The Autobiography of Malcolm X Summary
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Here you will find a The Autobiography of Malcolm X summary (Malcolm X's book).
We begin with a summary of the entire book, and then you can read each individual chapter's summary by visiting the links on the "Chapters" section.
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Last Updated: Monday 1 Jan, 2024
Chapters
Chapters The Autobiography of Malcolm X Summary Overview
Born as Malcolm Little in Omaha, Nebraska in a time of rampant racial discrimination, he experienced a turbulent childhood marked by violence and persecution. His family's move to Michigan did little to alleviate these hardships, with his father murdered by white supremacists and his mother committed to a psychiatric hospital. He later relocated to Boston, living with his half-sister, Ella, and quickly immersing himself in the city's urban nightlife. His adventurous life led him to a variety of jobs and activities, including a stint as a railway porter, hustling in Harlem, and even engaging in armed robberies. His lifestyle in Harlem ultimately became perilous, driving him back to Boston where he dabbled in burglary, ultimately leading to his imprisonment. It was during his time behind bars that he underwent a profound transformation. He converted to the Nation of Islam, which had already won over several of his siblings. His faith became the catalyst for his self-improvement; he stopped his drug use, engaged in extensive reading, studied English and Latin, and even became a member of the prison debate team. Upon his parole, he relocated to Detroit, becoming deeply involved in the local temple of the Nation of Islam. Malcolm's dedication to the Nation of Islam eventually led him to drop his last name, adopting the "X" to symbolize his lost African heritage. His charisma and dedication saw him rise rapidly within the organization's ranks, eventually earning him national recognition as a staunch advocate for Black unity and militancy. However, his prominence also stirred resentment within the Nation of Islam, leading to his suspension. After a final fallout with the organization, Malcolm X established his own group, the Muslim Mosque, Inc. His later travels to the Middle East and Africa led him to a version of Islam he considered more authentic, sparking a new commitment to alleviate America's racial issues through religion. His life was tragically cut short by assassination in 1965, but not before he became a globally recognized figure.
chapter 1
Malcolm Little's family in Omaha, Nebraska, were victims of a Ku Klux Klan attack while his mother was expecting him. His father, Earl Little, was a tall, Black Baptist preacher who worked for Marcus Garvey's Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA), advocating for the return of American Black people to Africa. This made him a target for white supremacists. Malcolm, being Earl's seventh and lightest-skinned child, was the only son who didn't suffer Earl's beatings and attended UNIA meetings with him. Malcolm's mother, Louise Little, was a light-skinned and educated Grenadian woman. She was born as a result of her mother being raped by a white man. Louise managed to find domestic work by passing as white, but her main duties involved taking care of her family. Their family moved to Lansing, Michigan, in 1929, where their house was destroyed by another group of white supremacists. This incident served as an early lesson for Malcolm about the life of Black people in America. He saw that the available jobs for Black people in Lansing were menial ones and that most were poor and unemployed. Malcolm experienced an incident that further emphasized the racial discrimination when a white boy swindled him out of his hard-earned money. Still, Malcolm learned that the key to achieving something was to demand it, a lesson he learned from his successful request for more biscuits at home. Tragedy struck when Malcolm was six years old. His father was murdered by white men who were against Earl's Black nationalist work. The life insurance company refused to fulfill Earl's policy, claiming that his death was suicide. Amidst the Great Depression, the Little family became destitute, surviving on dandelions and relying on welfare. When Malcolm resorted to stealing food, welfare agents blamed Louise. She was labeled insane for refusing free pork due to Seventh Day Adventist dietary restrictions. Louise was sent to a mental institution, and the children were separated and sent to foster homes, except for the two eldest. Malcolm held the state welfare agency responsible for his mother's downfall and his family's disintegration.
