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The Afterlife of Malcolm X: An Outcast Turned Icon's Enduring Impact on America
The first major study of Malcolm X’s influence in the sixty years since his assassination, exploring his enduring impact on culture, politics, and civil rights.
Malcolm X is as iconic an American leader as Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, or Martin Luther King. Espousing views that were often controversial, he lived his life and embraced his values in a way that left no one neutral. White America found him alienating, mainstream African Americans found him radical while the strivers, particularly young African Americans, found him inspiring. And though Ossie Davis famously eulogized Malcom X as “our own Black shining prince,” Malcolm never received the mainstream acceptance he believed his evolving views merited. Yet rather than diminish in reputation and reach after his death, his legacy has coalesced into one that is almost universally admired, and one that has left an imprint on a number of quintessentially American spheres.
With impeccable research and original interviews, veteran journalist Mark Whitaker, tells the story of Malcolm’s impact on the cultural landscape of the country. Founders of the Black Power Movement such as Stokely Carmichael and Huey Newton lay claim to Malcolm’s influence as do hip hop pioneers like Public Enemy and Tupac Shakur.
Leaders of the Black Arts and Free Jazz movements such as August Wilson, Amiri Baraka, and John Coltrane, credit their political awakening to Malcolm, as do some of the most influential athletes of our time, Mohammed Ali, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and beyond. Even contemporary artists such as Spike Lee whose biopic introduced Malcolm to a new generation, regard him as key to their political awakening.
He was an inspiration for the founders of the Black Lives Matter movement. Barack Obama has said he found in Malcolm, a man of “self-respect, daring, and discipline” while Clarence Thomas was drawn to Malcolm’s messages of self-improvement and economic self-reliance.
Deftly interweaving biography with investigative reporting into who really killed Malcolm X alongside analysis of how Malcolm’s legacy has been blossomed, The Afterlife of Malcolm X is essential reading for anyone interested in American politics, culture, and history.
Malcolm X is as iconic an American leader as Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, or Martin Luther King. Espousing views that were often controversial, he lived his life and embraced his values in a way that left no one neutral. White America found him alienating, mainstream African Americans found him radical while the strivers, particularly young African Americans, found him inspiring. And though Ossie Davis famously eulogized Malcom X as “our own Black shining prince,” Malcolm never received the mainstream acceptance he believed his evolving views merited. Yet rather than diminish in reputation and reach after his death, his legacy has coalesced into one that is almost universally admired, and one that has left an imprint on a number of quintessentially American spheres.
With impeccable research and original interviews, veteran journalist Mark Whitaker, tells the story of Malcolm’s impact on the cultural landscape of the country. Founders of the Black Power Movement such as Stokely Carmichael and Huey Newton lay claim to Malcolm’s influence as do hip hop pioneers like Public Enemy and Tupac Shakur.
Leaders of the Black Arts and Free Jazz movements such as August Wilson, Amiri Baraka, and John Coltrane, credit their political awakening to Malcolm, as do some of the most influential athletes of our time, Mohammed Ali, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and beyond. Even contemporary artists such as Spike Lee whose biopic introduced Malcolm to a new generation, regard him as key to their political awakening.
He was an inspiration for the founders of the Black Lives Matter movement. Barack Obama has said he found in Malcolm, a man of “self-respect, daring, and discipline” while Clarence Thomas was drawn to Malcolm’s messages of self-improvement and economic self-reliance.
Deftly interweaving biography with investigative reporting into who really killed Malcolm X alongside analysis of how Malcolm’s legacy has been blossomed, The Afterlife of Malcolm X is essential reading for anyone interested in American politics, culture, and history.
448 pages, Hardcover
First published May 13, 2025
70 people are currently reading
969 people want to read
About the author
Mark Whitaker
15 books34 followersMark Whitaker is the author of the critically acclaimed memoir, My Long Trip Home. The former managing editor of CNN Worldwide, he was previously the Washington bureau chief for NBC News and a reporter and editor at Newsweek, where he rose to become the first African-American leader of a national newsweekly.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
August 19, 2025
Like many people mentioned in this book, I became more than a little fascinated with Malcolm X after reading The Autobiography of Malcolm X and really wanted to know more. This is a great, thoroughly researched, well-written book about the cultural and societal influence that Malcolm X has had, both during his life and after his assassination. Sixty years after his death you can still see his message in much of the music and movies we enjoy and the causes we endorse.
