Who was Malcolm X?

Malcolm X was indeed an influential African American leader known for his advocacy of black empowerment and social justice. He played a significant role in the civil rights movement during the 1950s and 1960s but took a different approach than some of his contemporaries. Malcolm X emphasized the importance of racial pride, self-defense, and autonomy for African Americans. He was a prominent figure in the Nation of Islam before later adopting a more inclusive perspective after his pilgrimage to Mecca, which influenced his views on race relations and solidarity among people of different backgrounds.

His speeches and writings sparked significant conversations about race, identity, and justice in America, making him a pivotal figure in African American history. His legacy continues to inspire movements for equality and justice today, and he remains a powerful symbol of the struggle against racial oppression. The other response options do not accurately capture his role or contributions in the context of African American history and the civil rights movement.