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Malcolm X on Afro-American History (Malcolm X Speeches and Writings)

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These lectures on African American history are not the kind that professors give in classrooms, they are what those who believe the whole of African American history leads to Democratic and Republican politicians, Black professionals, or Black capitalists. Malcolm history is something to be grasps as a tool in the struggle as a way to learn how to fight, as a means for a revolutionary transformation of American capitalist society, not to find a privileged place within it. These words are nearly 40 years old, but they show the way that all of the oppressed, not only African Americans, can latch onto our history to fight for a real future.


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This little book packs a powerful punch. Malcolm X explains clearly, and often in a humorous way, how knowing the truth about your history is necessary for building a movement to tear down racism and build a better society. The heart of the book is a speech that Malcolm gave less than a month before his death. His point is that Black people have to become aware of their true accomplishments in the past in order to change the world in the present and future. By looking at ancient African civilizations, West African kingdoms, the rise of imperialism and the history of slavery in America, Malcolm shows that Black people have played a huge role in shaping human history. Even though he spoke at a time when Black History Month was still Black History Week, his message is still totally relevant as African-Americans still face the challenge of leading a movement that can end police brutality, racist violence, political oppression and economic exploitation, while joining up with working people and the oppressed around the world. The impact of Malcolm's speech is magnified by his own explanation of how he studied Black history while in prison; and by a nice set of graphics and maps which illustrate his points.

If only this were in the schools, especially for the teachers. Because although this is no proper textbook for history, it can be used as a guide into how to properly teach afro-american history to the youth.

Malcolm, as well read as he is, references many books as he lucidly and easily brings together many parts of history, but more importantly, a view of history. And his view of history is well-informed, well-sourced, and so full of truth it hurts to listen. But truth in history if very important, and Malcolm helps us in our studies.

To oppress a people you have to suppress, or at least deny, its history. The oppression of Afro-Americans is no exception to this law. In a 1965 speech, as well as in selections from his Autobiography and other works, Malcolm X uncovers the real record of Africa, the slave system, neocolonialism, and what they mean for Blacks today. This book tells you a great deal why those who defended the political and economic status quo hated Malcolm X so much, and why youth seeking to fight that system see him as such an example.

I consider this work to be a most excellent primer and introduction to the transformative and transforming philosophy of Malcolm X prior to the Nation of Islam split. There is an inclination to read this Malcolm as less radical and more peaceful, but I see him as more strategically grounded and solution oriented. This book presents a single lecture given to members of the newly formed OAAU towards the objective of orienting them to the history of the struggle of black people. The excerpts also serve excellently to flesh out parts of his expanding philosophy. The full text of which are to be found by exploring other works in tandem with this one.

This book uncovers a speech delivered by Malcolm X in January of 1965. In his speech Malcolm X discusses the disenfranchisement that African-Americans have suffered due to the lack of knowledge of our pre-slavery historical roots. Malcolm X reveals numerous African-American acheivements that took place long before there was an America. He also argues that this lack of knowledge is what sepearates African-Americans from other cultures, and encourages African-Americans to educate themselves and end this ignorance of our rich historical past. This book is for anyone wishing to know a little more about some of the African-Americans whom you didn't learn about in History class and those who have all ready read Malcolm X Speaks and would like to expand their collection of Malcolm X speeches. This is a book no one can afford to forget.

Reading this reminds me that Malcolm is not history, but someone dealing with problems we need to deal with in the present. Malcolm talks about history here in a way that gives me an idea not just about how good our history is for us to know, but in a way that he gives you the idea of what to do now, and even more importantly how to think. Malcolm was a man who very much wanted us to learn how to think for ourselves in order to lead a struggle against the exploitation and oppression Black and other working people face around the world. If you never read Malcolm X before, this is a good place to start. It is short, inexpensive, and clear. As always Malcolm has humor and wit, as well as wisdom and good political ideas on every page.

This priceless little book consists of a talk Malcolm X gave just a month before he was assassinated in 1965. You will find a rich analysis of then contemporary local, national and international issues, exposure of little-known African civilizations, and an inspiring perspective on advancing the Afro-American liberation struggle along with the struggles of other oppressed and exploited people throughout the world.

As I was reading this book, I actually got into a debate with someone online. The person I debated with claimed that Africa was a primitive place that contained nomads that lived in huts. Armed with the knowledge I gained from this text, I completely out debated this person and put him in his place.

The main focus of this book is a speech Malcolm X gave at an OAAU meeting on January 24, 1965. The purpose of the speech was to give a history of African civilization. Two subsequent speeches were to follow. The second on the present conditions of black people, and a third speech giving a statement of the aims and objectives of the OAAU that would improve the future conditions of black people. Unfortunately, life intervened with the bombing of Malcolm's home and his assassination.

Malcolm does an excellent job detailing the vast African empires and civilizations, and their contributions to geography, agriculture, weaving, art, and education. He details the atrocities of American slavery and how White people stripped Black people of their language and their heritage.

Malcolm was always an extensive reader, and the book contains a chapter (an excerpt from his Autobiography) explaining the books Malcolm read in prison. There are also two sets of pictures which show examples of an advanced African culture and civilization, as well as the atrocities of slavery. One revealing picture shows an advertisement for slaves before the civil war, in which slaves are literally sold like furniture.

The book ends with excerpts from various speeches Malcolm gave in the last year of his life. Its vintage Malcolm and many of these speeches can be found in their entirety in other collections on Amazon. Malcolm's primary message in this book is that Europeans projected Africa negatively, so that we would hate ourselves. Thus, Europe was able to enslave and colonialize us for their profit. Many of the after effects of these efforts are still visible in the black community today. It is up to us to read books like this which tell us the truth about our rich heritage and culture, so that we can improve our self-knowledge and achieve maximum evolution for ourselves and our communities.

During Malcolm's lifetime Pathfinder press began a relationship with him that lasted beyond his death. In co-operation with his family Pathfinder Press became the major publisher of Malcolm's speeches and writings in English and Spanish. This slim book, barely 100 pages, is one of the jewels of that collaboration.

The centerpiece of the book is a 1965 speech by Malcolm on Black history. The book also features excerpts from his autobiography and various speeches and interviews. This book is rich beyond it's size and deserves to be widely read by all.