This film is a tribute to the black activist and leader of the movement black liberation. during his imprisonment in the '50s, he learned about the teachings of Prophet Elijah Mohammad. He then became a Black Muslim and then a leader in the Nation of Islam. His assassination in 1965 left a legacy of self-determination and racial pride. The film begins with young Malcolm X in Boston and Harlem, along with his friend Shorty, and their involvement in burglary, drug dealing and prostitution. In flashbacks, the movie shows Malcolm’s family before he was born and during his early childhood. His father was killed by the KKK and his mother was sent to a mental center. He was then separated from his siblings.

During a group robbery, Malcolm and his partners get sent to jail for 8-10 years, while his white female partners only served 5 years in jail. After learning about the Nation of Islam and its teachings by one of the prisoners, Malcolm converts to the Nation of Islam under the minister, Elijah Muhammad. In prison, he educates himself, and after leaving, becomes the main speaker of the movement, preaching Elijah Muhammad's teachings of complete separation between whites and blacks, and that all whites were racists and enemies. However, Malcolm's feelings change after his trip to Mecca, where he was touched by seeing Muslims of all races and colors together. While preaching his new beliefs, he receives death threats and was assassinated by the followers of Elijah Muhammad.

Dir. Spike LeeCast: Malcolm X (Denzel Washington), Betty Shabazz (Angela Basset), Shorty (Spike Lee), West Indian Archie (Delroy Lindo)40 acres and a mule, 1992