“The Autobiography of Malcolm X” book recommendation

As part of our Racial Justice Initiative, Indivisible OH 12 members are sharing relevant book recommendations. The latest is from Mike Halaiko. Here he reviews The Autobiography of Malcolm X, as written and told to Alex Haley, 1965. ( Mike also wrote a longer review you can read at this link.) If you want to join the conversation about the book, comment on the post in our Facebook group.

—Why did you choose this book?

This “Autobiography of Malcolm X” was published in 1965. As an undergraduate at The University of Akron, in 1971, I was assigned it to read, as part of a “Black American Literature” Class. Like most undergraduates, I was swamped with reading assignments, and working part time to pay tuition and rent, and I only managed to get through part of it. So, 50 years later, I wanted to revisit Malcom X’s tumultuous experiences growing up in the Jim Crow American north. Malcolm X was feared and despised by some in our white dominated culture because he spoke the bitter truth about racial hatred in our country. As you may have seen, if you have already read this important work, or will see, if you read it, Malcolm X preached that, for black people in America, based on our history of domination and control, there was no point in trying with whites. He preached separateness and independence of blacks, for most of his 39 years, and he was hated for that.

—Why is this book pertinent to racial justice?

This book is pertinent for racial justice because you see what it was like for many African Americans in the 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, and 60s in the Jim Crow north, in this country.

—Why do you recommend this book?

I highly recommend this book, because it takes the reader out of their comfort zone and sensitizes the reader to the gross inequities (that many want to deny) about race in our country.

—What surprised you most about this book?

I was amazed at how most of Malcolm [Little’s] X’s life was a life of desperation, and most of his life was trying to survive in northern US cities.

—Why do you think members of Indivisible OH12 will be interested in this book?

I think members of Indivisible OH12 will be interested in reading this book because members want to learn from our history, and because members are committed to social justice, equity, and inclusion for all people. The reading of this book will affirm some of the reasons we, as a country, have not achieved those goals yet.