about the book
Malcolm Little was always told he could reach any goal he wanted. But now, his father has been killed, he’s been stripped of his mother, and he was laughed out of school for sharing his dreams of becoming a lawyer. Life seems hopeless.
Feeling powerless, Malcolm becomes convinced that it’s time to give up.
What is available to Malcolm is city nightlife teeming with excitement. Lured by the world of temporary satisfaction, he seeks happiness through fancy suits, jazz, girls, and marijuana. But as Malcolm attempts to distract himself from the past, the dangers of his present lifestyle escalate.
Malcolm becomes aware that the life he’s found isn’t real freedom. He can’t fool himself forever, and he can’t keep running.
From childhood to eventual imprisonment, Malcolm’s life will soon change forever.
about the author
Ilyasha Shabazz, third daughter of Malcolm X, now works as a community organizer, social activist, motivational speaker, and author.
Born in Queens, New York, in 1962, Ilyasah was named after Elijah Muhammad, the leader of a religious and Black nationalist group called Nation of Islam. At just two years old, she was present when her father was assassinated, though Ilyasha doesn’t remember the event. She was then raised uninvolved with politics and demonstrations.
As Ilyasha grew up, her mother wanted to keep Ilyasha’s father alive; she talked about him and would even break pieces off of cookies to make it look like he had taken a bite before Ilyasah. But her mother never spoke of him as a political icon. Instead, Ilyasah learned about her father in college by reading his autobiography while taking a class.
Illyasah studied at State University of New York at New Paltz where other students held high expectations of her. She moved on to earn a Master’s degree in Education and Human Resource Development at Fordham University.
As a speaker at international humanitarian delegations and the leader of a youth empowerment program called The WAKE-UP Tour, Ilyasha encourages higher education, interfaith dialogue, and bringing cultures together. She also founded the Malcolm X Enterprises and is a Trustee for The Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial and Educational Center.
As a community organizer, she is also on the Board of the Harlem Symphony Orchestra, and serves as a member of the Arts Committee for the New York City Opera at Lincoln Center. Additionally, she is a Project Advisor for PBS’s documentary Prince among Slaves.
She currently lives in Westchester County, New York.
Source:
Author website
Author biography: Wikipedia
Also by Ilyasah Shabazz:
Growing Up X. One World/Ballantine. 2002.
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