Photo courtesy of MIchael Ochs Archives
In the “Satan” and “Saved” chapters of The Autobiography of Malcolm X as Told to Alex Haley, Malcolm X is incarcerated and his demeanor and attitude about life change significantly. He is exposed to different ways of living, both dishonorable and ethical.
In “Satan,” Malcolm X became an inmate at Concord Prison in Massachusetts before transferring to Norfolk, Massachusetts Prison Colony. When he was first placed behind bars, he was without marijuana and cocaine, which were substances he abused throughout his adolescence. Malcolm X was highly frustrated and irate. However he later accepted that being in jail was best for him at the time.
While incarcerated, Malcolm X drank nutmeg to get inebriated and learned to keep packs of cigarettes covertly. He also developed a friendship with his cellmate Bimbi. He described Bimbi as the only prisoner who responded to slang greetings like, “Whatcha know, daddy?,” and always had stories to tell. Although he made friends, Malcolm X wanted to be in solitary confinement. Therefore he started acting preposterously. He threw items out of his cell and purposely did not respond to his number when called. He consistently acted belligerent and malevolently, thus his nickname “Satan.” Malcolm said it was “because of my anti-religious attitude.”
In the chapter “Saved,” Malcolm’s brother, Reginald enlightened him about the Islamic faith. He also taught him about who God and Satan are according to Islam. Later, Malcolm X started studying the religion and writing letters to Elijah Muhammad, leader of The Nation of Islam. At that time, Malcolm X had never practiced a religion for most of his life and thought that believing in a God was inane. “I had to force myself to bend my knees. And waves of shame and embarrassment would force me to back up. For evil to bend its knees, admitting its guilt, to implore the forgiveness of God, it’s the hardest thing in the world.” Malcolm said.
Malcolm X also started reading many books during his time in prison. He describes the feeling of being “mentally alive” once he started reading and studying. His writing and penmanship improved as he continued to read more books. Malcolm X elucidated on how he used to incorporate slang in his letters that he wrote to Elijah Muhammad. The more books he read, the more advanced his writing became.
In stark contrast to “Satan,” the chapter “Saved” showed Malcolm X developing a tranquil demeanor that the Islamic faith brought him. He strongly believed that being disconnected from the outside world helped him humble himself.
Focusing on his education and religion brought a change in Malcolm X’s attitude. This greatly contributed to how he became the Pan-Africanist, Black Nationalist, and the Black power advocate that we remember him as today. When we learn about our history and who we are, it gives us the potential to become great leaders. The knowledge we receive also enables us to teach others and continue the cycle. Once someone gains knowledge they will keep it forever because knowledge cannot be taken away.
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