Malcom X

Malcolm X and several accomplices were imprisoned in 1946 on charges of larceny and breaking and entering. Malcolm and his black accomplice received 8 to 10-year sentences. His white accomplices received only a single year for the same crimes. Malcolm became a prolific reader in prison, educating himself on civil rights, social justice and the law. After his release on parole in 1952, he became a well-known figure in the civil rights movement, fighting against racial inequality and police brutality. A sometimes-controversial figure, Malcolm is widely revered by African-American and Muslim communities for his efforts towards ending racism. Hundreds of streets and schools throughout the United States have been named in his honour.

“In the hectic pace of the world today, there is no time for meditation, or for deep though. A prisoner has time that he can put to good use. I’d put prison second to college as the best place for a man to go if he needs to do some thinking. If he’s motivated, in prison he can change his life.” Malcolm X

Newcastle Libraries · Malcom X

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