Radically different life experiences influenced the viewpoints of well-known activist Malcolm X. Growing up in a segregated society, he faced racism, incarceration, and hardship, shaping his strong stance on Black empowerment and civil rights. His experiences in prison catalyzed his transformation and commitment to advocacy, emphasizing self-determination and dignity. After joining the Nation of Islam, he advanced a more militant perspective compared to other figures in the civil rights movement. His later travels and encounters with global leaders redefined his approach, leading him to embrace a broader vision of human rights that transcended racial boundaries.