The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of December 25, 2025

Malcolm X stands with Captain Joseph of the Fruit of Islam and Louis X (out of frame), now Louis Farrakhan, in Harlem at the site of his weekly lectures

1963

Robert L. Haggins

(American, 1922–2006)
America
gelatin silver print, resin coated
Image: 19.1 x 24.1 cm (7 1/2 x 9 1/2 in.)
James Parmelee Fund 2021.176
Location: Not on view

Did You Know?

Robert L. Haggins was Malcolm X’s personal photographer from 1959 to 1965.

Description

Muslim minister and civil rights activist Malcolm X (1925–1965) is seen here at a time of growing disillusionment with the Nation of Islam, which he left the following year. Haggins made Malcolm X stand out from Nation of Islam followers through depth of field and focus. The somewhat low viewing angle, contrast in scale with the crowd, and sunlight on Malcolm X’s face call him out as a singular and heroic figure.
  • ?-2021
    Michael Mattis and Judith Hochberg, Scarsdale, NY, sold to The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH
    December 6, 2021-
    The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH
  • {{cite web|title=Malcolm X stands with Captain Joseph of the Fruit of Islam and Louis X (out of frame), now Louis Farrakhan, in Harlem at the site of his weekly lectures|url=false|author=Robert L. Haggins|year=1963|access-date=25 December 2025|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}

Source URL:

https://www.clevelandart.org/art/2021.176