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Chapter Fourteen  

Chicago, New York, Washington, & Los Angeles.
Time: 1959-1961

Beginning in 1959, Malcolm X becomes deeply enthusiastic about spreading the word of the Nation by speaking publicly, opening several temples, and recruiting thousands of followers. In chapter 14, we see, for the first time, Mr. Elijah Muhammad speak about the Nation of Islam. We also get a chance to see what Malcolm's experience in debating and researching has done for him. Malcolm addresses thousands about the meaning of being a Muslim and what sacrifices are to be made to join the Nation of Islam. Within only two years, he also opens a handful of Muslim temples in major cities across the U.S. He puts his past street knowledge to the test and recruits many new followers. The Nation of Islam is also higly publicized in the media during this time, part of which is due to Malcolm X. He created the Nation's first newspaper, "Muhammad Speaks." Chapter 14 illustrates how Malcolm X has become a sort of 'wing-man' to Mr. Elijah Muhammad. It also shows just how polar opposite his new views on life are as compared to his old opinions. Finally, in Malcolm's life, he feels a sense of purpose.