November 17, 2025
The fact that books on Malcolm X keep coming is a true testament to his enduring legacy and the profound impact of his perspective on America, Black people and global politics. And so Mark Whitaker sets out to explore this legacy and explain Malcolm’s impact after his untimely assassination. If you have read extensively about Malcolm X, there is not much new here, although there are some minor details, that earlier chroniclers of Malcolm X may have missed. Understand, this is not a biography of Malcolm X, but an examination of the large footprint Malcolm left behind. As early as 3-5 years after his death, Malcolm X began to be celebrated and commemorated. Mr. Whitaker does an excellent job of taking us through the decades to elucidate Malcolm’s aftermath or afterlife if you will. He is meticulous in his research, but I believe he could have significantly reduced the length of this text by 75-100 pages. There are instances where he delves into minutiae by providing mini biographies of individuals who were influenced by Malcolm. Is it necessary to include pages that detail the back history of person A or B, their encounters with Malcolm’s messages, and their enthusiastic praise for him?
These digressions were somewhat annoying, especially when the individuals involved are well-known. Readers who are unfamiliar with these individuals can easily find information online. Notwithstanding these detours, this is still a book to add to your bookshelf. I recommend it enthusiastically.
These digressions were somewhat annoying, especially when the individuals involved are well-known. Readers who are unfamiliar with these individuals can easily find information online. Notwithstanding these detours, this is still a book to add to your bookshelf. I recommend it enthusiastically.
June 10, 2025
When I saw a new book on Malcolm X written by Mark Whitker, I immediately purchased! Mark Whitaker is a gifted writer with the ability to comb through history to explain contemporary culture, especially as it relates to black culture.
Few historical figures have as well of a documented personal and philosophical evolution quite like Malcolm X. This was the first book that I've come across that details the societal evolution around Malcolm's legacy. As a child born in the 90s, it was commonplace to see Malcolm's image next to other highly regarded civil rights figures like MLK and even Barack Obama, but Mark reminds readers that this recognition was far from reality during his life and in the immediate years after his assassination.
Malcolm's influence is felt everywhere, from progressive activists fighting racial injustice to conservative judges and writers. In today's partisan politics, there is a strong urge to squeeze historical figures into our modern political boxes. Perhaps that's the true gift of Malcolm X. He wasn't a man pushing for team Red or Blue, but instead a man who deeply loved and cared for the black community and recognized that the progress we wished to see would need to come from within our community.
Few historical figures have as well of a documented personal and philosophical evolution quite like Malcolm X. This was the first book that I've come across that details the societal evolution around Malcolm's legacy. As a child born in the 90s, it was commonplace to see Malcolm's image next to other highly regarded civil rights figures like MLK and even Barack Obama, but Mark reminds readers that this recognition was far from reality during his life and in the immediate years after his assassination.
Malcolm's influence is felt everywhere, from progressive activists fighting racial injustice to conservative judges and writers. In today's partisan politics, there is a strong urge to squeeze historical figures into our modern political boxes. Perhaps that's the true gift of Malcolm X. He wasn't a man pushing for team Red or Blue, but instead a man who deeply loved and cared for the black community and recognized that the progress we wished to see would need to come from within our community.
May 6, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for permission to read this work prior to its release. This comprehensive exploration of Malcolm X’s legacy is as vital as it is timely. From the posthumous release of his autobiography to his influence on music, film, and politics, Malcolm X left a void that could not be filled and an impression that cannot be erased.