chapter 2
In 1937, Malcolm is taken in by the Swerlins, a Caucasian foster family in Lansing, though he feels more like their "mascot" rather than an equal member of the clan. Despite topping his grade at Mason Junior High, Malcolm feels out of place. His election as class president only makes him feel more like a "pink poodle"—more a spectacle than a person. His history textbook's single paragraph on Black history, along with his teacher's demeaning comments about Black people, irk him. When he expresses his ambition to become a lawyer, his English teacher, Mr. Ostrowski, suggests he opt for carpentry instead. This leads to Malcolm fostering resentment towards his school and the Swerlins, making him realize that even the most well-intentioned whites fail to see Black people as equals. Malcolm matures fast, and experiences racial bias frequently. He takes umbrage at racist slurs flung at him on the basketball court. He starts working as a dishwasher and visits his mother in a mental hospital, as well as his siblings in various cities. He also frequents bars where he witnesses clandestine interracial relationships that aren't openly acceptable in Lansing. White peers encourage him to date white girls, but Malcolm is quick to understand their ulterior motives. In 1940, Malcolm spends the summer in Boston with his half-sister, Ella, an influential and loyal Black woman. Exasperated by his experiences at school and the Swerlins' home, Malcolm decides to shift to Boston. The Swerlins fail to comprehend his decision, and he cannot articulate his reasons to them. He finds a new home in a room at Ella's house in Roxbury, a prosperous Black suburb in Boston. Relieved to leave Lansing, he later muses that had he stayed, he would have ended up in a menial job or become an apathetic middle-class lawyer. Only fifteen, but looking much older, he starts job hunting.
chapter 3
Malcolm lands in Boston, appearing unsophisticated and out-of-touch with city style. He resides with his step-sister, Ella, who urges him to discover the city before committing to employment. Malcolm swiftly notices the stark contrast between Boston's rhythm and lifestyle and that of Lansing. He observes a distinction between the lifestyle of the affluent Black individuals residing in Roxbury Hill, like Ella, and the less affluent Black individuals who live downhill. Malcolm is captivated by the latter, criticizing the attempts of the "Hill Negroes" to mimic white society and praise their lowly occupations. When Malcolm starts job hunting, he regularly visits a pool hall, where he befriends an employee named Shorty. Shorty, also from Lansing, works at the hall and is an ambitious saxophonist with a network around the city. Shorty takes Malcolm under his tutelage, providing him with money and helping him secure a job. At the Roseland State Ballroom, a popular venue for big bands, Malcolm steps into the role of the shoeshine boy who has just hit the jackpot in a local numbers game, an informal small-stakes lottery. The previous shoeshine boy teaches Malcolm the job, which includes managing the men’s restroom, distributing towels, selling condoms, and shoe shining. Malcolm discovers that a significant portion of the job's earnings come from selling liquor and marijuana, and facilitating interactions between Black pimps and white patrons. Malcolm starts engaging in activities such as shooting craps, playing cards, gambling, drinking, smoking, and drug use. He purchases his first extravagant zoot suit and gets his first "conk," a hairstyle that involves chemical straightening and flattening of the hair. At gatherings, Malcolm sheds his introversion and develops a love for dancing. He contrasts the reserved dancing seen in Michigan with the expressive dancing prevalent at Boston parties. Eventually, Malcolm leaves his ballroom job and for the first time, visits the Roseland as a patron.
chapter 4
Malcolm lands a gig as a drugstore clerk in Roxbury Hill through Ella's influence. He finds the middle-class environment off-putting, but develops a friendship with Laura, a studious high schooler who is a frequent customer. He opens up about his aspiration to be a lawyer, which she supports. Laura, a skilled dancer, has to constantly grapple with her strict grandmother to pursue her passion. In one of their dancing outings, they compete and win a dance contest at the Roseland, impressing even Duke Ellington, the famous bandleader. Malcolm's dancing skills attract Sophia, a white woman, whom he dances with after escorting Laura home. He develops a relationship with Sophia, sidelining Laura. Sophia's other white suitors don't deter Malcolm who views her as a status symbol. His relationship with the attractive white woman transforms him into a nightlife celebrity. Ella disapproves of Sophia, prompting Malcolm to move in with Shorty. Laura's life takes a downward spiral in the subsequent years; she falls out with her grandmother, gets involved with drugs, and turns to prostitution. Reflecting on this, Malcolm considers himself the catalyst for Laura's downfall.
