Episode 36 - marquesmind Book Discussion: The Dead Are Arising: The Life of Malcolm X

 

“The Dead Are Arising: The Life of Malcolm X” by Les Payne and Tamara Payne is a monumental biography that offers a fresh, deeply researched perspective on one of America’s most influential and controversial figures. This National Book Award-winning work is the culmination of nearly three decades of meticulous investigation by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Les Payne, completed by his daughter Tamara after his passing in 2018.

The Paynes’ exhaustive research, including hundreds of interviews with Malcolm X’s family, friends, and adversaries, brings new depth to our understanding of the civil rights icon. From his turbulent childhood in Jim Crow America to his assassination in 1965, the book paints a vivid, nuanced portrait of Malcolm’s evolution from street hustler to global revolutionary.

What sets this biography apart is its ability to contextualize Malcolm X within the broader sweep of American history. The authors provide rich details about the world that shaped him, including his parents’ involvement with Marcus Garvey’s movement and the social climate of the early 20th century. Perhaps most strikingly, the book reveals a previously undisclosed 1961 meeting between Malcolm X and the Ku Klux Klan, offering a complex view of his pragmatism and strategic thinking.

As a reader, I was particularly moved by the intimate glimpses into Malcolm’s personal life and the forces that drove his transformation. The Paynes’ narrative style brings a cinematic quality to pivotal moments, making history come alive on the page.

Why this book is so relevant?

This book is essential reading for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of Malcolm X’s legacy and its relevance to contemporary struggles for racial justice. It challenges us to reconsider what we think we know about this iconic figure and the movement he helped shape.

Questions to ponder:

1. How does this new information about Malcolm X’s life change your perception of his role in the civil rights movement?

2. What parallels can we draw between Malcolm X’s era and today’s fight for racial equality?

3. How might Malcolm X’s strategic thinking and evolution inform current approaches to social justice?

Like the book? 

Enjoy to share ideas about new books contact me at bookdiscussion@marquesmind.com.

You can purchase the book on the following website: https://amzn.to/4hnZEP3  (Amazon)

*DISCLOSURE: This message may contain affiliate links, meaning I might get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links at no cost to you.

Episode 32 - marquesmind Book Discussion: 1619 Project by Nikole Hannah Jones

 

Nikole Hannah-Jones’ The 1619 Project: A Transformative Reckoning with American History

The 1619 Project isn’t just a book—it’s a revolution in how we understand America’s past. Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones curates a bold anthology that reimagines U.S. history through the lens of slavery, tracing its legacy through modern systems like capitalism, healthcare, and democracy. By centering 1619—the year enslaved Africans first arrived in Virginia—the work challenges the myth of 1776 as America’s true origin, revealing how slavery’s shadow still shapes inequality today.

Why Nikole Hannah-Jones Matters

Hannah-Jones, a MacArthur “Genius” and Howard University professor, merges rigorous journalism with unflinching storytelling. Raised in Waterloo, Iowa, she transformed her experiences with segregation into groundbreaking work on racial injustice, earning accolades like the Peabody and Emmy Awards. Her passion for truth-telling shines in The 1619 Project, which began as a New York Times Magazine issue and expanded into a bestselling book and docuseries.

Why This Book Resonates

This anthology is a masterclass in connecting history to the present. Essays explore topics like redlining and medical racism, while poetry and personal narratives—like Hannah-Jones’ reflection on her father’s patriotism—add emotional depth. It’s not just about oppression but also celebrates Black resilience, highlighting figures like Fannie Lou Hamer and the creators of hip-hop.

Though controversial, the book sparks vital conversations. Critics argue over historical interpretations, but its power lies in centering voices long excluded from mainstream narratives. For educators, activists, or curious readers, it’s a tool for understanding how systemic racism persists—and how to dismantle it.

Questions to Engage marquesmind Readers:

1. How does reframing America’s origin year to 1619 reshape your view of national identity?

2. Which essay or story challenged your understanding of history the most, and why?

3. Can confronting this past inspire meaningful change in today’s society?

Like the book? 

Enjoy to share ideas about new books contact me at bookdiscussion@marquesmind.com.

You can purchase the book on the following website: https://amzn.to/4gj7o3P (Amazon)

*DISCLOSURE: This message may contain affiliate links, meaning I might get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links at no cost to you.