marked by hardship and trauma: his father, Earl Little, was a Baptist preacher and ardent supporter of Marcus Garvey’s Pan-African movement, which advocated for Black nationalism and economic self-sufficiency. Earl Little’s activism made him a target for white supremacists, leading to threats that culminated in his suspicious death in 1931. Following this tragedy, Malcolm’s mother struggled to cope and was institutionalised, scattering Malcolm and his siblings among foster homes.

By his teenage years, Malcolm Little had moved to Boston and later New York, engaging in petty crime, which eventually led to a burglary conviction in 1946. It was during his incarceration that Malcolm encountered the teachings of Elijah Muhammad and the Nation of Islam (NOI), a religious organisation promoting Black self-reliance, racial pride, and a separation from white society. Upon his release in 1952, Malcolm adopted the surname 'X', symbolising his lost African heritage, and quickly rose within the Nation’s ranks, becoming its most charismatic spokesperson.

In 1960, LIFE magazine assigned renowned photojournalist Eve Arnold to document Malcolm X’s rapidly expanding influence. Arnold shadowed him through major cities such as Washington, New York, and Chicago for nearly a year, capturing his magnetic presence at rallies, speeches, and during private moments of reflection. Her presence was not universally welcomed: threats emerged from diverse adversaries, including American Nazi Party leader George Lincoln Rockwell, while some Black attendees, suspicious of a white photographer documenting their movement, burned cigarette holes into her sweater.

Despite these challenges, Arnold succeeded in creating an extraordinary visual record, providing a nuanced mosaic of Malcolm X and the Nation of Islam. Her photographs illuminated a powerful new force within American society, existing parallel to the more mainstream Civil Rights movement led by Martin Luther King Jr. Unlike King's advocacy of integration and nonviolent protest, Malcolm X promoted a philosophy of self-defense and autonomy, arguing for immediate social justice through self-determination and economic empowerment for Black Americans.

Malcolm X during his visit to enterprises owned by Black Muslims, Eve Arnold, 1962 

Arnold’s portraits revealed Malcolm X as a profoundly compelling and complex figure. She noted his kindness and willingness to facilitate her work, assisting not only by providing unprecedented access but also by arranging photographic subjects and interviews. Their collaboration transcended professional boundaries, grounded in mutual respect and understanding.

However, Arnold’s photographs initially faced rejection. LIFE magazine editors dismissed the story, arguing the Nation of Islam would be unfamiliar to mainstream audiences. Determined, Arnold persisted and ultimately saw her groundbreaking work published by Esquire magazine in 1961. 

Reflecting later on her collaboration with Malcolm X, Arnold expressed profound gratitude, recognising the rare privilege of working alongside one of the 20th century’s most dynamic leaders. Her images remain crucial historical documents, capturing the essence of Malcolm X’s charisma, intellect and unwavering commitment to Black liberation.