chapter 5
Working as a dish washer on a Boston-Washington train line and later as a sandwich seller on a Boston-New York line, Malcolm is captivated by New York's affluence and vitality, particularly Harlem's Savoy Ballroom and Apollo Theater. After losing his job for overdoing his sandwich selling performances, he is excited to become a daytime waiter at a Harlem bar, Small's Paradise. Malcolm wins over clientele and bosses alike, picking up various scam tricks, the manners of the Harlem criminal scene, and the neighborhood's history. He starts heavily investing his gratuities into the numbers racket, an unofficial lottery in Harlem. Malcolm familiarizes himself with both the young numbers runners and the "old heads," or Black gangsters from the 1920s and 1930s. He becomes acquainted with various pimps, one of them, Sammy the Pimp, becomes his closest friend and only confident in Harlem.
chapter 6
Securing a stable job, Malcolm relocates to a boarding house managed by sex workers. He forms friendships with these women, gaining insights into male psychology from them. Malcolm receives regular visits from Sophia, now a married woman, who eventually befriends the sex workers despite her initial reservations about Malcolm's living conditions. Malcolm earns the nickname "Detroit Red" due to his striking red hair. However, after directing a covert military official to a sex worker, Malcolm is left jobless and is unable to frequent Small's. Turning to Sammy the Pimp for assistance, Malcolm starts peddling marijuana to jazz musicians in New York. Initially, the venture thrives, but soon the local drug enforcement authorities start pursuing Malcolm, costing him both time and money in his attempts to elude them. To dodge arrest, Malcolm is forced to relocate on a weekly basis due to falsified evidence. He develops a dependency on the drugs he's supposed to sell and ends up borrowing money from Sammy just to afford food. Sammy proposes that Malcolm utilise his former train-worker's ID to distribute marijuana along the East Coast.
chapter 7
Malcolm journeys to Boston to reunite with Shorty, who's attempting to establish his band. His clandestine meetings with Sophia reflect her marital status and the growing apprehension towards interracial relationships due to World War II's impact on the white population. Malcolm is called by the draft board, but by dressing outlandishly and expressing his desire to direct Southern Blacks in slaughtering Southern whites to the army psychiatrist, he avoids conscription. After brandishing a firearm at a fellow gambler during a card game in New York's Grand Central Station, he's banned for life by the railway company. Unable to return to his drug dealings in Harlem due to the narcotics squad's familiarity with him, Malcolm resorts to robbery. He commences gun trafficking and uses cocaine more heavily to manage his stress and gear up for jobs. When his brother Reginald comes to Harlem, Malcolm rents an apartment to create a home for them. He introduces Reginald to a scam involving the sale of allegedly stolen defective goods. The situation in Harlem deteriorates as the authorities close the Savoy Ballroom, believed to be a measure to prevent white women from dancing with Black men. Following two riots, white tourists virtually vanish, severely affecting the nightlife industry, causing many from the underworld to seek legitimate employment. After a major disagreement with Sammy the Pimp, which involves a gun threat, Malcolm starts relying more on Reginald, whom he considers indolent yet practical, as he and Sammy's relationship remains strained.
chapter 8
Holding a range of unconventional jobs in Harlem, Malcolm works as a runner for the lottery, in a gambling establishment, and as a guide for white visitors seeking exotic adult encounters. In 1945, he's suspected of stealing from an Italian-run craps game, leading Malcolm to constantly fear for his safety in Harlem. After quitting his guiding job, he starts smuggling illegal liquor from Long Island on behalf of a Jewish businessman, a job he enjoys until his boss mysteriously goes missing following a bootlegging scandal. Meanwhile, Malcolm starts gambling frequently, placing bets with West Indian Archie, a man renowned for his photographic memory allowing him to not document any bets. When Malcolm is accused by Archie of claiming money on a non-existent bet, it's a turning point for him. Malcolm maintains he's right, but according to the street rules, neither can back down. Given a day to return the money, Malcolm gets intoxicated and wakes up after the deadline. Upon his return to Harlem, he encounters Archie in a bar. Archie humiliates Malcolm but doesn't shoot him, however, a showdown appears imminent. The next day, Malcolm ends up in a fight with a young hustler, nearly gets knifed, and is frisked by the police. Suddenly, he's on the run from the police, Italian mobsters, the hustler he fought, and Archie. When Malcolm believes he's about to be gunned down, his friend Shorty comes to his rescue and whisks him away to Boston.
