Throughout the turbulent years of the American civil rights movement, Malcolm X emerged as a powerful and uncompromising voice for Black liberation and justice. Known for his eloquence, strength, and unapologetic stance on Black empowerment, he made significant contributions to the fight against racial oppression. While much of Malcolm X’s legacy is centered on his individual activism and speeches, he also engaged in meaningful collaborations with other prominent individuals and organizations during his life. Understanding who Malcolm X collaborated with offers a clearer picture of his impact on history and the diversity of thought within the broader movement for racial justice.
Early Affiliations and the Nation of Islam
Collaboration with Elijah Muhammad
One of Malcolm X’s most significant early partnerships was with Elijah Muhammad, the leader of the Nation of Islam (NOI). After his release from prison in 1952, Malcolm X joined the Nation and quickly rose through the ranks due to his dynamic speaking ability and charismatic leadership. Elijah Muhammad became both a mentor and a father figure to Malcolm, and the two worked closely for over a decade to spread the Nation’s message.
Under Muhammad’s guidance, Malcolm X helped establish and grow several NOI temples across the United States. He was instrumental in expanding the Nation’s reach, recruiting thousands of new members and attracting media attention. Their collaboration was deeply rooted in a shared vision of Black self-reliance, discipline, and separation from white American society.
Break from the Nation of Islam
However, tensions began to arise as Malcolm X became more popular than Elijah Muhammad himself. Disagreements over internal policies and moral conduct eventually led Malcolm to split from the organization in 1964. His departure marked a significant turning point in both his ideology and collaborations.
Post-Nation Period and International Engagement
Formation of Muslim Mosque, Inc.
Following his separation from the Nation of Islam, Malcolm X founded Muslim Mosque, Inc., a religious organization that embraced Sunni Islam. This new direction opened doors to collaborations with Muslim leaders worldwide. Malcolm began to engage more deeply with Islamic teachings, especially after his pilgrimage to Mecca in 1964, known as the Hajj. This spiritual journey transformed his outlook, making him more inclusive and open to working with people of different races and backgrounds.
Organization of Afro-American Unity (OAAU)
Another important collaboration came with the creation of the Organization of Afro-American Unity (OAAU), inspired by the Organization of African Unity. The OAAU was secular and aimed to unite African Americans in their struggle for civil rights. It focused on internationalizing the plight of African Americans, building bridges with African leaders and liberation movements abroad.
Through the OAAU, Malcolm X collaborated with Pan-African leaders such as:
- Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana
- Julius Nyerere of Tanzania
- Ahmed Sékou Touré of Guinea
These leaders shared Malcolm’s belief in African unity, anti-colonial struggle, and global solidarity against racial oppression.
Work with Civil Rights Activists
Limited but Notable Interactions
While Malcolm X often criticized the mainstream civil rights movement for being too moderate or integrationist, he still had important exchanges with key figures. Though not formal collaborators, these interactions helped shape the dialogue between competing ideologies of the era.
Malcolm met with Martin Luther King Jr. only once, in March 1964, during a Senate debate on the Civil Rights Act. The meeting was brief but symbolic, as it showed the two most recognized voices of Black America standing together, despite ideological differences. Malcolm admired King’s courage, even though he disagreed with his nonviolent approach.
He also reached out to other activists such as:
- Bayard Rustin, a chief organizer of the 1963 March on Washington
- James Farmer of the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE)
- John Lewis of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC)
Although formal collaboration was limited, Malcolm’s bold stance influenced the younger generation of civil rights activists who later embraced more militant strategies during the Black Power era.
Influence on the Black Panther Party
Malcolm X did not live long enough to collaborate directly with the Black Panther Party, which was founded in 1966, a year after his death. However, his ideas greatly influenced its leaders, particularly Huey P. Newton and Bobby Seale. His emphasis on self-defense, political education, and Black pride laid the groundwork for the Panthers’ philosophy and community programs.
Media, Writers, and Intellectuals
Alex Haley Co-author of The Autobiography of Malcolm X
Perhaps one of the most impactful collaborations in Malcolm X’s life was with journalist and writer Alex Haley. Their work together onThe Autobiography of Malcolm Xbegan in 1963 and continued until Malcolm’s death in 1965. The book was published posthumously and has become a seminal text in American literature, offering deep insight into his evolving beliefs.
Haley’s patient and respectful approach allowed Malcolm to open up in ways he rarely did in public speeches. The autobiography remains one of the most cited and widely read books about the civil rights era, and Haley’s contribution ensured that Malcolm’s voice continued to influence generations beyond his life.
Engagement with Journalists and Foreign Diplomats
During his international travels, Malcolm X collaborated with journalists, translators, and diplomats who helped amplify his message to a global audience. He gave interviews to African, Middle Eastern, and European media outlets, often critiquing the United States’ hypocrisy on human rights.
These international connections were part of a strategic effort to bring the African American struggle before the United Nations, reframing it as a human rights issue rather than just a domestic civil rights matter.
Legacy of Collaboration
Though many view Malcolm X as a solitary figure, his life was rich with collaboration. From his early years in the Nation of Islam to his later work with international leaders, writers, and grassroots organizers, Malcolm understood the importance of building alliances. His evolving worldview led him to connect across religious, racial, and national boundaries, transforming him into a truly global figure.
The question of who Malcolm X collaborated with is not just a historical inquiry; it’s a window into how movements for justice are built. Through his work with individuals like Elijah Muhammad, Alex Haley, and global African leaders, Malcolm demonstrated that even the most uncompromising voices need networks, partnerships, and allies to create lasting change.
Today, the memory of Malcolm X’s collaborations lives on through the organizations he founded, the people he inspired, and the powerful legacy of resistance he left behind.