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The Autobiography of Malcolm X

by Malcolm X, Alex Haley

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Malcolm X

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Malcolm X was born into a tumultuous environment as the son of a Baptist preacher and his wife, who were frequently threatened by hostile white groups. His father promoted the teachings of black activist Marcus Garvey, while his mother was a light-skinned black woman from Grenada. Malcolm had seven siblings. From a young age, he was a sharp child who quickly learned the importance of making a fuss over things that displeased him. After his father was killed and his mother was institutionalized, the family was separated, and Malcolm went to live with the Gohannas family, who had previously helped feed him when his mother was unable to.

In his early years, Malcolm X showcased his resourcefulness, blending street wisdom with basic psychological tactics to achieve his goals. He earned several nicknames due to the reddish tone of his skin and hair, such as "Red" and "Detroit Red." Eventually, he fell into drug addiction and crime, leading to his imprisonment for burglary. While in prison, he discovered a passion for reading and converted to Elijah Muhammad's Nation of Islam. This pivotal experience transformed him, instilling a deep appreciation for education and diligence.

Malcolm adopted the surname X to represent the lost identity of blacks during American slavery. He emerged as a compelling speaker and leader for the Nation of Islam, though his methods of organizing and leading differed significantly from Muhammad's. He grew increasingly disillusioned with Muhammad's moral shortcomings. After being expelled from the Nation, Malcolm was eager to establish a new group, the Organization of Afro-American Unity, which reflected his evolving, less severe perspective on whites and a newfound interest in globalizing the black struggle.

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