Malcolm X was undeniably one of the most controversial civil rights leaders in American history.

A stamp issued in his honor Jan. 20 is the very least that can be done to honor his memory.

For a man who was hounded and misrepresented by the press for most of his political life, a stamp is not much of a fitting tribute — after all, insipid cartoon characters like Bugs Bunny and controversial American “sweethearts” like Marilyn Monroe have their own stamps.

Doesn’t a man who inspired countless numbers of people deserve more than a stamp?

How about for history to treat him accurately?

History has tended to demonize Malcolm X, while making Martin Luther King Jr. into the saint.

Malcolm was the angry, militant Muslim, while King held peaceful rallies and protests.

Both men had a similar mission but different tactics.

King had a dream, but Malcolm X was willing to achieve that dream by any means necessary.

Malcolm X was angry. He had every right to be. His anger, while offensive to an unsympathetic press, gave millions a voice.

Even in the years since his 1965 murder, Malcolm X has been painted as a racist black separatist.

This simplification is not only grossly inaccurate and unfair, it leaves an impression that King was “the good civil rights leader,” and Malcolm X was just the “angry militant.”

Both men are extremely important in civil rights history, and it is important to learn about Malcolm X, King and all the civil rights leaders with ideology in between them.

True, Malcolm X (who left the Nation of Islam and changed his name shortly before his death) was originally in favor of racial separation.

But shortly before his death and after an enlightening trip to Mecca, he changed his mind and preached for racial harmony.

But it doesn’t matter that Malcolm X changed his mind about the races — what he said, everything he said, is important and must be learned, not misconstrued.

People shouldn’t just rely on movies and books to learn about Malcolm X — although that is a good start.

A stamp doesn’t do Malcolm X justice, but neither did a racist press corps.

Now is an excellent time to learn the truth about the life of a man who changed the lives of millions.