Malcolm X (1925-1965) converted to Islam while in prison for burglary. He subsequently became a powerful orator and black nationalist leader as part of the Nation of Islam, promoting the black separatist teachings of prophet Elijah Muhammad. In 1964, he broke with Elijah and the Nation after making a pilgrimage to Mecca, and created a new movement based on orthodox Islam's broader principles. He was assassinated in 1965 at a Harlem rally, by enemies of his movement.