The Awakening of Malcom X: a novel

 

The Awakening of Malcom X by Ilyasah Shabazz with Tiffany D. Jackson is a moving narrative biography that focuses on the years that X spent in prison from ages 20 to 27,  where he learned about the teachings of Islam and was shaped into the person he became to lead the Nation of Islam. 

"Wake up, Malcom!"

 Told in three parts from the first time he steps into the horrendous prison in Charlestown where he loses the willingness to improve his mind, to part two where he is enlightened by self-education in the library and his family's support, and concludes with part three where he gets transferred to a better facility in Norfolk where he joins the debate team.  Throughout his time in prison he has flashbacks to his family and reflected on ways he can help his people be free.

"Up, up you mighty race!"

I was already familiar with Malcom X's teachings and speeches, however, the way that he came to the religion was new information.  Since Shabazz is his daughter she had first-hand knowledge of the letters he wrote back and forth with his family and with Elijah Muhammad.  The part that stood out to me was when he discovers that, "even a crumb of dignity can change the way you look at the world and the way you see yourself in it."  Once he was given the chance to prove his worth to his fellow inmates and to the outside world, he only wanted to inspire others to follow suit.  

"Everybody needs their family, Malcom. We're always with you. Don't ever forget that."

This story sparks a lot of questions for students and even adults.  They can delve deeper into Malcom X's speeches and what happened to his position in the Nation of Islam.  Inquiry into the role of prisons and incarcerated people can also stem from this story.  Finally, the role he had in the Civil Rights Movement can also be explored further.