Malcolm X

The Autobiography of Malcolm X, as told to Alex Haley, is about a man who changed the history of America. Malcolm X preached about racism, discrimination, and segregation. He experienced many changes in his fight for equality. The three transformations that really changed the way Malcolm thought and preached were: his transformation in prison, his transformation into the Islamic religion (following Elijah Muhammad), and the biggest transformation of all, his pilgrimage to Mecca.

While in prison Malcolm X went throught his first transformation. Like many great figures and history makers he did have a low point in is life. For example, in his younger days Malcolm was involved with drugs, hustling women and money. His focus was making lots of money. One day he and some friends decided to rob the house of an old white man, consequently they were caught and charged with robbery. Unfortunately they were also accused of having sex with white women, which the predominantly white courts frowned upon. Malcolm and his friend "Shorty" were sentenced to six years in prison. Their sentencing was primarily consequential relative to their involvement with the white women, as opposed to the actual robbery. The two white women that were Malcolm and Shorty's accomplices were sentenced to a year in jail, a rather mild sentence for their crimes. During the first couple days of prison Malcolm was coming off a drug high, which resulted in him experiencing withdrawals or delirium tremors. These withdrawals led him into solitary confinement for two months. When Malcolm was let out of his chamber he met the man that would later be responsible for his transformation. This man was a follower of the nation of Islam and of the "great" Elijah Muhammad. Malcolm learned a great deal from him. From a bitter past and the worst of circumstances Malcolm learned from his mistakes which molded him into a better man. This was a great test for Malcolm as this learning experience leads him into another turning point in his life.

Malcolm's second transformation was his immersion and dedication to the Nation of Islam. He followed the "great" Elijah Muhammad and his teachings. Malcolm started preaching to small crowds of followers. It did not take long for the word of Malcolm's preaching to get into the community. Soon his followers became many. Malcolm's participation in the Nation of Islam gave him a sense of direction, and a sense of purpose. It was not long afterward that Elijah himself was asking to talk to Malcolm. Soon thereafter Malcolm became a spokesperson for the Nation of Islam. This gave Malcolm power that he thrived on. At this point in Malcolm's life, he had overcome great odds. He endured obstacles that many were oblivious to. He had become a well known civil rights leader, a nationally recognized figure in the struggle for equal rights. Malcolm was a great example of hope, strength, and courage because of the many obstacles he endured. Elijah Muhammad did not embrace Malcolm's rise in popularity and became filled with bitterness and jealousy. Muhammad felt that Malcolm was becoming too powerful and resented him for it. Malcolm started to question the teachings of the Nation of Islam. He started to believe that maybe segregation and racism were not the best way to live

Perhaps the most dramatic transformation