chapter 9
Once in Boston, Malcolm's transformation shocks Shorty and Ella. His new crude and aggressive demeanor results from his experiences as a hustler. Malcolm spends a few weeks relaxing, his activities mostly include sleeping, smoking marijuana, and listening to music. He starts using cocaine again and excitedly discusses his future plans with Shorty and Sophia. His relationship with Sophia continues, relying on her for financial support and astonished by her high tolerance for mistreatment. Sophia’s husband frequently travels for work, giving Malcolm ample time to spend with her. Meanwhile, Shorty develops a relationship with Sophia’s younger sister. To earn a living, Malcolm forms a new criminal scheme. Exploiting his reputation for being heartless and volatile, he forms a burglary gang: himself, Shorty, and a local Italian Black man, Rudy. They use Sophia and her sister to inspect white communities inconspicuously. The women would tour houses under the guise of salespersons or pollsters and then report back to the men with detailed descriptions. Malcolm and Shorty execute the actual burglaries, while Rudy handles the escape vehicle. One incident, while under the influence of cocaine, Malcolm sees Sophia and her sister in a Black bar with a white man, a friend of Sophia’s husband. Unthinkingly, Malcolm approaches them, compromising Sophia’s pretense. This prompts both the friend and later Sophia’s husband to pursue him. Malcolm is eventually arrested by the police in a pawn shop, where he surrenders without resistance. In court, his conviction for theft is influenced more by his relationship with a white woman than the actual crime. The police interrogate him about the nature of his relationships with the women rather than the alleged burglary. Consequently, the judge sentences him to a decade in a state prison.
chapter 10
During his incarceration in Massachusetts state prison, Malcolm undergoes a transformative phase of intellectual and spiritual awakening. Struggling with drug addiction and anger issues, he earns the moniker "Satan" and is isolated from other inmates. He then encounters Bimbi, a fellow Black inmate who commands respect from both prisoners and prison staff. Bimbi's influence prompts Malcolm to leave behind his old mentality and pursue education. He starts reading extensively from the prison library, improves his English, and learns to articulate his anger into logical arguments. In 1948, he gets transferred to Norfolk Prison Colony, a less violent facility with a conducive environment for studying and debating. There, he delves into various subjects in the massive library, including history, religion, literature, biology, and linguistics. Malcolm's first exposure to the Nation of Islam comes from his family. At his brother Reginald's insistence, Malcolm stops eating pork, which he later perceives as his initial step toward Islam. Reginald introduces him to Elijah Muhammad, the spiritual leader of the Nation of Islam, whose fundamental teaching is the demonization of all white men. As Malcolm considers conversion, he reflects on his past experiences with white individuals. He recalls his family being torn apart by social workers, a teacher discouraging his ambition to become a lawyer, and his encounters with white customers while working various jobs. The white law enforcement officials who played a role in his imprisonment also come to mind. He concludes that each one of these individuals has wronged him in some way. These reflections trigger an intense transformation within Malcolm, making him feel that his past misdemeanors have paved the way for him to embrace Islam. Malcolm finally embraces the teachings of the Nation of Islam. According to Elijah Muhammad, Black people were the original humans living in peace under Allah in Mecca until a deranged scientist named Mr. Yacub created a wicked race of white people. These white people embarked on a 6,000-year-long campaign of abusing nonwhites. Elijah Muhammad further teaches that Black people were taken from Africa, enslaved, and eventually indoctrinated. They were forced to abandon their own identities and adopt the names, traditions, myths, and god of their white masters. Now, the white civilization is reportedly on a path of self-destruction. Malcolm, fully absorbed in these teachings, writes to Elijah Muhammad daily and begins praying regularly.
