malcolm x was one of the most influential leaders of the noi and, in accordance with noi doctrine, advocated the complete separation of blacks from whites. he left the noi after being silenced for 90 days (due to a controversial comment on the john f. kennedy assassination), and proceeded to form muslim mosque, inc. and the organization of afro-american unity before his pilgrimage to mecca and conversion to sunni islam. he is viewed as the first person to start the movement among african americans towards sunni islam.