Malcolm Little changed his last name to “X” because he felt his last name signified less. Malcolm X began his studies in Charlestown Prison where he developed an interest in knowledge. He requested for a dictionary he figured in order to read and write he needed to be known with words so he made sure he learned those words in the dictionary and read them out loud. His motivation was his prison inmate Bimbi who was able to have a good conversation with others Malcolm saw how well he spoke and he desired the same for himself. He self read and was able to get the knowledge he needed to be aware and hold a conversation.
Malcolm X wrote this article because he wanted to make people aware and make sure people knew what he did to learn how to read and write. He also makes sure to tell us about his beliefs and who influenced him. Malcolm X began to read Elijah Muhammad teachings. Malcolm said in this article “The teaching of Mr.Muhammad stressed how history had been ‘whitened’- when white men had written history books, the black man simply had been left out”. This encourages Malcolm to be someone better. He wrote about some historical events that he learned while reading. His article was intended for Black ma and he believed that if they began to think for themself apart from being under white leaders. That if they separated themselves from white men it would be a better life rather and a better chance of being great.
Dear Jacqueline, Thank you for sharing this thoughtful response. I really like how you focus on how Malcolm X learned not just how to read and write but also how reading and writing gave him an opportunity to learn about history and the world around him. I would love it if you could discuss this further in class today! Thanks!