chapter 11
Malcolm diligently enhances his writing ability by meticulously reproducing the entire dictionary by hand, starting with “aardvark.” His vocabulary grows, sparking a reading frenzy that keeps him studying through the night in his cell. He acknowledges that this reading rejuvenates his long-suppressed desire to be “mentally alive.” He forms a belief system grounded in Africa, gleaning from reliable sources that the first humans and early towering civilizations were African, including the pharaohs and the renowned Western storyteller, Aesop. The atrocities of slavery and the daring 1800s uprisings of Nat Turner and John Brown profoundly affect him. He familiarizes himself with India and China's resistance against the British, realizing that colonial oppression and reactions against it weren’t exclusive to Africa. The prison debate program presents him the opportunity to enhance his public speaking skills. He skilfully integrates the theme of race in his discussions, be it on military service or Shakespeare. This debating experience equips him with persuasive skills that he employs later to attract followers to the Nation of Islam. He takes pride in compelling a white pastor to concede that Jesus was not white, deciding to either devote the rest of his life to informing the white man about himself or perish trying. When Reginald, his brother, is barred from the Nation of Islam due to an affair with a secretary, Malcolm chooses faith over family. Following a silent vision of Elijah Muhammad, Malcolm dissociates from Reginald, feeling a stronger connection with his faith than family for the first time. When Reginald goes insane, Malcolm perceives it as Allah's punishment for his sins. He persists in his efforts to convert fellow inmates to Islam.
chapter 12
After being freed from prison in August 1952, Malcolm moves in with his brother Wilfred. He purchases a watch, suitcase, and glasses. Malcolm admires the disciplined lifestyle of Wilfred's Muslim home in Detroit. At his first meeting in a Nation of Islam temple, he is invigorated by the unity and simplicity. Elijah Muhammad, in Chicago, publicly likens Malcolm to the biblical character Job, noting Malcolm's faith will be tested as he reintegrates into the world outside prison. Malcolm expresses his desire to bring more people into the Muslim fold, with Elijah advising him to focus on the youth. While initially struggling to draw in the young crowd in Detroit, Malcolm's perseverance pays off and the temple's membership triples in a few months. During this time, Malcolm adopts the surname "X" to symbolize the lost African heritage of his enslaved ancestors. His public speaking skills improve as he addresses temple gatherings and he is deeply moved when Elijah appoints him as assistant minister at the Detroit temple. Malcolm becomes familiar with Elijah's biography. Born in 1897 in Georgia, Elijah was a diminutive but fearless individual who often resolved disputes among his siblings and had frank conversations with his white employers. Elijah converted to Islam in 1931 after meeting Wallace D. Fard, a self-proclaimed prophet, in Detroit. Following Fard's disappearance in 1934, Elijah took over the Nation of Islam. Due to threats from envious rivals, he had to relocate his family multiple times over seven years. He served time in jail on the pretext of draft evasion, even though he was too old to serve in the military. It wasn't until the 1940s that he reestablished his status as the leader of the Nation of Islam.
chapter 13
Elijah Muhammad wants more ministers for his expanding community, which prompts Malcolm X to leave his employment at Ford Motor Company to begin rigorous training. In this period, Malcolm perfects his public speaking skills. When prepared, Elijah Muhammad sends Malcolm to Boston to assist in establishing a temple there. Malcolm tries converting his old friend Shorty, who is deeply immersed in a lifestyle contrary to the teachings of the Nation of Islam, but fails. His half-sister Ella is astonished by Malcolm’s change, and although she doesn’t convert, she is pleased with his transformation. After establishing the Boston temple, Malcolm is sent to Philadelphia by Elijah Muhammad. By the summer of 1954, Malcolm is assigned to establish a small temple in New York. He reconnects with his past acquaintances, learning that Sammy the Pimp had passed away and West Indian Archie was on his deathbed. Despite initial lack of interest in his teachings, Malcolm persists, leading to the growth of the temple. Malcolm and his followers target Black nationalist rallies and churches advocating for a return to Africa, and successfully win over many Christians. In 1956, a woman named Betty becomes a member of the New York temple. Malcolm, who has been celibate and focussed on his work for a decade, takes an interest in Betty. After introducing her to Elijah Muhammad, he abruptly proposes to her over a call from Detroit. They settle in Queens, New York after their wedding and have five children, with the fifth born posthumously. In 1958, Ella, Malcolm’s half-sister, joins the Nation of Islam. The group gains public attention when police assault one of its members. The Nation’s youth group, “Fruit of Islam,” leads a demonstration demanding justice for the victim. The Nation later wins a $70,000 lawsuit against the city. Due to Malcolm’s busy schedule, the Nation procures a car for him to facilitate his travel. Despite taking a poverty vow, Malcolm has use of the Nation’s substantial resources but personally has minimal possessions. By 1965, significant temples exist in Chicago, Detroit, and New York.
