Assumed name of Malcolm Little. US black nationalist leader. While serving a prison sentence for burglary 1946-53, he joined the Black Muslims sect. On his release he campaigned for black separatism, condoning violence in self-defence, but in 1964 modified his views to found the Islamic, socialist Organisation of Afro-American Unity, preaching racial solidarity. A year later he was assassinated by Black Muslim opponents while addressing a rally in Harlem, New York City. His 'Autobiography of Malcolm X' was published in 1964.
