Overview
- This book written by Alex Haley considered an American classic. Usually on most “must read” lists and in just a few pages of the story of Malcolm X it is clear why. Alex Haley does a masterful job of walking the reader through the early life of Malcolm in the classrooms, the streets of Harlem in the 20's, in the prisons. This book details the life of Malcolm Little and how he became to be known as Malcolm X the civil rights lightening rod which blazed a path for freedom of thought for black people. Often placed on the opposite side of Martin Luther King who believed in non-violent protest, Malcolm brought a doctrine of thinking which captivated the youth “Don’t be the aggressor, but if a man lays his hands on you. See to it he doesn’t lay his hands on anyone else” this is still said in the black man and woman’s Mosques to this day. At a time in America where cops and racist white people would turn to violence to force black people in submission under embolden white supremacy which the civil rights movement weakened (and continues to do so). Malcolm proclaimed not to turn the other cheek, but to stand your ground. Malcolm X was raised by a black preacher and his mom was half white and half black. She hated her whiteness. Malcolm’s father was killed by the KKK. This drove Malcolm internally. Being a great student in school his life was rocked when a favorite teacher of his told him he would be better off as a carpenter or welder and not an attorney which Malcolm hoped to become. This proceeded a shift in a rather studious boy into a rebel who moved to Harlem and got involved in running numbers. He encountered many characters there including one West Indian Archie who Malcolm would later call a genius because he could take the numbers and not write them down. Caught up in a botched robbery attempt, Malcolm was sent to prison where he would meet the black Muslims who put him on to The Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad. He saw The Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad in a vision while in prison, and when he got out joined the Nation of Islam. He would soon become the National Spokesperson and gather many black people to the teachings and many more who revered him for his style of debate. And became great voice to black people one who could speak truth to power. Malcolm was assassinated while giving a speech; after parting with the Nation of Islam and Elijah Muhammad, to whom allegations of sex with women outside his marriage caused a rift in Malcolm, and Malcolm’s comments on the death of JFK caused him to be silenced from speaking or attending events within the NOI. The black Muslims furious at Malcolm for his comments against Elijah Muhammad caused Malcolm to believe they were out to kill him. But a decree from the Leader and Founder of the Nation of Islam to do no harm to Malcolm X proved intact; leading Malcolm to believe the FBI was the root of his actions being watched. “These tactics exceed those of the black Muslims. The FBI must have a role” Malcolm wrote on his note pad while telling his story to Alex Haley prior to his assassination.
Theme
- Perseverance in the face of insurmountable odds. Malcolm was courageous to say the least, a warrior with iron will and a mind sharp as a tact. He carried words to sting and prick white supremacy, but gave black people hope to stomp out black inferiority one lecture at a time all around the world. His light burns bright in every person who fights to destroy the weaker self and strives for greatness daily.
Biggest takeaway
- Much to say on this book, one of my favorites all time. In prison while studying the teachings of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad Malcolm wrote every definition in the dictionary starting with A and ending with Z to uncover the depth of white supremacy even in the way things are defined. Black in the dictionary is a derogatory term while white is seen as pure. This is untrue because black is the essence of everything and creator of all skin colors not be seen in fear but the essence of creation.
Overall Satisfaction 9.5/10 Great read, Great story telling, Extraordinary Man.
Comments on the Author
Alex Haley did a great job telling the story of Malcolm X. Giving readers great insight to what made the civil rights leader who he was. Sticking to the layout of presenting Malcolm’s story year by year, and not getting caught up in tangents about the issues regarding the time Malcolm lived; Alex put forth the type of story which is adventurous and easy to read while giving the reader front seat to the consciousness of Malcolm. Alex put forth the type of story which could be easily transferred into a movie (which it did, one of my favorites of all time). The stages highlighted in Malcolm’s development and subsequent spilt with the honorable Elijah Muhammad were bright points where Alex’s story telling shined bright. He accentuated the man in these events, the human, the choices made, and through this gave a story of everlasting impression on the masses of readers.
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