How The New York Times Covered Malcolm X Before and After His Death

Malcolm X remains one of the most influential leaders in American history. During his lifetime, the media often portrayed him as a dangerous radical rather than a champion for justice. The New York Times, one of the most respected newspapers, played a key role in shaping that narrative.

Early Coverage of Malcolm X Focused on Controversy

In the late 1950s, Malcolm X rose to national prominence as the spokesperson for the Nation of Islam. Many Americans first learned about him through the 1959 documentary The Hate That Hate Produced, which framed the Nation of Islam as a hate group. The New York Times followed this portrayal, often emphasizing his militant rhetoric instead of his broader message on racial injustice.

The newspaper painted him as a divisive figure. Articles focused on his criticisms of nonviolent civil rights leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. rather than his fight against systemic racism. The New York Times, like much of mainstream media, ignored the deeper meaning of his speeches and instead highlighted his call for Black empowerment in a way that made him appear threatening to the status quo.

The New York Times Reported His Assassination With a Harsh Tone

On February 21, 1965, Malcolm X was assassinated in front of a crowd at the Audubon Ballroom in Harlem. The New York Times reported on his death but maintained its critical stance. One article described him as “an extraordinary and twisted man” who “turned many true gifts to evil purpose.” This language reflected the newspaper’s unwillingness to recognize his evolving beliefs and efforts to unite people.

Malcolm, a slim, reddish-haired six-footer with a gift for bitter eloquence against what he considered white exploitation of Negroes, broke in March, 1964, with the Black Muslim movement called the Nation of Islam… – New York Times

Other publications, especially international outlets, offered more balanced perspectives. Some recognized his role in global human rights movements. The New York Times, however, stuck to its previous narrative and failed to acknowledge the impact of his activism beyond the United States.

The Media Changed Its View on Malcolm X Over Time

After his death, interest in Malcolm X grew. His autobiography, co-written with Alex Haley, revealed a more complex and human side of his journey. Over time, scholars and journalists revisited his work and acknowledged his influence on civil rights. The New York Times, which once criticized him, eventually began to highlight his contributions to racial justice.

Today, Malcolm X receives more widespread respect. Many now recognize his speeches and teachings as essential to understanding the fight for Black liberation. The New York Times and other major media outlets have revised their portrayal of him, but the shift took decades.

The Power of Media in Shaping History

The way the media reports on public figures influences how they are remembered. Malcolm X experienced this firsthand. The New York Times and other major newspapers shaped his image during his lifetime in a way that fueled hatred rather than understanding. Decades later, the world views him differently, proving that history often re-evaluates those who challenge the system.

Sixty years after his assassination, Malcolm X’s family continues to fight for transparency. Attorney Ben Crump recently called for the release of classified documents related to the case, asking, “What is in Malcolm X’s files that is so bad that they won’t be released?” His family has filed a $150 million lawsuit against multiple government agencies, including the FBI and CIA, alleging a conspiracy in his assassination. His daughter, Ilyasah Shabazz, remains hopeful for justice, stating, “The truth must be known and that’s what we’re fighting for, the truth, and once we get that, we can get justice.“

Recognizing how the media covered Malcolm X reminds us to question dominant narratives and seek the full story. His legacy stands as a powerful example of how perceptions change over time, and how the truth eventually comes to light. The continued fight for justice surrounding his assassination proves that his story is still being written.