chapter 14
In 1957, Malcolm founded Muhammad Speaks, a newspaper for the Nation of Islam, following his visit to a Black-controlled newspaper in Los Angeles. The organization gained significant public attention in 1959 after a book titled The Black Muslims in America and a TV program focused on the Nation were released. Malcolm felt the media sensationalized their stories for dramatic effect. As a result, he often spent hours countering, clarifying, and accusing his interviewers of bias. He also began to frequently represent Elijah Muhammad in public forums. In late 1959, Malcolm traveled to countries like Egypt, Arabia, Sudan, Nigeria, and Ghana where the Nation of Islam's ideas were gaining interest. His exposure to a new set of ideas caused him to be more critical of Black civil rights leaders, whom he labeled as “integration-mad Negroes” and “Uncle Toms.” Initially, Elijah Muhammad discouraged Malcolm from criticizing other Black leaders, but allowed him to express his emotions publicly when the attacks on the Nation intensified. By 1960, the Nation of Islam began hosting mass rallies featuring Elijah Muhammad. While they initially only allowed Blacks to attend, they eventually permitted the white press and other curious individuals. The Nation's growth and militancy attracted the attention of the FBI and the police, leading to increased surveillance of the organization's leaders, including Malcolm X. The Nation's popularity among convicts was one reason for this scrutiny, as they identified with the harsh perspective on white society and the strict discipline the Nation imposed. The organization was also successful in helping drug addicts recover.
chapter 15
As per doctors' advice, the Nation of Islam purchases a house in Arizona for an ailing Elijah Muhammad, where he spends the majority of his time. His relocation and deteriorating health, coupled with a surge in the Nation's administrative responsibilities, prompt Malcolm to make more independent decisions. By 1963, both Malcolm X and the Nation of Islam are swamped with media attention. Malcolm, now America's second most popular university speaker, relishes the intellectual debates sparked by his university speeches. However, Elijah Muhammad disapproves of his participation in the university lecture circuit, and others accuse Malcolm of attempting to usurp control of the Nation of Islam. Malcolm realizes his name is gradually disappearing from Muhammad Speaks, the newspaper he initiated. To decrease Elijah Muhammad’s envy, he declines publicity offers from major publications such as Life and Newsweek.
chapter 16
The complexity of Malcolm's affiliation with the Nation of Islam escalates when Elijah Muhammad, the leader, faces paternity lawsuits from two secretaries. Initially, Malcolm feigns ignorance about the accusations, subtly shifting his religious teachings to sidestep any moral questions. He eventually confronts Elijah Muhammad, who justifies his actions by comparing himself to biblical figures whose significant achievements overshadowed their minor missteps. Malcolm expects a public confession from Elijah Muhammad, which never happens. The assassination of President John F. Kennedy further exacerbates the tension between Malcolm and the Nation of Islam. Disregarding Elijah Muhammad’s directive to refrain from commenting on the incident, Malcolm refers to it as “the chickens coming home to roost," implying some level of justification for the murder. In response, Elijah Muhammad silences Malcolm for ninety days. Malcolm soon recognizes this as a pretext to exile him, something he believes had been planned for a while. He compares the betrayal to a sudden end of a beautiful twelve-year marriage. Amidst rumours of a death threat, Malcolm learns from an assistant that the Nation has ordered his execution. Needing space to process the betrayal and his separation from the Nation of Islam, Malcolm accepts an invitation from champion boxer Cassius Clay (later Muhammad Ali) to stay in Florida as Clay trains for a fight. Observing Clay, a fellow Muslim, conquer a powerful opponent using wit and training reinforces Malcolm’s faith. Clay divulges his Muslim identity after winning the match. With his ties to the Nation of Islam severed, Malcolm ponders how to keep serving Black people's political and economic needs. He plans to leverage his fame to establish an organization called "Muslim Mosque, Inc." in Harlem. This organization, he imagines, would be more inclusive and proactive than the Nation of Islam in advocating for Black autonomy. However, before launching the initiative, Malcolm decides to undertake a pilgrimage to the Islamic sacred city, Mecca. Having lost his primary source of income, the Nation, Malcolm turns to Ella for financial support, which she provides.
