Malcolm X

by Manning Marable

  259 “he went jubilantly lindy-hopping around.” Malcolm X and Haley, Autobiography, p. 398.

  259 “Justice to what the book can do for the Muslims needs it.” Alex Haley to Malcolm X, September 25, 1963, MXC-S, box 3, folder 6.

  259 “date before the 1964 election is in full swing.” Wolcott (Tony) Gibbs, Jr., to Alex Haley, October 1, 1963, KMC, box 44, folder 9.

  259 “intrusion by the ‘as told to' writer.ʺ Alex Haley to Tony Gibbs, October 11, 1963, Anne Romaine Collection, UTLSC, series I, box 3, folder 24.

  260 “speaking at Harvard Law School.” Wolcott Gibbs, Jr., to Alex Haley, October 24, 1963, KMC, box 44, folder 9.

  261 “and represents, to Negroes, to white people, to America.ʺ Alex Haley to Paul Reynolds, October 24, 1963, Anne Romaine Collection, UTLSC, series I, box 3, folder 1.

  261 including one of a young Malcolm alongside singer Billie Holiday. Alex Haley to Tony Gibbs, October 27, 1963, KMC, box 44, folder 9.

  261 “command you into what must be done with it.” Alex Haley to Paul Reynolds, Kenneth McCormick, and Tony Gibbs, November 14, 1963, Anne Romaine Collection, UTLSC, series I, box 3, folder 24.

  261 “and, then, the galvanic, absolute conversion.” Alex Haley to Malcolm X, November 14, 1963, MXC-S, box 3, folder 6.

  261 panel discussion at the University of California at Berkeley. MX FBI, Summary Report, New York Office, June 18, 1964, p. 17.

  261 specific references to “the Honorable Elijah Muhammad.” “America’s Gravest Crisis Since the Civil War,” University of California at Berkeley, October 11, 1963, in Perry, ed., Malcolm X: The Last Speeches, pp. 59-79.

  262 cause “violence and bloodshed.” Ibid., pp. 66-67.

  262 “You look upon him as being a man.” Ibid., pp. 72-73.

  262 “Adam Powell is one of the best examples.” Ibid., pp. 78-79.

  262 on “the condition of Negroes on the West Coast.” “Malcolm X, Back, Will Speak Friday,” Amsterdam News, October 19, 1963; and MX FBI, Summary Report, New York Office, November 15, 1963, pp. 16-17.

  262 “full time to the truth of Mr. Elijah Muhammad.” “Professor to Direct Black Muslims Here,” Washington Post, October 21, 1963.

  263 to Philadelphia to address the local NOI mosque. MX FBI, Summary Report, New York Office, June 18, 1964, p. 9.

  263 Malcolm engaged in a public dialogue with James Baldwin. MX FBI, Summary Report, New York Office, November 15, 1963, p. 18.

  263 books by and about him, was George Breitman. George Breitman’s works about Malcolm X include: George Breitman, ed., Malcolm X: The Man and His Ideas (New York: Pathfinder, 1965); George Breitman, ed., Malcolm X on Afro-American History (New York: Pathfinder, 1967); George Breitman, The Last Year of Malcolm X: The Evolution of a Revolutionary (New York: Schocken, 1967); George Breitman, ed., By Any Means Necessary: Speeches, Interviews, and a Letter by Malcolm X (New York: Pathfinder, 1970); and George Breitman, ed., Malcolm X Speaks: Selected Speeches and Statements (New York: Grove, Weidenfield, 1990).

  264 considered themselves more militant than he was. The letter inviting Malcolm X to attend the conference, dated October 26, 1963, came from GOAL. The letter outlined GOAL’s objectives and political philosophy; it also invited Malcolm to join its advisory board. What may be most important about Malcolm X's post-NOI career is that GOAL provided a democratic model of protest organization that may have shaped the subsequent evolution of the Organization of Afro-American Unity (OAAU) in 1964. The OAAU’s political statements and objectives clearly paralleled those of GOAL. See Group on Advanced Leadership (GOAL) to Malcolm X, October 26, 1963, MXC-S, box 15, folder 11.

