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A review by afroheaux
The Autobiography of Malcolm X by Malcolm X
dark
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
5.0
Growing up, I had this vision of Malcolm X as a troublemaker who did nothing but run his mouth and preach black supremacy. I knew he was violent. I couldn’t recall a single violent thing that he did, but I knew he was violent. Once I started learning true history as an African American Studies minor, I began to learn everything I knew was wrong. This book showed me how wrong I was.
Although Malcolm isn’t as perfect as I thought he would be, his takes are more nuanced, informed, and at many times, prophetic than I ever knew. After being in an Islamic cult, his politics about women (amongst other topics) weren’t going to be perfect and I understand that. The lessons from his life and relentless activism is what I take from this. I’m so grateful he shared himself with us and I’m so sad that he wasn’t able to continue his work. I hope his family gets justice eventually.
Although Malcolm isn’t as perfect as I thought he would be, his takes are more nuanced, informed, and at many times, prophetic than I ever knew. After being in an Islamic cult, his politics about women (amongst other topics) weren’t going to be perfect and I understand that. The lessons from his life and relentless activism is what I take from this. I’m so grateful he shared himself with us and I’m so sad that he wasn’t able to continue his work. I hope his family gets justice eventually.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Death of parent, and Violence