The Autobiography of Malcolm X

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The Autobiography of Malcolm X was published in 2015 by Ballantine Books. The autobiography was written by Malcolm X and Alex Haley. The book is explaining how Malcolm X became one of the most famous civil rights activists of the 20th century[1].

Plot

The Autobiography of Malcolm X Book Cover[2]

Malcolm was born in Omaha, Nebraska in the era of massive discrimination. He and his family were oppressed by white segregationists that led to the death of his father as white people killed him. As the great depression occurred, he struggled and kept going on to hustle despite the poverty. He joined several livelihoods from drug addictions, gambling, alcohol drinking, and robbery, and nightlife in Harlem. Later on, he was arrested and imprisoned for several years. In the prison, he learned about the Nation of Islam and when he went out of prison, he had become a Muslim. As he joined several meetings of the Nation of Islam, he got close with Elijah Muhammad, the leader of the Nation of Islam, where Malcolm X rose and was appointed to become Minister of Nation of Islam. His point of view was different at several times and Malcolm decided to leave the Nation of Islam. He went to Africa and learned many things regarding Islam and brotherhood value between each other which he wanted to bring to America. Ultimately, he created a new organization, Mosque Inc., yet when he hoped to bring bigger changes in America, he realized his death would be near, and eventually, he was assassinated[3].

Black Empowerment

Malcolm X interests many poor black people as they believe that he could bring an end to the prejudice piled against them. With his fame and permission from Mr. Muhammad, he aspired many Muslims who mostly were Black People to hold massive demonstrations against racism. The movement grew exponentially where they could force the government to take action in handling discrimination towards Black Americans. When Malcolm went to African, he even got inspired by many Africans as they could stand side by side between the white and black despite the differences. This has aspired by Malcolm X to bring this value to America where he believes that this practice can end racism and create a solidarity among all people[4].

Controversy

Malcolm X face racism even when he was still in the womb of his mother. His house's windows were broken by the Ku Klux Klan members in Omaha, Nebraska. They targeted Earl Little, Malcolm's father, who worked on return the African Americans to Africa. Eventually, he was killed by the white segregationists. Rape towards Black Women was common in those days like Malcolm's grandfather, a white man, raped his grandmother. He saw his house was burnt to ashes in his childhood by the white segregationists. Throughout this kind of childhood, Malcolms sees there are fewer opportunities for Black People compared to White people and probably a future with less income for African Americans as the racial system had been rooted in America[5].

References

  1. The Autobiography of Malcolm X. Goodreads. Retrieved January 25 2021
  2. The Autobiography of Malcolm X Book Cover. Goodreads. Retrieved January 25 2021
  3. The Autobiography of Malcolm X Summary Shmoop. Retrieved January 25 2021
  4. The Autobiography of Malcolm X Summary LitChart. Retrieved January 25 2021
  5. The Autobiography of Malcolm X Chapters One & Two SparkNotes. Retrieved January 25 2021