Fidel & Malcolm X: Memories of a Meeting

by Rosemari Mealy

In this slim yet significant volume, first published in 1993, Rosemari Mealy, along with contributors Elombe Brath, LeRoi Jones (Amiri Baraka), Sarah E. Wright, and Bill Epton, compile the recollections of a number of persons who played important roles in this historic summit. They add to these their own perspectives—as historians, poets, journalists, and political activists— on the two leaders and the revolutionary movements they spawned. The combined reflections, coupled wit Malcolm’s and Fidel’s own writings about the encounter and rare photographs of the two men together, yield an authentic accounting of a remarkable meeting of the minds.

Genres: The United States Of America

88 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1993

Reviews

[Sirad · Rating 5 out of 5]

“We have always been in solidarity with the struggle of Black people, of minorities, and of the poor in the United States. We have always been in solidarity with them, and they have been in solidarity with us” - Fidel Castro, Malcolm X Speaks in the 90s Symposium in Havana, Cuba (May 1990)

It is really unfortunate that the significance of this meeting was not understood when it took place, and that Malcolm X never had the opportunity to take up Castro on his offer to visit Cuba as an esteemed guest. I hope to revisit history by going to the Hotel Theresa in the near future, especially as Malcolm X specifically said: "The Theresa is now best known as the place where Fidel Castro went during his UN visit, and achieved a psychological coup over the U.S. State Department when it confined him to Manhattan, never dreaming that he'd stay uptown in Harlem and make such an impression among the Negroes" (1964). This book does an excellent job of bringing together primary accounts that highlight the POVs of those who were fortunate enough to be in attendance of this historic meeting.

[RICKMAN YVONNE · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just a reminder of the things I previously knew! My Baby Brother played in the MalcolmX Movie!

[Sami Eerola · Rating 2 out of 5]

Was interesting in reading what Fidel Castro and Malcolm X spoke to each other, and i got that, but they spoke very little (15 min) and not about much, because of a languague barrier. So the rest of the book is Communist propaganda and testimonials from other people that where in the Fidel and X meeting. So this book is a little bit underwhelming

[Lana · Rating 4 out of 5]

In cleaning through my apartment I have found an old treasure-trove of book related papers, including my “books read” list from 1999-2000. In addition to listing the books, I wrote about 2-3 sentences to myself – sometimes they were plot reminders, sometimes commentary on the books. They were not intended to be read by anyone other than myself. I don’t imagine these will be very helpful to anyone else, but I’m posting them here for two reasons: first, to keep my reviews/comments in one place now and, second, because they’re kind of a fascinating look at my younger brain.

Excellent compilation of thought son Catsro's visits to the US. Comparison of the plight of Cuba in the world to the plight of back man in the US during a specific time period. Commentary on number of people out cheering Castro on his visits to the US.