May 18, 2025
I will review this book on my Substack. I thoroughly enjoyed this book as I've long noticed that Malcolm is appropriated by conservatives, liberals, leftists, fundamentalist Muslims, Black Nationalists, Pan Africanists, and many more. People see in Malcolm what they want to see. Whittaker does a good job at illustrating the influence of Malcolm in the late 60s and the 1970s and leading up to hip-hop, Tupac, and the Spike Lee biopic. I also learned about the James Baldwin Malcolm film project and other things I was previously unaware of.
A central point of the book is that Malcolm is an influential figure, and narrators of his story have shaped his story to fit their personal politics. Alex Haley, using the Hajj story to hint Malcolm was moving towards a liberal and integrationist approach. Manning Marable writing in the Obama Era when talk of a post-racial America was in the air (remember that?).
Muslim readers may be disappointed. Obviously, there is discussion of the Nation of Islam as it relates to the life and death of Malcolm and Imam W.D. Mohammed gets a free brief mentions, but until the final chapters, when Abdur-Rahman Muhammad and the Who Killed Malcolm X documentary series are discussed, there is basically no analysis of Malcom's influence on Muslims and how his life has been interpreted (and appropriated) through a religious lense. The focus is on the broader Black American culture.
A central point of the book is that Malcolm is an influential figure, and narrators of his story have shaped his story to fit their personal politics. Alex Haley, using the Hajj story to hint Malcolm was moving towards a liberal and integrationist approach. Manning Marable writing in the Obama Era when talk of a post-racial America was in the air (remember that?).
Muslim readers may be disappointed. Obviously, there is discussion of the Nation of Islam as it relates to the life and death of Malcolm and Imam W.D. Mohammed gets a free brief mentions, but until the final chapters, when Abdur-Rahman Muhammad and the Who Killed Malcolm X documentary series are discussed, there is basically no analysis of Malcom's influence on Muslims and how his life has been interpreted (and appropriated) through a religious lense. The focus is on the broader Black American culture.
October 11, 2025
Journalist attempting to write as an historian. This rarely works, and it doesn’t in this book. The author does provide some interesting anecdotes about Malcolm, but otherwise this book isn’t very insightful.
September 8, 2025
I really enjoyed this audiobook! I knew next to nothing about Malcolm X going in, and I'm sure that some of the things I learned are such common knowledge that it's baffling how I'm only just now finding out about them. But everyone has to start somewhere, and this book is a great place to do so. It traces Malcolm X's legacy by covering a wide and engaging variety of topics, from Muhammad Ali and the world of boxing to the evolution of hip hop and modern musicians such as Megan Thee Stallion.
I started this audiobook somewhat daunted by its length but found myself constantly surprised by how quickly the chapters were going and how much I had already listened to. I could have listened to hours more, and I'm looking forward to reading "The Autobiography of Malcolm X" with the solid foundation this book has given me.
I started this audiobook somewhat daunted by its length but found myself constantly surprised by how quickly the chapters were going and how much I had already listened to. I could have listened to hours more, and I'm looking forward to reading "The Autobiography of Malcolm X" with the solid foundation this book has given me.
July 6, 2025
Given I know a lot about X, I thought this was excellent. However, it’s definitely not entry level, start with something less detailed and nuanced if you’re new to this topic. 4.5 stars.
July 13, 2025
What an amazingly well researched book. Seeing how Malcolm X has been reinvented over time was fascinating as were the conspiracies and errors that surrounded his Assassination
November 13, 2025
I was young when Malcolm X was assassinated but I remember the photos from Life magazine. I read "The Autobiography of Malcolm X" when I was a teenager, but I didn't keep up with the trial and its aftermath. But, his enduring legacy interests me and Mark Whitaker has done a thorough and effective job of laying out Malcolm X's impact. I was especially interested in the chapter "Hero to the Right and Left" and all of Part V, which about the exoneration of two of the people convicted of his murder.
November 21, 2025
2 stars is generous. I'll probably write a full review later. But yeah, give me 20 pages interspersed throughout the book on Clarence Thomas and his claim that he was following Malcolm X because THAT'S legit. Supreme Court Justice Uncle Ruckus sure merits attention. And the Malcolm X Opera where the backers thought that Malcolm would have agreed to peace with Israel. During an ongoing genocide. Read Malcolm's "Zionist Logic," or watch some of his videos on Zionist white supremacist colonization of Palestine. Malcolm was very clear and uncompromising about this issue.
