Studio 360: The Autobiography of Malcolm X

When Malcolm X was assassinated at 39, his book nearly died with him. Today The Autobiography of Malcolm X - a favorite of President Obama and Justice Clarence Thomas alike - stands as a milestone in America's struggle with race. The Autobiography is also a Horatio Alger tale, following a man's journey from poverty to crime to militancy to wisdom. Muslims look to Malcolm as a figure of tolerance; a tea party activist claims him for the Right; Public Enemy's Chuck D tells us, "This book is like food. It ain't McDonalds - it's sit down at the table and say grace." [Broadcast Date: August 27, 2011]