  264 based on nonviolent direct action, was no revolution at all. “Message to the Grassroots,” November 10, 1963, in Breitman, ed., Malcolm X Speaks, pp. 3-17.

  264 “love revolution, you love black nationalism.” Ibid., pp. 9-10.

  265 Academy Awards “for the best supporting cast.” Ibid., pp. 12-17.

  265 “Malcolm’s going to split with Elijah Muhammad.” Grace Lee Boggs, “Let’s Talk About Malcolm and Martin,” lecture presented at Brecht Forum, New York, May 4, 2007.

  265 “residing with my brother Philbert in Lansing.” Malcolm is quoted in a letter dated November 1963, Alex Haley to Ken McCormick, Anne Romaine Collection, UTLSC, series I, box 3, folder 24.

  265 until most of the Autobiography was completed. Alex Haley to Malcolm X, November 14, 1963, MXC-S, box 3, folder 6.

  265 “story, this caliber of a ‘happy ending.’” Alex Haley to Malcolm X, November 19, 1963, ibid.

  265 “There’s something that I want to tell you both.” Louis Farrakhan interview, December 27, 2007.

  265 activity was “as bad as it ever was.” DeCaro, On the Side of My People, p. 191.

  266 Louis consented to Malcolm’s request. Louis Farrakhan interview, December 27, 2007.

  266 traditional NOI dogma, and classical tenets of Sunni Islam. “Reminiscences of Malcolm X: A Lecture,” Oral History Research Office, Columbia University, New York. An incomplete transcript of Malcolm X’s talk is in MXC-S, box 5, folder 12.

  267 “I’ll have to say he’s the foxiest of the foxy.” Ibid.

  267 “Why, they would upset the entire political picture.” Ibid.

  267 “involved because they were not allowed to.” Herman Ferguson interview, June 27, 2003.

  268 even on the Thanksgiving holiday. Herman Ferguson interview, June 24, 2004.

  268 “something that was happening around him.” Ibid.

  268 “He was developing too fast.” Herman Ferguson interview, June 27, 2003.

  Chapter 10: “The Chickens Coming Home to Roost”

  269 alongside a photo of Kennedy. Clegg, An Original Man, pp. 200-201.

  269 if questioned about the assassination. Evanzz, The Messenger, pp. 271-72.

  269 an NOI leader since the assassination. Clegg, An Original Man, p. 201.

  270 but a significant minority of non-Muslim blacks. “Malcolm X Scores U.S. and Kennedy: Likens Slaying to ‘Chickens Coming Home to Roost,’” New York Times, December 2, 1963; and Herman Ferguson interview, June 27, 2003.

  271 “been making [the Mecca pilgrimage] since then.” Ibid.

  271 affirmed Islam as their faith would be saved. Ibid.

  271 “speaks for the black masses of America”—that is, Elijah Muhammad. Ibid.

  272 “Revolutions are destructive and bloody.” Ibid.

  273 “never did make me sad; they’ve always made me glad.” “Malcolm X Scores U.S. and Kennedy.”

  273 “he made the statement, I didn’t think anything about it.” Larry 4X Prescott interview, June 9, 2006.

  273 “nobody paid any particular attention to it.” Herman Ferguson interview, June 27, 2003.

  274 Marilyn E.X., his secretary, would continue working for him. Clegg, An Original Man, p. 202; and DeCaro, On the Side of My People, pp. 191-92. It appears that Malcolm continued to have access to Mosque No. 7’s secretary until early 1964. Marilyn E.X., Malcolm’s secretary, wrote Frank Quinn of the San Francisco Council for Civic Unity on December 30, 1963, requesting a copy of a television interview featuring Malcolm X on a local program, “Cities and Negroes.” See Marilyn E.X. to Frank Quinn, December 30, 1963, MXC-S, box 3, folder 4.