I didn't give it a one star rating because I've been teaching Malcolm 30 years, and it was interesting to look at all the ways in which his story has been told or affected many aspects of culture (apparently the Muslim world or Muslims in America somehow don't matter though, which is some real clown stuff, man), but there were so many trash takes by the end of it I was really tempted to do so.
There's a reason voices like Whitaker's rise to his position as propagandist...."journalist." Many agendas were served here, but not any Malcolm or those who love him would agree with.
I didn't give it a one star rating because I've been teaching Malcolm 30 years, and it was interesting to look at all the ways in which his story has been told or affected many aspects of culture (apparently the Muslim world or Muslims in America somehow don't matter though, which is some real clown stuff, man), but there were so many trash takes by the end of it I was really tempted to do so.
There's a reason voices like Whitaker's rise to his position as propagandist...."journalist." Many agendas were served here, but not any Malcolm or those who love him would agree with.
June 19, 2025
A century after his birth and half a century after his death, Malcolm X still speaks to our American condition and to our constant debate about race and belonging. Indeed, it can be argued that he made more of an impact in his afterlife, with his posthumous memoir helping to expose even more people to his story and his message than he managed during the thirty-nine years he had on this planet. And alongside that posthumous legacy, there is the question, still unresolved, of who made the call for his bloody end in February of 1965.
"The Afterlife of Malcolm X," by Mark Whitaker, is not a biography in the traditional sense. It's more of a cultural reckoning with Malcolm's meaning in the wake of his death, when he went from a figure feared by the white majority to an icon beloved by Black communities en masse. Whitaker tells two intersecting stories, really, about the cultural evaluation of Malcolm X and the long investigation into who exactly participated in his murder as well as who may have ordered it. Working these strands into a multi-decade narrative is a challenge, but Whitaker is up to it.
The cultural impact of Malcolm X began long before his death, when he rose to prominence as the spokesman for Elijah Muhammad and the Nation of Islam in the late Fifties. Preaching what many viewed as a separatist, anti-integrationist platform, Malcolm was held in direct contrast to Martin Luther King, Jr. The two men were viewed as rivals, though other books I've read recently show that they had more in common than commentators at the time thought. In time, Malcolm fell out with Muhammad over revelations of the latter's failure to live up to his own moral codes, and at the time of his death had begun to make his own way. He was hard at work on the book that would define him, "The Autobiography of Malcolm X," when he was gunned down on February 21, 1965.
Whitaker shows how, over the decades, Malcolm's legacy was defined by forces both of the right and the left, and how his cultural impact was influenced by factors beyond his family's control (such as the shaping of his narrative by co-author Alex Haley, the cinematic portrait of him in Spike Lee's masterpiece biopic, and multiple biographies by various authors, two of whom were released posthumously by their authors like Malcolm's memoir was). I've read the two books in question, by Manning Marable and Les Payne, as well as the Autobiography, of course. I might say that I'm the one guy in my social or family circle who knows a lot about Malcolm, having asked my mom to buy me a copy of the Autobiography when the film came out (though it took me a few decades to finish it). So this synthesis of cultural history and detailed investigation into the three men who went on trial for Malcolm's murder, was right up my alley.
The story of the murder investigation is the meat of the book, and as such is compelling in its own, true-crime justice-denied kind of way. Three men were brought to trial for the crime, with one man clearly guilty of involvement but two others picked up on a sliver of suspicion. While all three would eventually be granted parole, the two innocent men would not be exonerated until decades after the fact, in no small part due to the efforts of countless people profiled in the book, activists who saw a wrong and tried to right it.
