Moreover, people continue to be intrigued by the mystique of Malcolm X, especially because his life was snuffed out before his potential could be actualized. In addition, I argue that Malcolm X’s spiritual journey and search for ideological soundness remained in a state of flux even at the time of his assassination. This work does not explore The Autobiography of Malcolm X from a sentimental gaze but as an avenue to understand many of the deep-seated issues that continue to plague our nation, such as race, incarceration, manhood, and the possibility of conversion behind bars.

This article examines Malcolm X’s spiritual evolution as a former prisoner, Nation of Islam minister, and human rights activist. His story fascinates young readers and continues to inspire prison inmates who see Malcolm’s life as a reflection of their own. Whether people revere Malcolm as someone who wanted to uplift his race or suspect him to be a figure who widened the racial divide through his unrestrained critique of the American social order, it is safe to say that even in death, his legacy is still evolving. Some scholars argue that Malcom X inspired a generation of African American men while other misguided souls believe his lasting legacy is one of racial polarization. Malcolm X’s life was one of complexity due to many changes, internal and external, that impacted his evolution as a man as well as his broad influence on African American culture. He personifies the rebel and the reformed, the unsympathetic and passionate, and the incorrigible and scholarly. For many African American males inside and outside of prison, Malcolm X embodies the true meaning of manhood, spirituality, and leadership.

The transformation of the inner man pdf