Like Malcolm X, Black Men Are Turning to Islam for Direction and Belonging

In his memoir, Malcolm X addresses what he perceives as the "hypocrisy" within Christianity, criticizing its historical connections to slavery and its doctrine of passivity in the face of racial injustice. This commentary strikes a chord among a growing cohort of Black men, especially those incarcerated. “Malcolm X at 100” is a series by Word In Black paying tribute to El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz on his centennial anniversary. Raised in a religious household, Malcolm transitioned from the Bible to incarceration, where he ultimately rediscovered faith through the Quran and the Nation of Islam. He noted that, unlike his experiences with Christian churches, the Muslims he encountered lived authentically by their beliefs. As Black men increasingly embrace Islam, experts suggest this reflects both historical context and a profound search for identity and dignity.