The Nation of Islam movement is garnering attention both nationally and internationally. In 1959, two newspapers catering to African American communities, the Amsterdam News in Harlem and the Herald Dispatch in Los Angeles, start featuring regular columns by Malcolm and Elijah Muhammad on the Nation of Islam. Malcolm establishes a newspaper called Muhammad Speaks and travels to Africa to propagate Elijah Muhammad's teachings.

However, a TV documentary showcasing the Nation of Islam's beliefs about the "devil white man" leads to rapid public disapproval. Newspapers criticize the movement's "hate-messengers" and "black supremacists." In response, Malcolm defends the Nation of Islam on multiple radio and television programs and serves as Elijah Muhammad's key representative at large gatherings.