Malcolm X still speaks to the conflicts in our nation, a hundred years after his birth and sixty after his death. "The Afterlife of Malcolm X, " by Mark Whitaker, shows how meaningful his short life was to America, especially as we wrestle with the very problems he spoke out about. It is a timely and necessary examination of his legacy and why he still speaks to us, in various forms.
"The Afterlife of Malcolm X," by Mark Whitaker, is not a biography in the traditional sense. It's more of a cultural reckoning with Malcolm's meaning in the wake of his death, when he went from a figure feared by the white majority to an icon beloved by Black communities en masse. Whitaker tells two intersecting stories, really, about the cultural evaluation of Malcolm X and the long investigation into who exactly participated in his murder as well as who may have ordered it. Working these strands into a multi-decade narrative is a challenge, but Whitaker is up to it.
The cultural impact of Malcolm X began long before his death, when he rose to prominence as the spokesman for Elijah Muhammad and the Nation of Islam in the late Fifties. Preaching what many viewed as a separatist, anti-integrationist platform, Malcolm was held in direct contrast to Martin Luther King, Jr. The two men were viewed as rivals, though other books I've read recently show that they had more in common than commentators at the time thought. In time, Malcolm fell out with Muhammad over revelations of the latter's failure to live up to his own moral codes, and at the time of his death had begun to make his own way. He was hard at work on the book that would define him, "The Autobiography of Malcolm X," when he was gunned down on February 21, 1965.
Whitaker shows how, over the decades, Malcolm's legacy was defined by forces both of the right and the left, and how his cultural impact was influenced by factors beyond his family's control (such as the shaping of his narrative by co-author Alex Haley, the cinematic portrait of him in Spike Lee's masterpiece biopic, and multiple biographies by various authors, two of whom were released posthumously by their authors like Malcolm's memoir was). I've read the two books in question, by Manning Marable and Les Payne, as well as the Autobiography, of course. I might say that I'm the one guy in my social or family circle who knows a lot about Malcolm, having asked my mom to buy me a copy of the Autobiography when the film came out (though it took me a few decades to finish it). So this synthesis of cultural history and detailed investigation into the three men who went on trial for Malcolm's murder, was right up my alley.
The story of the murder investigation is the meat of the book, and as such is compelling in its own, true-crime justice-denied kind of way. Three men were brought to trial for the crime, with one man clearly guilty of involvement but two others picked up on a sliver of suspicion. While all three would eventually be granted parole, the two innocent men would not be exonerated until decades after the fact, in no small part due to the efforts of countless people profiled in the book, activists who saw a wrong and tried to right it.
Malcolm X still speaks to the conflicts in our nation, a hundred years after his birth and sixty after his death. "The Afterlife of Malcolm X, " by Mark Whitaker, shows how meaningful his short life was to America, especially as we wrestle with the very problems he spoke out about. It is a timely and necessary examination of his legacy and why he still speaks to us, in various forms.
June 25, 2025
4.75 rating! I haven't read as much on Malcolm X as I have on Martin Luther King, Jr. but this gave me more insight into how he has impacted generations 60 years after his assassination. The book goes into detail about the last days of his life including a firebombing of his home 2 days before and the actual tragedy itself. I was surprised that there was so much information out there about his murder and the fact that it was not investigated further until many decades later. I liked the parts of how Malcolm has influenced pop culture in particular as I grew up listening to rap and watching the movie with Denzel Washington (he still should have won the Oscar btw). He may have been a complicated figure, but his impact continues inspiring many around the world!
August 17, 2025
This is a fascinating book that brilliantly lives up to its title by indeed describing the afterlife of Malcolm X. The author not only investigates
His death but also shines a light on the many people who were strongly influenced by the life and writings of the renown man who was assassinated in 1965 after publicly breaking with the founder of the Nation of Islam. Countless writers sought to uncover the facts of Malcolm’s murder and countless people, including sports stars, rappers, artists, and politicians found guidance and clarity in his book, The Autobiography of Malcolm X. Well researched, the author packs a lot of facts into this immensely readable book.
