Celebrating the Malcolm X centenary

1. Malcolm X: leader, visionary, revolutionary

I was first introduced to Malcolm X, leader, visionary, skilled orator by my father at a very young age. A father who instilled in all his children the importance of Black pride, self-determination and the skills to survive the challenges and barriers he knew we would face growing up Black in Britain.

Malcolm X not only fought for racial justice without fear or compromise, but he also led with compassion and determination and dared to speak truth to corrupt power. To this day, Malcolm X is still considered one of the most powerful and influential leaders of recent times.

In recognition and celebration of what would have been Malcolm X's centenary year--on Monday 19 May 2025, UCU will be honouring his memory and legacy over a four-week period with a series of inspirational quotations, speeches, recommended readings, audio and visual materials plus personal contributions from UCU members.

Maxine Looby
UCU president

2. 'Education is the passport to the future'

'Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today' - Malcolm X

UCU prison educators undertake one of the most challenging teaching roles in post-16 education. Their unwavering drive, belief, and commitment to transforming lives through rehabilitation and education in the most demanding environments is truly commendable. 

The re-education of Malcolm X: from incarceration to education 

Malcolm X's journey from incarceration to re-education mirrors the struggles faced by Black men in this country today. But despite societal, structural, and institutional barriers—such as racism, discrimination, and racial profiling—Malcolm overcame these obstacles to become a powerful advocate for Black empowerment. These barriers, barriers Malcolm was up against over eighty years ago, unfortunately, still remain prevalent today, highlighting the ongoing need for dedicated prison educators committed to rehabilitation and reform. 

The early years

Malcolm X was an ambitious and bright student. However, his dream of becoming a lawyer was shattered when a teacher advised him to set his academic aspirations lower—in line with societal expectations of young Black boys—and become a carpenter. 

As Malcolm entered adulthood, trying to navigate the world as a young Black man, he took several wrong turns and found himself at the mercy of a harsh and brutal penal system. He was subsequently incarcerated for over eight years for a series of petty crimes.

The prison years and beyond 

While in prison, Malcolm X embarked on a profound journey of self-discovery. He utilised his time to re-educate himself, uncover his true purpose, and commit to leading on an agenda of self-empowerment and Black pride. 

After serving his time, Malcolm X used the knowledge and skills he acquired in prison to become one of the most influential leaders of our time. 

UCU voices on Malcolm X

Prison education: expression, resistance, resilience—a view from the inside

Anna Khan, Black prison educator 

For our recent art lesson with students in prison, I introduced Malcolm X by sharing his life story, focusing on his journey of transformation, resilience, and advocacy for justice.  

We explored his powerful words and discussed how his experiences related to themes of self-empowerment and change. Together, we created posters featuring some of Malcolm X's most impactful quotes, allowing students to express their interpretations through art. Members gave thoughtful feedback, expressing that the lesson was inspiring and relevant to their own lives.  

They highlighted the importance of learning about figures like Malcolm X, noting that his story and words encouraged reflection, hope, and the belief in personal growth and positive change. 

The artwork produced by inmates highlights their creativity, resilience, and determination to rise above their circumstances and achieve more. You can view the artwork here.

Malcolm X

UCU Black prison educator

Malcolm X strongly believed in the transformative power of prison education and used his time in prison to educate himself extensively, finding it a crucial part of his development. 

He saw education as a key to self-improvement and achieving success, and his experience in prison solidified this belief. He actively pursued learning through reading, correspondence courses, and even Latin lessons, demonstrating a dedication to expanding his knowledge base.   

Self-improvement 

Malcolm X viewed education as a means to uplift himself and others within the Black community. He believed that learning could empower individuals to overcome the challenges they face in America. 

Prison as a learning ground 

Despite the negative aspects of prison, Malcolm X found his incarceration to be a valuable opportunity for intellectual growth. He utilised the prison library and correspondence courses to educate himself in areas that he previously lacked knowledge in. 

Active pursuit of knowledge 

He wasn't passively waiting for his time in prison to end; he actively sought out educational opportunities. He read extensively, expanded his vocabulary by hand- copying a dictionary, and even took Latin lessons. 

Impact on future ministry

His education in prison played a significant role in his development as a speaker and leader within the Nation of Islam. He used his enhanced knowledge and communication skills to deliver powerful speeches and articulate his beliefs.

Further reading

Kehinde Andrews (Professor of Black Studies, Birmingham City University), Nobody Can Give You Freedom: The Real Mission of Malcolm X.

UCU graphic

Article image: Ed Ford—NYWT&S/Library of Congress, Washington DC (LC-USZ62-115058)