Malcolm X, formerly Malcolm Little (1925-1965), was one of the most fiery, controversial leaders of his time and one of the major Black leaders of the 20th century. Growing up in Boston during the 1940s, he became involved in criminal activities which landed him a ten-year prison sentence. While in prison, he joined the Black Muslims. Paroled in 1952, he helped found the first Nation of Islam Temple ( Temple II on Intervale Street) in Boston in 1954. Malcolm X was a world-renowned and respected defender of Black rights and promoter of Black self-empowerment.