‘Worthy of Death’: How Farrakhan and Elijah Muhammad Framed Malcolm X’s Assassination
On February 21, 1965, Malcolm X was killed by members of the Nation of Islam. Two of its leaders—Louis Farrakhan and Elijah Muhammad—used harsh rhetoric to portray his death as punishment for betraying their cause. In December 1964, Farrakhan wrote in the movement’s newspaper that “Malcolm shall not escape. Such a man as Malcolm is worthy of death.” After the assassination, he defended that stance as dealing with a traitor. Decades later, he admitted his words may have helped incite violence. Elijah Muhammad publicly denied ordering the killing. Yet in speeches and press comments, he called Malcolm’s violent end divine retribution for preaching violence. He said Malcolm “got just what he was preaching.” This episode raises tough questions about words and responsibility. Who lives trapped in a “Black Box” of betrayal? And how far can harsh language go before it sparks deadly acts?
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