American Icons: "The Autobiography of Malcolm X"

This is an American revolution set down on the page.    

Malcolm X

 

When Malcolm X was assassinated at 39, his life story nearly died with him. Today “The Autobiography of Malcolm X” — a favorite of President Obama and Justice Clarence Thomas alike — stands as a milestone in America’s struggle with race. The autobiography is also a Horatio Alger tale, following a man’s journey from poverty to crime to militancy to wisdom. Muslims look to Malcolm as a figure of tolerance; a tea party activist claims him for the political right; Public Enemy’s Chuck D tells us, “This book is like food. It ain’t McDonald's — it’s sit down at the table and say grace.” 

Airs Monday, February 22 at 2pm on 93.9 FM and AM 820. (Originally aired September 24, 2010)

Passages from "The Autobiography of Malcolm X" were read by Dion Graham.

'The Autobiography of Malcolm X,' Ballantine Books paperback

Bonus Track: Painting an Icon 
Artist Charles Lilly's painting of Malcolm X adorns the cover of the Ballantine Books edition of “The Autobiography of Malcolm X.” In this bonus cut, he explains his famous work. 

 

Bonus Track: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar remembers Malcolm X 

NBA Hall of Fame member Kareem Abdul-Jabbar talks about hearing Malcolm X speak as a teenager in Harlem and the profound impact “The Autobiography” had on him in college.

 

Video: A tour of Alex Haley's studio

Alex Haley at typewriter

 

Martin Luther King and Malcolm X waiting for press conference

 

'The Autobiography of Malcolm X'

 

Alex Haley's Hamilton College ID
 

Music Playlist

  1. Longing

    Artist: Fort Smith Symphony
    Album: American Classics
    Label: Naxos
  2. Fleurette Africaine

    Artist: Duke Ellington
    Album: Money Jungle
    Label: Blue Note Records
  3. Flying Home

    Artist: Lionel Hampton
    Album: Flying Home
    Label: LRC Ltd.
  4. Beautiful Brother of Mine

    Artist: Curtis Mayfield
    Album: Roots
    Label: Rhino
  5. Bring the Noise

    Artist: Public Enemy
    Album: It Takes a Nation of Millions
    Label: Def Jam
  6. No Swinging the Club in the Car

    Artist: Cliff Martinez
    Album: Traffic original motion picture soundtrack
    Label: Tvt
  7. Junkie Chase (instrumental)

    Artist: Curtis Mayfield
    Album: Superfly original motion picture soundtrack
    Label: Rhino/ Wea
  8. Fight the Power

    Artist: Public Enemy
    Album: Jarhead
    Label: Decca Soundtracks