Malcolm X
A photograph of Malcolm X's mother, Louise Norton Little (1897-1989).
Louise Little was a brilliant woman, speaking multiple languages, and for years, along with her husband Earl Little, a dedicated activist of Marcus Garvey's Pan-African Movement (Universal Negro Improvement Association and African Communities League).
Louise Norton Little (1897-1989) was a Grenadian-born American activist and the mother of Malcolm X. Here are some key facts about her life.
- Born in Grenada to a former slave from Nigeria and a Scotsman
- Raised by her grandparents in Grenada
- Immigrated to Canada in 1917 and joined the UNIA (Universal Negro Improvement Association)
- Met her husband Earl Little at a UNIA meeting in Montreal and married in 1919
- Had eight children with Earl, including Malcolm X
- Was a Garveyite activist who taught her children about black pride and self-reliance
- Was committed to a mental institution for 24 years and released in 1963 with the help of her children
- Lived with her family in Grand Rapids, Michigan, until her deáth in 1989.
Louise Norton Little, born in Grenada in 1897, was an influential figure not just as the mother of Malcolm X but as a dedicated activist in her own right. After immigrating to Canada in 1917, she became actively involved with the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA), founded by Marcus Garvey. Her marriage to Earl Little further strengthened her commitment to the cause of black pride and self-reliance. Throughout her life, Louise raised eight children, instilling in them the values of dignity and activism. Her fight for recognition and wellness ultimately led to a staggering 24 years in a mental institution, but she overcame these challenges, emerging resilient and ready to support her family once again. Louise's profound influence on her children, especially Malcolm, shaped their identities and their stance in the civil rights movement. Her life reflects the strength of a woman who battled numerous societal challenges and yet, through her dedication to education and activism, created a legacy that continued long after her passing in 1989.
Thank you for sharing this information. ❤️ I wish I could speak multiple languages. The women back then were so brave and intelligent. I hope one day I’m a portion of that.