The Autobiography of Malcolm X [2024]
Martin Luther King and Malcolm X are often compared, seen as two sides of the same coin, even though they met only once. Malcolm X, formerly Malcolm Little, is frequently portrayed as a ruthless and heartless civil rights leader. However, it is understood that his upbringing involved violence and a limited education. Malcolm's father, Earl Little, a Baptist, advocated for the rights of Black people throughout his community, possibly influencing Malcolm's strong feelings for civil rights.
Malcolm lost his father at the age of six; his father's death was ruled a streetcar accident, but many believe it was a racially motivated crime. After his father's passing, Malcolm was separated from his family when his mother, Louise Little, faced a breakdown due to financial hardship. Malcolm's family was split, and he was sent to a juvenile detention home in Mason, Michigan. In juvenile detention, he spoke about his dreams of practicing law but was heavily discouraged by a teacher due to the color of his skin. These difficult times shaped Malcolm's perspective on education and societal color-based prejudices.
Later in his twenties, Malcolm was arrested for larceny and breaking and entering. While in prison, he developed significant characteristics, adopted the name Malcolm X, and experienced a rejuvenation for self-education. Malcolm read for hours on history, philosophy, and religions, becoming highly articulate in the process. He would read deep into the night, damaging his eyesight. This is where he would obtain his famous glasses. Despite his wealth of knowledge, he was radicalized by religious extremist groups, which he credits with giving him discipline, purpose, and a sense of identity, despite their belief in racial segregation.
Malcolm rose through the ranks to become a prominent leader, eventually clashing with the main leader on how to lead their people. Eventually, he took a required pilgrimage to Mecca, where he saw, for the first time, 'Tens of thousands of pilgrims, from all over the world. They were of all colors, from blue-eyed blonds to black-skinned Africans. But we were all participating in the same ritual, displaying a spirit of unity and brotherhood that my experiences in America had led me to believe never could exist between the white and non-white.'
A truly reformed man, Malcolm returned to the States with a new approach to the civil rights movement, leaving his extremist ways behind. Sadly, in 1965, one year after this revolution, Malcolm was assassinated on February 21, 1965, in New York City.
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