  274 “‘very shocked at the assassination of President Kennedy.’” “Malcolm X Suspended for JFK Remarks,” Amsterdam News, December 7, 1963.

  274 “I agree I need to withdraw from public appearance.” Ibid.; and “Malcolm X Suspended,” Chicago Defender, December 5, 1963.

  274 “and even that job reportedly was in doubt.” X On the Spot,” Newsweek, December 16, 1963.

  275 “but he would make no public speeches.” Larry 4X Prescott interview, June 9, 2006.

  275 “and I said, ‘Oh-oh, something funny is going on.’” James 67X Warden interview, June 18, 2003.

  275 public fiascos with the American Nazi Party. Ibid.

  275 otherwise surely heightened the tension between them. R
ickford, Betty Shabazz, pp. 164- 65. Rickford speculates that Malcolm’s “lingering loyalty” to the NOI “might have sparked more feuds at home.”

  276 “just exclude public speaking engagements.” “Malcolm X Expected to Be Replaced,” New York Times, December 6, 1963.

  276 Malcolm never really worked on the project. DeCaro, On the Side of My People, pp. 191-92.

  276 “just as they put it in the back of Medgar Evers.” “Malcolm Answers Jackie Robinson,” Chicago Defender, December 7, 1963. Also see “Reject Racist Views in Open Retort to Malcolm,” Chicago Defender, December 14, 1963.

  277 “he will not be permitted to speak in public.” “Malcolm X Maintains Silence,” Amsterdam News, December 14, 1963.

  277 “people without cultural roots are automatically dead.” Malcolm X to Martin Miller, December 6, 1963, MXC-S, box 3, folder 4.

  277 “the only spokesman for the Black Muslims.” “A Summing Up: Louis Lomax Interviews Malcolm X,ʺ in Lomax, When the Word Is Given, pp. 169-80.

  277 “sticks out his lip and starts popping off.” Clegg, An Original Man, p. 203.

  278 corroborate Malcolm’s supposed rumormongering. Evanzz, The Messenger, p. 278.

  278 neither believed that a total split was inevitable. Clegg, An Original Man, pp. 203-5.

  278 he was praying to atone for his errors. Ibid., pp. 205-6.

  278 Elijah Muhammad, Ali, and Sharrieff were all present. Ibid., pp. 203-7; and Goldman, The Death and Life of Malcolm X, p. 125.

  279 “Go back and put out the fire you started.” Clegg, An Original Man, p. 207; and Goldman, The Death and Life of Malcolm X, pp. 125-26.

  279 “another, less metaphorical grave in mind.” Goldman, The Death and Life of Malcolm X, p. 126.

  279 even by James 3X Shabazz in Malcolm’s own former post. Larry 4X Prescott interview, June 9, 2006.

  279 over seven hours, deep into the night. MX FBI, Memo, New York Office, February 12, 1964.

  280 having Clay on his side was a plus. Goldman, The Death and Life of Malcolm X, pp. 127-29.

  280 to Washington, D.C., until January 21. David Remnick, King of the World, p. 168.

  281 the couple’s youngest daughter, Ilyasah. Photograph, “Clay Celebrates with Malcolm X,ʺ Chicago Defender, February 6, 1964.

  281 published in the Amsterdam News. Photograph, “Malcolm X’s Family and Friend,” Amsterdam News, February 1, 1964.

  281 to Miami and resumed training. Remnick, King of the World, pp. 168-69.

  281 “of heavyweight boxer Cassius Clay.” “Malcolm X in Florida,” Amsterdam News, January 25, 1964.

  281 “a Muslim meeting I get inspired.” “Cassius Clay Almost Says He’s a Muslim,” Amsterdam News, January 25, 1964.

  281 “what’s wrong with the Muslims?” Remnick, King of the World, p. 169.

  282 of about $3,000 per month. James 67X Warden interview, July 24, 2007.

  283 “without speaking against myself.” “Notebook—Separation from NOI,ʺ MXC-S, box 9, folder 2.