chapter 17
Malcolm shares that every Muslim is obligated to make a hajj, a sacred journey, to Mecca in Saudi Arabia if circumstances allow. Malcolm's sister, Ella, who has also left the Nation of Islam, generously funds his trip. Upon applying for his hajj visa, Malcolm discovers he needs to secure approval on his Muslim status from Mahmoud Youssef Shawarbi, a Muslim UN advisor. Departing the U.S., Malcolm explores Cairo before catching a flight to Jedda, Saudi Arabia. Upon his arrival, authorities seize his passport and state that a high court needs to authenticate his Muslim faith. He is directed to a packed airport dormitory, where he observes the diverse languages, colors, and traditions of the surrounding Muslims. Seeking assistance, Malcolm contacts Omar Azzam, a close associate of Shawarbi’s. Azzam makes his father’s suite at the Jedda Palace Hotel available to Malcolm. Observing the warm hospitality, high-quality food, and enlightening conversation with Jedda’s upper class, Malcolm is deeply impressed. He even receives a car from Saudi Arabia’s Prince Faisal to facilitate his hajj to Mecca. Malcolm is profoundly moved by his experience in Mecca, particularly by the absence of racial segregation in the Islamic world. After completing his hajj, Malcolm pens letters to his loved ones back home, unveiling his new insights on racial issues in the U.S. Encountering white people who are not racist, Malcolm attributes America’s racial tension to historic white aggression against Black people spanning four centuries. He identifies Islam as a potential remedy for America’s racial crisis. Malcolm concludes his letters with the sign-off "El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz," which he adopts as his new name, though he is still widely known as Malcolm X.
chapter 18
Malcolm X discovers the brainwashing of the American Negro, discouraging them from seeing themselves as part of the global nonwhite population. He finds out that international nonwhite leaders and thinkers are concerned about the situation of Black Americans. His travels take him to Lebanon, where he's welcomed with open arms, and to Ghana, where he's gifted with traditional robes by a high commissioner. He also pays visits to Liberia, Senegal, and Morocco before heading back to the United States. On returning to New York, journalists immediately surround him, implying a correlation between him and the race riots breaking out nationwide. Malcolm feels frustrated as the media fails to recognize his evolved perspective.
chapter 19
Malcolm leads gatherings in Harlem for a new group called the Organization for Afro-American Unity. He highlights that this group is open to individuals of all faiths, but does not admit whites. He feels that whites should work on improving their own communities separately, and that unity among Black people should be achieved before they join forces with whites to combat racism. Malcolm spends another eighteen weeks in Africa and the Middle East, conversing with numerous world leaders. He admits feeling limited by his notoriety in his fresh endeavors. He anticipates his end to be violent, expressing uncertainty about surviving long enough to see his autobiography published.
epilogue
In 1959, Alex Haley becomes aware of the Nation of Islam in San Francisco and meets Malcolm X in New York the following year. After publishing two articles on Malcolm X and another on Elijah Muhammad, a publisher proposes Haley to write a biography. Haley manages to convince Malcolm and Elijah to participate in the project, due to the rapport established through the previous articles. Despite initial reservations, Malcolm X gradually develops trust in Haley through a series of interviews. Malcolm is initially reluctant, believing that all reporters, even black ones, cater to white America's interests. Haley almost abandons the project due to Malcolm's reluctance to deviate from Nation of Islam rhetoric. However, noticing that Malcolm often doodles on scrap paper with a red pen, Haley starts placing note cards during interviews and collecting Malcolm's scribbles, which provide valuable insights into Malcolm's thoughts. As the interviews progress in New York City, Malcolm begins to share more. Haley starts the autobiography just prior to Malcolm's falling out with Elijah Muhammad. The epilogue recounts the last two years of Malcolm's life through Haley's lens, highlighting the mounting tension and violence leading up to Malcolm's final days, and detailing the threats before his assassination. Malcolm X is murdered on February 21, 1965, by three people during a lecture at Harlem's Audubon Ballroom. All three, who are affiliated with the Muslims, are later found guilty. However, Malcolm's last remarks hint that entities more powerful than the Nation of Islam may have been involved in his killing. Thousands of people from diverse backgrounds attend Malcolm's funeral, including a sheikh from Mecca, who performs the rites and suggests that Malcolm has reached paradise in his closing remarks.
