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As Malcolm publicly departed from the NOI in March 1964, he rapidly created two new organizations: Muslim Mosque, Inc., which provided a spiritual space for former NOI members and to reach out to the orthodox Islamic community; and the Organization of Afro-American Unity, a black nationalist-oriented formation which sought to build progressive unity across ideological and partisan political divisions within the national black community. Malcolm's public views on U.S. domestic and international affairs moved toward a socialist analysis. He was one of the first prominent Americans to denounce the growing U.S. military involvement in Vietnam. Malcolm X left the U.S. on April 13, 1964, under the name "Malik El-Shabazz," and traveled on a pilgrimage to Mecca. The religious experience in itself did not "radically transform" Malcolm X, as both author Alex Haley and filmmaker Spike Lee have suggested. However, Malcolm's new commitment to orthodox Islam did provide, however, a much more flexible approach for achieving deeply held political views. It became clear to family and associates that Malcolm returned home with a broadened perspective, in part, it was believed, because he saw people of different nationalities acting from a common philosophy. Accordingly, his denunciation of racism did not mean an endorsement of the principles of integration as a solution to America's racial dilemma. Many outsiders said that he changed after his trip abroad; but Malcolm's basic goal never changed. He remained fully committed to freedom for oppressed peoples. But, if a group could help solve the problems confronting people of color, then they should participate in the cause of freedom
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