  283 “only adds division upon division.” DeCaro, On the Side of My People, p. 192.

  283 “in Muslims, but self.” “Notebook—Separation from NOI,ʺ MXC-S, box 9, folder 2.

  283 “(two-thirds a cop) same situation everywhere.” Ibid.

  284 coalitions on a case-by-case basis. Claude Lightfoot, “Negro Nationalism and the Black Muslims,” Political Affairs, vol. 41, no. 7 ( July 1962), pp. 3-20.

  285 “survive the War of Armageddon?” McAlister, “One Black Allah,” pp. 622-56; and Malcolm X and Haley, Autobiography, pp. 224-25.

  285 “a worldwide and historic struggle.” McAlister, “One Black Allah,” p. 628.

  285 had talked with God personally. Lomax, When the Word Is Given, pp. 177-80.

  285 Allah nor God, Malcolm dissented. “Notebook—Separation from NOI,” MXC-S, box 9, folder 2.

  286 seat 7, his favorite number. Remnick, King of the World, pp. 170-72.

  286 of allowing Malcolm back in. Goldman, The Death and Life of Malcolm X, pp. 128-29.

  287 and led them in prayer. Remnick, King of the World, pp. 186-88.

  287 “I’m the king of the world!” Ibid., pp. 176, 183-200.

  287 were given bowls of ice cream. Ibid., pp. 204, 207-8; and Goldman, The Death and Life of Malcolm X, p. 129.

  287 “blinded them to his ability.” Remnick, King of the World, p. 207.

  288 and an entourage of six. “Clay Talks with Malcolm Here,” New York Times, March 2, 1954.

  288 “a mind of his own.” Steve Cady, “Clay, on 2-Hour Tour of U.N., Tells of Plans to Visit Mecca,” New York Times, March 5, 1964.

  288 near his East Elmhurst home. Remnick, King of the World, p. 213.

  288 “secret conference with Malcolm X.” “. . . and to Complete the Report,” Chicago Tribune, March 2, 1964.

  288 rival organization to the Nation of Islam. “Report Clay, Malcolm X Plan New Organization,” Chicago Defender, March 2, 1964.

  289 “‘kill Malcolm, they’ll kill me.’” James 67X Warden interview, August 1, 2007.

  289 “would raise up against them.” James 67X Warden interview, June 18, 2003.

  289 “in the middle of the night.” Ibid.

  290 “‘are talking about killing you.’” James 67X Warden interview, August 1, 2007.

  290 “just don’t lie to me.” Ibid.

  291 “that’s the way it was.” Langston Hughes Savage (also known as Anas Luqman) interview, September 6, 2008.

  291 “break with all of them.” Ibid.

  291 “‘He ain’t been removed.’” James 67X Warden interview, August 1, 2007.

  292 “became more and more political.” Louis Farrakhan interview, December 27, 2007.

  292 “I held with my brother.” Ibid.

  292 “in Allah and follows me.” “Clay Puts Black Muslim X in His Name,” New York Times, March 7, 1964.

  293 “talk about him no more.” Remnick, King of the World, p. 214.

  293 “would not join with Malcolm X.” “Clay to Take Draft Physical,” New York Times, March 7, 1964.

  293 “champion Cassius X Clay, has completely failed.” “Clay Drops Malcolm X,ʺ Pittsburgh Courier, March 21, 1964.

  293 Triborough Bridge and given a ticket. “Order Arrest of Brother Malcolm,” Chicago Defender, May 21, 1964.

  293 that he was suspended indefinitely. Malcolm X, “Why I Quit,” Amsterdam News, March 14, 1964.

  294 “engagements at colleges and universities.” M. S. Handler, “Malcolm X Splits with Muhammad,” New York Times, March 9, 1964; and “Occasional Statements, Open Letters, Declarations and Letters to the Editor, 1962-1964,” MXC-S, box 5, folder 18.

  294 “wherever Negroes ask for my help.” Handler, “Malcolm X Splits with Muhammad.”

