2007-01-30 10:25:13 · 7 answers · asked by Raveena R 1 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Books & Authors
Malcolm explained the name by saying, The "X" is meant to symbolize the rejection of "slave names" and the absence of an inherited African name to take its place. The "X" is also the brand that many slaves received on their upper arm. This rationale led many members of the Nation of Islam to change their surnames to X.
2007-01-30 10:28:52 · answer #1 · answered by dead_blue_angel 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Most black Americans had come over on slave ships and were given the names of their owners for last names.
He used the X in lieu of a slave name.
America has more direct African immigrants now, so more original names are being seen . . . like the young man from Nairobi who entered college at 16, graduated at 19 1/2 and is due to play for the NFL , Amobi Okoye .
2007-01-30 10:49:49 · answer #2 · answered by kate 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Wikipedia says that 'The "X" is meant to symbolize the rejection of "slave names" and the absence of an inherited African name to take its place.'
2007-01-30 10:28:39 · answer #3 · answered by Andrea 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
His rejection of what he called his slave name as understood by the honorable Elijah Mohammed, blessed be his name.
2007-01-30 10:30:46 · answer #4 · answered by Billy Dee 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
X may represent mysterious or unknown , or suggesting fear or threat
2007-01-30 10:38:45 · answer #5 · answered by mali 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
X is the only way he could sign his name...
2007-01-30 10:32:30 · answer #6 · answered by MIGHTY MINNIE 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
may be he was the 10th member of his family? just a thought
2007-01-30 10:29:14 · answer #7 · answered by singing_saagar 2 · 0⤊ 3⤋