The Autobiography of Malcom X Book Club Journal

Joseph Gemmell CJ 367 A- Fall 2012

Book Summary

General Summary: The Autobiography of Malcom X illustrates the development and evolution of Malcoms understanding of racism. He was born in a time period and area of the country in which was filled with hate, discrimination, and violence based on race. Malcoms family was persecuted by white supremacist groups. At an early age Malcom discovered the life long struggle he had in front of him. His house was set ablaze, father murdered, and mother was sent to a mental hospital. Various foster homes, poverty, and bad influences led Malcom to begin using hard street drugs, especially crack cocaine. His introduction to street crime and hard drugs sparked a destructive phase of crime. Malcom eventually was convicted of various crimes including Larceny in 1946. He spent the six years in prison educating himself by reading and had an epiphany. After being released from prison early, Malcom X met with influential leaders of the Nation of Islam. Through his involvement Malcom became a very powerful minister within the nation and eventually broke away due to disagreements and conflicts of interest. After making trips overseas, especially to Africa, his views of race and equality began to change. His vision was for equality for all people blind to race or ethnicity. His views of hatred towards white people changed to a desire for peace within a few years time. However his familys house was firebombed and he was assassinated less than a week later.

Early Childhood: Malcom learned about discrimination, hate, and racism at a very early age. His house was destroyed in a fire set by white supremacists and his father was murdered in a street car accident. He learned of the struggles his people faced on a daily basis and began to understand the problems within his society. His teacher told him that he could not aspire to be anything prestigious because of his race. His mother was eventually sent to a mental hospital and Malcom to various foster homes. These events made him hate the white race as a whole and spiral into a crime ridden world. Adolescence/Young Adulthood: After completing school, Malcom gets involved in the Boston nightlife and begins involving himself in scandalous activities. He becomes a casual user of drugs and eventually moves to New York where his criminal life blossoms. Malcom became involved in the drug trade, armed robberies, and prostitution. Violence increased and life in Harlem became too risky for Malcom to stay in New York. He was eventually arrested in Boston for Larceny/Breaking and entering. Prison Transformation: Malcom X was sentenced to 8 to 10 years in prison. During his incarceration, he began reading literature and educating himself on the Islamic religion and became involved in the Nation of Islam. During his studies he gave up drug use and converted himself. His change of heart began the transformation of his stand on racism.

Post Prison Life: Malcoms transformation in prison continued into his new life as a free man. He became an influential minster in many different cities through the Nation of Islam. He became the face of the movement and many leaders felt threatened. He broke away from the Nation after discovering of his friend & colleagues adultery and going on a pilgrimage to Africa and Mecca. This was Malcoms final transformation. He came to a new understanding of racism and equality. Malcom wanted to strive for equality for all people and no longer had hate for white people. He influenced and positively impacted many people but also angered many racial extremists. He was assassinated by radicals only minutes into his final speech. Personal Reaction to book: I personally thought this book was very interesting. I am actually embarrassed to say even though I knew Malcom X was an influential leader in the Civil Rights Movement; I knew very few details about his life. I think that his progress through a life of crime and positive experience with the Justice System. I thought it was interesting because we have discussed in many different CJ classes that the Justice System is very similar to a revolving door. Malcom X used his incarceration to better himself and strive to make a difference in society. I personally think his situation proves that the Justice System can actually work in contrary to popular belief. I also thought that Malcom Xs usage of crack cocaine was very interesting. We had discussed the crack epidemic and its destructive availability on the street. When first starting the book I had wondered how the book would actually connect with the class but now I realize the various parallels with the course subject.

Points for Book Club Discussion: o Early life Risk factors Negative influences Racial differences Teachers

o Linked Risk Factors studied in Juvenile Justice to class and book o Malcoms involvement with drugs and crime Spiral Specifically crack cocaine Provines Blacker war on drugs via crack?

o Involvement in Nation of Islam Good outweigh bad? Betrayal

o Themes of book? Racism Malcoms evolving understanding of racism Human rights are natural

Final Thoughts after Group discussion: -Good book -Relevant with classroom discussion -Did Malcom X escape racism/violence after all?