  295 “and that he should be killed.” William H. George interview with Assistant District Attorney Herbert Stern, March 18, 1964, MANY.

  295 a second election would be held. MX FBI, Summary Report, New York Office, June 18, 1964, p. 33.

  295 whom had been former NOI members. James 67X Warden interview, June 18, 2003.

  295 New York’s WNDT, Channel 13. “Malcolm X Charts,” Jet, April 2, 1964; and MX FBI, Memo, New York Office, March 11, 1964.

  295 with an interview with Malcolm. “Telegram to Muhammad” and “Malcolm X: Why I Quit,” Amsterdam News, March 14, 1964.

  296 “while there is still time.” M. S. Handler, “Malcolm X Sees Rise in Violence,” New York Times, March 12, 1964.

  296 Muhammad only isolated him further. Ibid.; MX FBI, Memo, New York Office, March 13, 1964; DeCaro, On the Side of My People, p. 195; and “Occasional Statements,” MXC-S, box 5, folder 18.

  296 Malcolm would later explain. Rickford, Betty Shabazz, p. 163.

  296 “had yet to be broken.” Ibid., p. 171.

  Chapter 11: An Epiphany in the Hajj

  298 “within their rights to kill those dogs.” MX FBI, Memo, New York Office, March 13, 1964.

  298 Murphy’s
condemnation was a “compliment.” “‘Get Guns,’ Says Malcolm X,ʺ Chicago Defender, March 14, 1964; “Top New York Cop Vows Fight Against Malcolm X,ʺ Chicago Defender, March 17, 1964; “Negroes Seek Ouster,” Chicago Defender, March 19, 1964; and MX FBI, Memo, New York Office, March 26, 1964.

  298 quality of blacks’ public education. MX FBI, Memo, New York Office, March 13, 1964; and MX FBI, Memo, Boston Office, April 3, 1964.

  298 most blacks to dismiss his claims. “Malcolm X Tells of Death Threat,” Amsterdam News, March 21, 1964.

  298 room located on the hotel’s mezzanine. MX FBI, Memo, Chicago Office, March 17, 1964; MX FBI, Memo, New York Office, March 13, 1964; and MX FBI, Summary Report, New York Office, June 18, 1964, p. 35.

  299 “the white man himself bleeds a little.” MX FBI, Memo, Boston Office, April 3, 1964.

  299 “anti-Semitic. We are simply against exploitation.” MX FBI, Memo, Paris Office, August 26, 1964.

  299 had requested information on how to join up. MX FBI, New York Office, June 18, 1964, p. 48.

  299 to form “a black nationalist army.” “Malcolm X May Form Black National Army,” Amsterdam News, March 25, 1964; “Malcolm X Says Form a New Party,” Chicago Defender, March 26, 1964; and MX FBI, Summary Report, New York Office, June 18, 1964, p. 36.

  300 “will consider a conflict as a bloody one.” Ibid.

  301 would become spiritual brothers and sisters to blacks. DeCaro, On the Side of My People, pp. 207-8.

  301 “in the nonviolent movement.” Garrow, Bearing the Cross, p. 319.

  302 only time the two men ever met. James 67X Warden interview, August 1, 2007.

  302 compensate blacks for “three hundred ten years of unpaid slave labor.” “Malcolm X to Organize Mass Voter Registration,” Militant, April 6, 1964.

  302 the inevitable socialist revolution in the United States. Trotsky’s theory of “permanent revolution” suggested that revolutionary societies could “leap” economic stages of development—for example, from feudalism to socialism, bypassing capitalism. In the United States, this meant that the vanguard of the socialist revolution would not come from the industrial proletariat, but from the most oppressed sectors of the working class and peasantry. This meant that Negroes would be a major force within the vanguard of the American socialist revolution. The Socialist Workers Party, Trotsky advised, should support movements promoting black nationalism and demands for self-determination. See Manning Marable, Black American Politics: From the Washington Marches to Jesse Jackson (London: Verso, 1985), p. 52.