The Autobiography of Malcolm X Terms

The Klu Klux Klan is a national white supremacist organization. Throughout the Jim Crow Era and beyond, Klan members have been responsible for the lynching and house bombings of African Americans, along with other acts… read analysis of Ku Klux Klan

A splinter group of the Klan, the Black Legion operated throughout the Midwest during the Great Depression. read analysis of Black Legion

Hustlers, in Malcolm’s day, are young men looking to make money through independent ventures which are usually illegal, ranging from selling drugs and alcohol to armed burglary. They typically sported conks and zoot suits. read analysis of Hustlers

A style of suits first popularized in African American communities, they became popular with other groups, as well. Zoot suits typically used excessive fabric, giving them a baggy look which was supposed to signal wealth… read analysis of Zoot suits

Founded in 1930 by W. D. Fard Muhammad, the Nation is an African American organization that fuses a political message of Black Nationalism with an adapted form of Islam. read analysis of Nation of Islam

The Fruit of Islam is the paramilitary force of the Nation of Islam. It is composed of young men, whose commitment to the Nation makes them its “fruit.” read analysis of Fruit of Islam

The Hajj, a pilgrimage to the ancient city of Mecca, is one of the central pillars of Islam. All able-bodied Muslims are required to undertake the Hajj at least once in their lives. read analysis of Hajj

Pan-Africanism is a philosophy that calls for solidarity among all people of African descent throughout the world. It recognizes people of African descent as being oppressed in many different national contexts, and aims to build… read analysis of Pan-Africanism

Colonialism is the historical phenomenon when one nation-state takes over territory claimed by another nation or people, imposes a foreign political and economic structure and settles its own “colonists” in its new colony. Colonialism usually… read analysis of Colonialism

Founded by Malcolm X in 1964 after leaving the Nation of Islam, the organization failed to continue after his assassination. read analysis of Muslim Mosque Inc.

The Great Depression is the worst economic depression in US history. Following the Wall Street Crash of 1929, the country struggled through chronic unemployment and poverty rates for the next ten years. read analysis of Great Depression