His death but also shines a light on the many people who were strongly influenced by the life and writings of the renown man who was assassinated in 1965 after publicly breaking with the founder of the Nation of Islam. Countless writers sought to uncover the facts of Malcolm’s murder and countless people, including sports stars, rappers, artists, and politicians found guidance and clarity in his book, The Autobiography of Malcolm X. Well researched, the author packs a lot of facts into this immensely readable book.
August 1, 2025
An informative "sequel" to the autobiography, offering a detailed overview of Malcolm X's enduring and extraordinarily widespread posthumous influence, from politics to music to fashion. It also covers the decades-long effort to get to the bottom of who really killed Malcolm and to exonerate two wrongfully accused men. I hesitate to call it an uplifting book, since so much of it predicates on tragedy, corruption, systemic racism, and the fundamental failings of our government and criminal justice system, but the book does ultimately offer a message of hope.
May 31, 2025
A fascinating look at the impact Malcolm X has had in the years after his death.
I really enjoyed this and learned things I didn't know before. (I read The Autobiography Of Malcom X when I was 22, and I've been interested in him and his legacy ever since)
This book also looks into who killed him, and the men wrongfully accused of his murder.
A must read
I really enjoyed this and learned things I didn't know before. (I read The Autobiography Of Malcom X when I was 22, and I've been interested in him and his legacy ever since)
This book also looks into who killed him, and the men wrongfully accused of his murder.
A must read
July 2, 2025
A masterful telling of the enduring power of Malcolm X
This book underscores the enduring relevance of Malcolm X in American and world culture. I highly recommend this to all readers.
This book underscores the enduring relevance of Malcolm X in American and world culture. I highly recommend this to all readers.
August 21, 2025
The Power Malcolm X
Malcolm X was murdered at the age of 39. This well written book explores the impact his teachings have had on generations after his death.
Malcolm X was murdered at the age of 39. This well written book explores the impact his teachings have had on generations after his death.
November 13, 2025
A great look at the impact of Malcolm X after death on culture, community, and convictions with a major look at the exonerations of two of his alleged killers.
December 27, 2025
The history of Malcolm X is equally important as the history of MLK, Jr for the Civil Rights Movement. The 2 men certainly would have come together in time, had they not both been assassinated.
May 19, 2025
At once looking at the effect Malcolm’s life and death has had over the last 60 years while also looking to exonerate his convicted killers, this book is comprehensively researched and nuanced. I enjoyed the pop culture section particularly as well as the trials coverage. The author eschews rumors and legend. I think the end product is a well built biography and a social commentary to boot.
Read
September 2, 2025This book was well written, well researched, and educational. I would not hesitate to recommend this book to others.
October 23, 2025
Tedious. And spent too much time on insignificant details but then gave short shrift to how well-known and well-regarded people such as Maya Angelou were influenced by Malcolm X. It was well-researched so it gets a 3.
August 21, 2025
Enjoyed this book largely because of Mark Whitaker's narrative voice. He just went over information that was widely available and maybe added a few behind the scenes stuff but he goes through all of it from the life of Malcom X as a leader of the Muslim community to his assassination to what life was like after his assassination to the influence he has had on society in general to the autobiography and subsequent film and the Netflix series that explored the killers who killed him. Hard to put down book but again most of these details were already out there but I still enjoyed reading this book.
August 26, 2025
I feel like I just completed a semester history course in college by reading this book. So much information about things that happened during my own lifetime and how they relate to Malcolm X's impact. Things that I have a vague memory about from childhood are now made more clear in the bigger picture of history. I'm so glad this book was on display and caught my eye at the local library. I couldn't put the book down for long. Wow - highly recommend.
June 23, 2025
This book felt like a well written research paper based on other’s material. It’s not a book i would recommend to anyone who hasn’t already read “The Autobiography of Malcolm X” or “The Dead Are Arising: The Life of Malcolm X”.
September 14, 2025
This book is not a biography about the life of Malcolm X. Instead, the author explores the effect of Malcolm X's words and life upon blacks in America since his death in 1965.
