5 Things #MalcolmTaughtMe That You Should Know

Over the weekend, Black Twitter and people around the globe commemorated the 50th anniversary of the assassination of Malcolm X. To double-down on the occasion, Ebony Magazine asked thought leaders and the Twitterverse to reflect on how the Nation of Islam minister affected their cultural identity and work via the hashtag, #MalcolmTaughtMe.

The internationally renowned human rights activist was the subject of mainstream press, as new artifacts such as telegraphed communications between him and Martin Luther King Jr. and historical photographs were unveiled through social media. For those unfamiliar with the story of Malcolm X (née Little), he was a smart young man who fell on the wrong side of the tracks. Becoming a convict at a young age, Little converted to Islam in prison, became Malcolm X (X for the unknown name and heritage of Africans in America), and led millions on the way to finding their own identity and heritage.

His message of self-reliance, self-determination, and the removal of white supremacy "by any means necessary" sounded like a rallying cry for the disrespected class of citizens within the United States. He was seemingly leagues apart from the "turn the other cheek" practice of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his nonviolent civil rights movement. Despite his efforts to unify black people across the United States, the African diaspora, and the Caribbean, Malcolm X and his constitutions have survived to energize a new crop of crusaders fighting and dying to levy injustices against people of color.

As we continue to celebrate Black History Month, we take a look at some interesting lessons learned from the black shining prince named Malcolm X. Here are some of the #MalcolmTaughtMe tweets that you should know about below:

What did the life and legacy of Malcolm X teach you? Let us know in comments below.