This work presents a critical examination of Malcolm X"s leadership and intellectual explorations to assess his contributions to African Americans in developing a civil society. It also provides an examination of barriers Blacks faced in their pursuit of education and addresses the importance of non-formal learning. To do this, three themes were used to identify Malcolm X as an adult educator, community activist, pre-cursor to the Afro-centric perspective (cultural advocate).This study opens the door for the examination and re-examination of various key people to our society. An subject in the context of African-Amercian history and culture.