Malcolm X

Born Malcolm Little, he later adopted the "X" to symbolize his lost African surname. Converting to Islam while in prison, he became a prominent figure in the Nation of Islam, advocating for black empowerment and self-reliance.

While Malcolm X was known for his powerful rhetoric and critiques of white society, his views on Jewish people evolved over time. Early in his career, he sometimes echoed the Nation of Islam's antisemitic tropes, but later, especially after his pilgrimage to Mecca, he began to soften his stance, meeting with Jewish activists and expressing a more nuanced perspective on racial and religious harmony.

So, no, he was not a Jew. Not even a little bit. He was a Muslim, and a very famous one at that, which, last we checked, is a different thing entirely. We can appreciate his journey and evolution without trying to shoehorn him into a category he clearly doesn't fit.

However, his commitment to social justice and his eventual willingness to challenge his own preconceptions — a trait not always common among prominent figures — certainly earns him a modest K. For that, we give him some kvell-worthiness for being able to grow and change.