Richard Prince of Journal-isms and Dr. Todd Steven Burroughs joined us this week for an initial discussion of Manning Marable’s book Malcolm X: A Life of Reinvention. What will be the first of several planned discussions and special events on the book today we focused on recent press coverage and first-impression thoughts on the scholarship itself. Malcolm X scholar Karl Evanzz has already publicly described the work as a “fraud” for its lack of revelation and careful research and others have expressed discomfort for an over-emphasis in press coverage of Malcolm’s alleged homosexual acts and infidelity. Much more needs be said of this book, its implications politically or its impact historically on the study of Malcolm X, his life and politics. We intend for this to be the first of many more focused investigations of this and other work related to Malcolm X and what he represents more broadly speaking. Stay tuned!
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It’s like writing in a Book of Silence. Words are corrupt, distorted, and most importantly have no truth. I wont be reading the misinformed and disrespected legacy of this authors lack of interest in Malcolm X.
Much Love and Respect to the memory of the real life and times of Malcolm X.
Nice. Very Introspective look on this book. I was waiting for the response from someone in the community with a critical eye and am very pleased with the discussion. I’m anticipating the continuation of this conversation.
Brother Ball,
Can you repost your Jazz & Justice interview with Dr. Marable and allow for download?
As Dr Leonard Jeffries taught me,
“don’t have a paralyisis of analysis.” Dr John Henrike Clark taught me,
when you read a book, one must read it cover to cover, for sometimes you must read a book of over 500 pages to mine(mind) one sentence of gold.
Malcolm was, is, and will always be my Heru(Hero), Asante sanaa, RIP!
A hack like Karl Evanzz calling a book on Malcolm X a “fraud” is a compliment.
Big J, I was able to read the book in advance of its release. It is an extremely layered piece of work with strengths and limitations. It should not, in my opinion, be reduced to what the media wants to focus on (barely a page of 500) of what the author admits is a somewhat speculative account of a possible sexual transaction with a man during the Detroit Red days. The book is so, so much more than that. Many have reacted without reading the book.
Peace, We need further discussion and critical thought on brother malcolm. I’m reading the book with an open mind and deep love for my hero brother Malcolm. I believe Dr. Marable is giving us the human Malcolm with all positives and negatives. His sexual transaction in his early years particularly with a man, if true, doesn’t lesson Malcolm’s manhood or humanity. Please all continue to read and study the book by Dr. Marable. (Dr. Marable, RIP)
The genius of Malcolm X is that he attempted to leave a road map explaining both his positions and strategies for improving the conditions of the black community. That’s the figure that we should consider when trying to improve. Detroit Red and Malcolm Little are almost other people who have nothing to do with the man who died in that Ballroom. There is no need to take any position on the actions of Detroit Red or Malcolm Little except in so much as Malcolm X’s views on proper behavior. Put simply, I’m interested to know Malcom X’s view on homosexuality and whether we agree or disagree with it today.
once heard/read, there’s no such thing as bad publicity, only wish Dr Marable was with us to answer the critics and explain more of his thoughts about the book.
Sorry Joe, that interview with Marable is lost to the winds by this point. It was a pledge-drive last minute arrangement that i think was never recorded. i remember that we agreed that DuBois is too often forgotten after his one line “color line” statement and too many never read his more powerful works like Black Reconstruction or The World and Africa. He was very friendly, i do remember that as well. And I agree with Bill that i would prefer he be here to not only respond to criticism of this most recent book (my own included) but to keep doing important work in general. — JAB
Crucifiction, lynchings, unfortunate incidents on train tracks, mishaps –always evolving the men of action leave footprints in time,we, simply breath & britches, rise to criticize . . .what will be gleaned from our lives?