The author explores the effect of his life (an how it was portrayed in his autobiography) upon the lives of Blacks who were inspired by it: Stokely Carmichael, Huey Newton, Bobby Seale, Eldridge Cleaver, artists, musicians, Black athletes, filmmakers, rappers, and even Justice Clarence Thomas and Barack Obama.
Malcolm X is difficult to pin down. His thoughts and beliefs evolved over time. Like the Bible, one can turn to his speeches and focus on particular statements for inspiration or justification. However, some aspects of his beliefs seem clear. He preached pride in African heritage and blackness. He believed that Blacks had to confront and be ready to defend themselves if attacked by Whites. He encouraged Blacks to band together economically and to look to their own community to advance. He was skeptical that integration would ever be achieved. The book also explores his assassination and who was responsible.
Although not a biography, the author gives the reader glimpses of Malcolm's charismatic personality. Whites who met him in a private setting were charmed and won over by his intelligence and sense of humor.
All in all, this is a comprehensive look at how Malcolm X continues to speak to Blacks (and Whites).
The author explores the effect of his life (an how it was portrayed in his autobiography) upon the lives of Blacks who were inspired by it: Stokely Carmichael, Huey Newton, Bobby Seale, Eldridge Cleaver, artists, musicians, Black athletes, filmmakers, rappers, and even Justice Clarence Thomas and Barack Obama.
Malcolm X is difficult to pin down. His thoughts and beliefs evolved over time. Like the Bible, one can turn to his speeches and focus on particular statements for inspiration or justification. However, some aspects of his beliefs seem clear. He preached pride in African heritage and blackness. He believed that Blacks had to confront and be ready to defend themselves if attacked by Whites. He encouraged Blacks to band together economically and to look to their own community to advance. He was skeptical that integration would ever be achieved. The book also explores his assassination and who was responsible.
Although not a biography, the author gives the reader glimpses of Malcolm's charismatic personality. Whites who met him in a private setting were charmed and won over by his intelligence and sense of humor.
All in all, this is a comprehensive look at how Malcolm X continues to speak to Blacks (and Whites).
November 7, 2025
This book presents a different perspective than the ones we are usually presented with when it comes to biographies in general. Instead of focusing on his life and individual goals, Whitaker focuses on the lasting impact that he had over generations proceeding him.
Given that this is Malcolm X, the unfortunate lesser praised activist compared to Martin Luther Jr., at least for me, a lot of Malcolm X is downplayed, we know the basics of his “radical” beliefs and his assassination, and, of course, his popular friendship with Mohammed Ali (which is also presented in the book). This book did a great job informing me of how his legacy shaped the African American cultural landscape, from the perspective of people who have claimed inspiration directly from him. This stretches to activist groups, religion, sports, and even music.
Given that this is Malcolm X, the unfortunate lesser praised activist compared to Martin Luther Jr., at least for me, a lot of Malcolm X is downplayed, we know the basics of his “radical” beliefs and his assassination, and, of course, his popular friendship with Mohammed Ali (which is also presented in the book). This book did a great job informing me of how his legacy shaped the African American cultural landscape, from the perspective of people who have claimed inspiration directly from him. This stretches to activist groups, religion, sports, and even music.
June 19, 2025
Very interesting - listened to this as an audiobook. I did not know that much about Malcolm X, most of which I got from the movie with Denzel Washington. He was murdered before I was born, so I don't remember hearing about him in school, maybe in college for the first time? But I think history is important to learn, and younger people aren't being taught as much history as I think they should be. There's one point in the book, where someone is putting up a poster about Malcolm X, and a teenage boy says, "Who is Malcolm Ten?"
November 30, 2025
This book mostly examines the after effects of Malcolm X’s death and legacy. It’s a good companion to the autobiography written with Alex Haley, a must read that should be on everyone’s list. It’s pretty much fills in the gaps that are a result of many many years passing. Includes info on the exoneration of 2/3 men convicted of Malcolm’s murder, which didn’t occur until 2021, at which time one of the men had been dead for over a decade. It sheds light on how Malcolm’s legacy has been influential for decades.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews