Remembering Malcolm

by Benjamin Karim, Peter Skutches, David Gallen

"A memoir that shows the private Malcolm as a man who spoke far more of obedience, moderation, and peace than he did of violence."
--Atlanta Journal & Constitution
Many books have been written about Malcolm X in the three decades since his assassination, but in REMEMBERING MALCOLM, his assistant minister Benjamin Karim reveals an intimately human side of the great leader we have never seen before. Writing with an insider's knowledge and a disciple's devotion, Karim paints an unforgettable portrait of Malcolm X as counselor, minister, healer, and, above all, a dedicated member of his community.
Here is a dramatic account of how Malcolm galvanized the Black Muslims through his tireless work at Harlem's New York Mosque Number Seven in the early 1960s. Here, too, are Karim's affectionate memories of the daily rituals and beliefs that bound Malcolm's people together--the courtship and marriage rites, the strict customs governing relations between men and women, the three-day fasts that ended in sumptuous sundown feasts, the rigorous discipline, and the quiet joys sanctioned by their faith.
REMEMBERING MALCOLM is at once a beautiful memoir about a compelling human being and a vital historical document about one of the true American visionaries of the twentieth century.
"Intriguing behind-the-scenes details."
--San Francisco Examiner & Chronicle


From the Paperback edition.

Genres: History, Biography, Nonfiction

232 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1995

Reviews

[Tony Rogers Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read this book twice now and I believe it’s one of the best books about Malcolm X ever written! It’s like sitting down with an old friend of Malcolm’s and letting him recount the experiences and life lessons he learned from him. Excellent resource to the legacy of brother Malcolm.

Update 12/2024 - I’m working on a book about Malcolm X myself, so this book has been a great study tool. I’ve read it five times now.

[Thomas Rush · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Real Statement of Love, Loyalty And Respect For Malcolm X

I begin this review wishing to express my profound respect for Mr. Benjamin Karim (who was known as Benjamin Goodman during the lifetime of Malcolm X). My respect mainly grows out of the choice that Mr. Karim had to make in March of 1964, when Malcolm X officially split from the NOI. Mr. Karim was “between a rock and a hard place” because he had to decide if he was going to “roll” with Malcolm, or if he was going to stay with the NOI. Ultimately, Karim chose to stay with Malcolm. That was not an easy choice, because not only was Malcolm under constant, physical threats, anyone who stayed with him, within his inner circle, was also under similar threats. The beauty of Karim's loyalty to Malcolm unfolds in his firsthand observation that all that Malcolm had given to The Nation, and the fact that as Karim contemplated his dilemma, he sought Malcolm's counsel in making a decision. One indication of the sterling character of Malcolm X comes from the fact that he did not pressure Karim, one way or the other, in what he should do. Malcolm appealed to Karim's morals, experiences and reason, simply telling him...“to determine for [himself] on which side truth and justice lay, and in the light of that knowledge to make [his] choice and declare [himself]”. (pg. 164). Ultimately, Karim chose to follow Malcolm, a message that says tons about both Karim and Malcolm. There was no way Karim could turn against Malcolm after personally witnessing years of Malcolm's single-minded loyalty and efforts on behalf of The Nation.
This may well be one of the most respectful, detailed and committed books by anyone from Malcolm's inner circle, which makes it an invaluable resource for anyone studying Malcolm's life. I love this book for its openness, its subtlety and its nuance, in spelling out a portrait of a deeply personal Malcolm that is hard to find in other writings. Karim came to have monumental respect for Malcolm, saying that even Ossie Davis' “Black Shining Prince” label during Malcolm's eulogy does not quite define the man that Karim knew. Instead, Karim saw...“the minister, from the Latin word for servant; our counselor, healer, judge, and peacemaker; the teacher at the blackboard with a world in his mind and a piece of chalk in his hand.” (pg. 200). This book “makes plain” (pun intended) the love, loyalty and respect that Benjamin Karim had for Malcolm X. It is excellent in documenting why Karim felt the way that he did, and in doing this, this book has become one of a host of books that I truly cherish about Malcolm. For anyone who loves and respects Malcolm X, as I do, I would encourage you to make this book part of your collection.

[Bill · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent recounting of Malcolm's life from someone who was there to witness it first hand. I had already read Malcolm's autobiography (as told to Alex Haley) and had been told I didn't know anything about Malcolm because that book wasn't accurate. So I picked this one up and it seemed to corroborate the details in the Haley book.

I think the majority of American's really misunderstand Malcolm and the type of man he really was.

[Born Uhuru · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s good to read a side of someone who stood next to Malcolm, as a student and assistant. The book doesn’t dive deep into Malcolm though. It only offers a glimpse into another side of Malcolm that is rarely written.

[Vashti Goodman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book for the real accounts of his life and it seems other authors might only be accurate by their references to books like these by those who were actually close with Malcolm. also i might be a bit biased because my grandfather wrote it! RIP Baba G

[Tariq · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent recount of Brother Malcolm's life. This book provides insights that an autobiography cannot (as Malcolm is not likely to speak highly of himself).

[Nekquai · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel that this book really gives you great insight into the daily operations of the NOI,while focusing primarily on Malcolm X's role.