February 1965: The Final Speeches

by Malcolm X

Speeches from the last three weeks of the life of this outstanding leader of the oppressed Black nationality and of the working class in the United States. A large part is material previously unavailable, with some in print for the first time. Preface by Steve Clark, 8-page photo section and other photos, chronology, notes, index. Basic Unity Program, Organization of Afro-American Unity. Now with enlarged type.

Genres: Nonfiction, Politics, History, Islam, United States, Justice, Religion

308 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1992

About the author

Malcolm X (born Malcolm Little), also known as El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz, was an American Black Muslim minister and a spokesman for the Nation of Islam.

After leaving the Nation of Islam in 1964, he made the pilgrimage, the Hajj, to Mecca and became a Sunni Muslim. He also founded the Muslim Mosque, Inc. and the Organization of Afro-American Unity. Less than a year later, he was assassinated in Washington Heights on the first day of National Brotherhood Week.

Historian Robin D.G. Kelley wrote, "Malcolm X has been called many things: Pan-Africanist, father of Black Power, religious fanatic, closet conservative, incipient socialist, and a menace to society. The meaning of his public life — his politics and ideology — is contested in part because his entire body of work consists of a few dozen speeches and a collaborative autobiography whose veracity is challenged. Malcolm has become a sort of tabula rasa, or blank slate, on which people of different positions can write their own interpretations of his politics and legacy.

Reviews

[Poet Truth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found it very inspiring.
I understood Malcom X was not like people said he was.
This was a man who wanted justice, rights,and peace for his black brothers and sisters.
He was not a man who thought killing was always the answer.
This man was intellegent, wise and understood the circle we call life.

[Younes Rais]

Malcolm x has become from a gangster a 'Negro' who fornicates. . steals. . robbing houses. An Afro-American.. standing for equality and justice and peace between the two races.. he was a truly Muslim which is made him a straight man he was a legend and a real man he saved 22 millions black people from enslavement and oppression

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read several of Malcolm X's speeches before and even wrote essays on them when I applied to college. Still, constantly when I read something new from him I feel moved and astonished. He was such an incredible man. I kept thinking as I read this about how quickly people moved on from Aaron Bushnell setting himself on fire in support of Palestine and how people treated Luigi Mangione like a porn star they needed to thirst after instead of a revolutionary making a statement. How would people today have treated Malcolm X? Could Malcolm X have existed in our modern society? I don't think so and that scares me. Reading these speeches makes me think he would be extremely disappointed with what society has become. At the same time, however, it motivates me even more to continue being passionate about change. I hope someday we become a world worthy of him and everyone else who, for daring to speak up, were brutally murdered.

[Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was recommended by someone during a lecture as a means to get a better understanding of how Malcolm's politics and worldview evolved toward the end of his life. This is such a necessary read as we are in a moment where Malcolm's words via YouTube are being clipped and used to whitewash his legacy just like they've done with Dr. King. It's important to know that in order for us to better understand Malcolm, we have to read about Malcolm. Like Dr. King, some of his most impactful words & thoughts are not available in audio/video format!!!

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish I could give half-star ratings for a 4.5! I save the full five stars for books I want everyone in the world to read, and while this is a great read, I think there's too much wiggle room for misunderstandings (willful or innocent) to recommend this book en masse wholeheartedly.

I bought this book in college for my Black American Literature class and finally read it in full years later in the here and now. Malcolm X was so clearly the coolest. I've been thinking about a scene in HBOMax's "Winning Time" (stay with me) where Magic Johnson's mother tells him that he needs to set a good example because God made him tall and handsome so people would look to him. Feels so applicable to Malcolm because he was so tall and SO HANDSOME and clearly so magnetic.

His death remains an enormous tragedy and a hideous crime. It is intensely depressing to read about his goals for the Organization of Afro-American Unity (OAAU) [and how needed and necessary they were and still are] and how the assassination of Malcolm X was also the assassination of an entire institution designed to improve the lives and protect the human rights of Black citizens.

Know this: Human rights are an international issue. I hope that the communications and connections of the digital age will make it easier than ever before for the oppressed and exploited peoples of the world to overcome the brutal powers of the oppressors. A rising tide lifts all boats.

[Stacy Croushorn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book covers the last few weeks of his life. I don’t know that much about him, and I felt like I had come into a movie theater with the movie almost over. I needed more context and background to really understand what he was saying and what was happening with the various groups. If you are new to Malcolm X I wouldn’t read this book first, read a biography or some earlier writings first, then come back to this.

[Joshua Nouril · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not including the Autobiography of Malcolm X this is without a doubt my favorite book of Malcolm X speeches! He was out of the NOI and thinking for himself. Just amazing and a must have!