History Extra podcast Malcolm X: life of the week
Oct 28, 2025
Ashley D. Farmer, an Associate Professor and author, delves into the complex life of Malcolm X, a pivotal figure in the civil rights movement. They explore how Malcolm's early years, marked by his parents' activism and the struggles of Jim Crow America, shaped his worldview. Farmer highlights the transformative influence of incarceration, mentorship from women, and Malcolm's evolving ideologies. The discussion covers his break from the Nation of Islam, international outreach, and the profound legacy he left, asserting his relevance in understanding systemic racism today.
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Roots In Black Nationalism
- Malcolm X was shaped by parents active in Marcus Garvey's UNIA, instilling black nationalism and global awareness.
- His upbringing primed him for political activism and a worldview beyond local US racial issues.
Father's Suspicious Death
- On 29 September 1931 Earl Little left home and soon after was found mortally injured crossing railroad tracks.
- Many, including Malcolm, believed his death was a white supremacist attack rather than an accident.
Prison As Intellectual Turning Point
- Prison catalysed Malcolm's intellectual growth through reading and correspondence with his sisters.
- He developed racial and religious consciousness that launched his later public role.
