Have You Read This?
The Portable Malcolm X Reader
Edited by: Manning Marable and Garrett Felber
Big Ups to my boi Malcolm! He would’ve been 97 if he was still alive today. I finished this book earlier this morning and with the anniversary of his death being today, I’m happy to have known him through these reads, records, speeches, etc. In the eulogy Ossie Davis gave of Malcolm he said, “that what we place in the ground is no more now a man – but a seed,” and I truly believe that.
So many people I’ve met hold him as an inspiration to keep moving forward, including myself. The transformation of his person has always held immense importance to me. I never thought education or reading as important as I do now until I read his autobiography. I’ll probably read again because of this book. There was a lot of information I either didn’t know or forgot from the autobiography. Like one, his probation records said he got really sick after he got a job in the factory. He couldn’t work for months. 2: I never knew that in the last year of his life, he was silenced and banned from the NOI, met and recruited Muhammad Ali into the NOI, established both the OAAU (Organization Of Afro-American Unity) and MMI (Muslim Mosque Inc.) AND made his pilgrimage to Mecca. All in that one year (and 3 months). James Baldwin had a cool essay in here about Malcolm and Martin. That foo writes smoother than the butter. I swear. I blazed through it like I was giving a relaxed speech. Anyways if you doin’ research on the boy this a must have. If you just want to have more information at your disposal to reference back to or to look at like his speeches this is an awesome book to have. I got this book probably like 5 years ago just cuz I really loved the cover, but I’m glad I finally read it. If you’re still reading remember to stand firm and honest like Malcolm did. Have immense love for your people and yourself. Oh ! and Remember to smile. Malcolm always loved to smile :)
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The Portable Malcolm X Reader serves as a powerful testament to the lasting influence of Malcolm X on contemporary society. This collection, edited by Manning Marable and Garrett Felber, curates essential speeches, writings, and reflections that illuminate Malcolm's complex life journey and ideological evolution. The essays featured in the book underscore Malcolm's relentless pursuit of justice and equality, making it a pivotal resource for understanding the struggles faced by African Americans throughout history. Malcolm X's legacy continues to resonate, inspiring generations to actively engage in the quest for civil rights and social justice. This collection not only showcases his motivations but also highlights his intellectual legacy, including his thoughts on education, empowerment, and community solidarity. Readers will also benefit from the context provided about Malcolm’s significant moments, such as his break from the Nation of Islam and his international travels, which broadened his perspectives on race relations and human rights. Moreover, the reflections included bring an additional layer of appreciation for Malcolm’s contributions to social justice movements. Notably, James Baldwin's essay reinforces the interconnectedness of their struggles, championing solidarity among marginalized communities. For anyone interested in the historical impact of Malcolm X, 'The Portable Malcolm X Reader' is an indispensable addition to their library. It inspires not only understanding but also action, urging readers to reflect on their own roles in the ongoing fight for justice.
