Malcolm X Make It Plain Sparknotes

The American Experience marked the 40th anniversary of the death of Malcolm X with "Malcolm X --- Make It Plain." This in-depth film goes straight to the heart, mind and message of one of the modern era's most complex figures...Malcolm X.

There is so much information crammed into one very short documentary film of a man who did so much to influence the landscape of America - Malcolm X, with his analysis of the destructive power of American racism.

This film Malcolm X: Make It Plain is based on the book of the same name authored by William Strickland. Mr. Strickland gives an excellent historical account of Malcolm beginning from his 1925 birth in Omaha Nebraska, to his 1965 death by assassins in New York City. By using clips from old news media films, photographs and commentaries of people who had close relationships with him, Malcolm comes to life and the viewer is able to relive the events of the past.

Anderson chronicles Malcolm’s intense drive for knowledge and truth, as he serves time in prison to emerge as Malcolm X, a minister in the Nation of Islam, his metamorphosis from Malcolm Little, and his eventual leadership role in the fight against American racism.

Initially, Malcolm was espousing a militant type agenda of self-defense and nationalism when black civil rights leaders of the time were preaching harmony and integration.

Malcolm was terrifying to many whites. Although, blacks, too, were disturbed, Malcolm also inspired black Americans. After the ‘seeker of truth’ traveled to Africa and Mecca, he returned with a deeper understanding of Islam and a willingness to accept white allies. "The white man and the black man have to be able to sit down at the same table," he said in his last year. "Then they can bring the issues that are under the rug out on top of the table and take an intelligent approach to getting the problem

solved."
In 1965, under attack from the Nation of Islam and under surveillance by the FBI, Malcolm X was assassinated while delivering a speech. Who killed him and why remains a mystery, over 50 years after his assassination.
Malcolm X was a political philosopher and visionary, husband and father, dynamic orator and militant minister. In his lifetime, Malcolm X was many men. Born Malcolm Little, he became "Detroit Red" and "New York Red" -- a hustler, drug pusher, pimp, con man and the head of a Boston robbery ring. After spending time in prison, he emerged as Minister Malcolm -- Malcolm X, the fiery, eloquent spokesman for the Nation of Islam. Finally, he became El Hajj Malik El Shabazz, an internationally recognized leader and advocate for oppressed peoples. He was loved and despised, revered and feared-- until an assassin's bullet cut him down at age 39.