The Autobiography of Malcolm X

Malcolm X (born Malcolm Little, 1925-1965) was a Black Muslim minister, human rights activist, and a courageous advocate for Black empowerment. A central figure in the civil rights movement, he challenged racial inequality with a powerful and often confrontational message that spoke directly to the experiences of urban Black America. His life was a testament to his capacity for change and growth, from his early days as a street hustler to his final role as a global human rights figure. His assassination cemented his status as a martyr for the cause of Black liberation.

Alex Haley (1921-1992) was an American writer and journalist who played an integral role in shaping Malcolm X’s narrative. Haley, a former Coast Guard veteran and a respected journalist, spent countless hours interviewing Malcolm X over two years. His role was not just that of a transcriber but also a collaborator, helping to structure the complex and often-raw story of Malcolm's life into a coherent and compelling narrative. Haley's own literary legacy was later cemented with his Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, Roots: The Saga of an American Family. The collaboration between these two men produced a book that remains an essential text for understanding American history, race, and identity.