• W. James Taylor
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Malcolm X

A Graphite / Pencil portrait of Malcolm X (born Malcolm Little; May 19, 1925 – February 21, 1965), also known as El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz, was an African American Muslim minister, public speaker, and human rights activist. To his admirers, he was a courageous advocate for the rights of African Americans, a man who indicted white America in the harshest terms for its crimes against black Americans. His detractors accused him of preaching racism and violence. He has been described as one of the greatest and most influential African Americans in history. Malcolm X was born in Omaha, Nebraska. By the time he was 13, his father had died and his mother had been committed to a mental hospital. After living in a series of foster homes, Malcolm X became involved in the criminal underworld in Boston and New York. In 1945, Malcolm X was sentenced to eight to ten years in prison. While in prison, Malcolm X became a member of the Nation of Islam. After his parole in 1952, he became one of the Nation's leaders and chief spokesmen. For nearly a dozen years, he was the public face of the Nation of Islam. Tension between Malcolm X and Elijah Muhammad, head of the Nation of Islam, led to his departure from the organization in March 1964. After leaving the Nation of Islam, Malcolm X made the pilgrimage, the Hajj, to Mecca and became a Sunni Muslim. He traveled extensively throughout Africa and the Middle East. He founded Muslim Mosque, Inc., a religious organization, and the secular, black nationalist Organization of Afro-American Unity. Less than a year after he left the Nation of Islam, Malcolm X was assassinated while giving a speech in New York.

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Anonymous Guest

Jessica Hinsliff 06 Jul 2010

Great tribute to a great man.

william james taylor junior 10 Sep 2008

you really made those eyes amazing

Anonymous Guest 15 Aug 2006

Wonderful piece. I can appreciate your talent as reflected in this excellent piece of work. (I told you at the Northwest I am a color blind.) Shim

Anonymous Guest 22 Mar 2006

This piece is POWERFUL! As an artist myself I can appreciate your craftsmanship. Of all the ones visible on your page this one leaped out to me. Even past the bold reds of the macaw. Excellent.

Kevin Eason 21 Apr 2005

Great piece on Bro. Malcolm