Malcolm X

by Kofi Natambu

Critical Malcolm X will the childhood of Malcolm Little in the Depression-era Midwest; the rise and fall of "Detroit Red"-Malcolm's chaotic adolescence as a petty criminal and street hustler; the prison years-the rebellious, angry, headstrong inmate they called Satan; Malcolm's religious and social allegiance with the Black Muslims (Nation of Islam); the founding and editing by Malcolm of the Nation of Islam (NOI) national newspaper; Malcolm as organizer, teacher, and political advocate-and Malcolm as husband and father; from Malcolm X to El-Hajj Malik El-Shabbazz-his attacks on the Civil Rights Movement and his break with the NOI; and the final year-the surveillance by the FBI and CIA, the assassination at the Audobon Ballroom.

Genres: Nonfiction

336 pages, Paperback

First published September 26, 2001

Reviews

[Reagan Rodriguez · Rating 2 out of 5]

Reads more like a passion piece or an homage than a factual biography. The author’s political stance is clear through his language and the stories of Malcolm X’s life he chooses to recount. Unfortunately, this book contained several editing errors (repeated words, run on sentences, and misplaced punctuation) that make it feel like to a self published work.

[John Zak · Rating 5 out of 5]

This man was a revolutionary figure in history. Written in a biographical manner, this book addresses the life of Malcolm X, his lasting impact on society, and the various struggles he overcame. Malcolm grew up in the 20th century, where African Americans were finally recognized as free individuals, although, the government's recognition of this fact typically went unnoticed. Racism was pervasive, lynchings were common, and blacks were considered second-class citizens (or worse). In fact, at one point, Malcolm’s home was burnt down by the Klu Klux Klan; subsequently, his father was accused of doing the deed and was sent to prison. Shortly after, his father was murdered (most likely due to racial discrimination). This left Malcolm’s mother to fend for herself—they had a total of seven children.

Obviously, growing up experiencing such hatred and oppression, Malcolm grew intensely bitter against the white-dominated society. After years of living recklessly in the streets, which culminated in his incarceration, Malcolm became affiliated with the NOI (an Islamic sect which promulgated the supremacy of the black race). Malcolm believed power would not be willingly relinquished, and thus, he vehemently opposed Martin Luther King’s advocacy of peaceful resistance. He believed power must be overcome by use of coercion.

Malcolm’s stint with the NOI ran short due to the malfeasance of its chief commander, Elijah Muhammad. Due to Malcolm's influence, and decision to leave the NOI, he eventually was murdered. Although I disagree with Malcolm on a number of levels, his life left a lasting impact to which we are all beneficiaries. Definitely worth reading!

[Bec · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I found it interesting overall I found it hard to read in large chunks towards the end. A good end to end look at his life.