What inspired you to read the book?
I knew very little about Malcolm X, I began to hear his story from many people who have overcome struggle. I recently started to read books that can help me change my way of thinking and show that change is possible. I learned that X’s autobiography was rated among the most inspiring stories in history, I knew this was a book I had to read.
What you learned from reading the book?
Through his autobiography, I was able to hear Malcolm X’s voice. A man who during some of the worst times in history was able to overcome adversity. His discipline, determination and drive to get educated. By reading and improve his vocabulary he learned to better articulate the message that would helped him overcome prison and transform the lives of millions of people. His dedication and faithfulness to follow his religious beliefs, regardless of how extreme they seemed, set him on a path of righteousness. And finally his ability to accept his wrongful view of racism towards “the white-man,” even if it ultimately lead to his death.
How the book will influence your life and prepare for success upon release? Malcolm X view on prison has influenced me the most. With the following quote, “a prisoner has the time he can put to good use. I’d put prison second to college as the best place to go if he needs to do some thinking. If he’s motivated, in prison he can change his life.” His determination to change, and ability to overcome adversities during a time of racism and segregation has become an inspiration to me and to anyone who ever doubted that change is possible even in jail or prison.
What was the most inspiring quote?
“I don’t think anybody ever got more out of going to prison than I did. In fact, prison enabled me to study far more intensively than I would have if my life had gone differently and I had attended some college.”
“Once he is motivated no one can change more completely than the man who has been at the bottom”