This is an American revolution set down on the page.
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.
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
Music Playlist
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Longing
Artist: Fort Smith SymphonyAlbum: American ClassicsLabel: Naxos -
Fleurette Africaine
Artist: Duke EllingtonAlbum: Money JungleLabel: Blue Note Records -
Flying Home
Artist: Lionel HamptonAlbum: Flying HomeLabel: LRC Ltd. -
Beautiful Brother of Mine
Artist: Curtis MayfieldAlbum: RootsLabel: Rhino -
Bring the Noise
Artist: Public EnemyAlbum: It Takes a Nation of MillionsLabel: Def Jam -
No Swinging the Club in the Car
Artist: Cliff MartinezAlbum: Traffic original motion picture soundtrackLabel: Tvt -
Junkie Chase (instrumental)
Artist: Curtis MayfieldAlbum: Superfly original motion picture soundtrackLabel: Rhino/ Wea -
Fight the Power
Artist: Public EnemyAlbum: JarheadLabel: Decca Soundtracks