LOT #47086 |
Sold on Oct 19, 2022 for: Sign-in
or Join (free & quick)
Malcolm X Autograph Letter Signed and Initialed from Prison with one of the Earliest Uses of His Name. ...
Click the image to load the highest resolution version.
Sold on Oct 19, 2022 for:
$21,250.00
Bid Source: Internet bidder
Get one of these:
Explore Available Items
Description
"Yes, the light teaches the Blacker a man is the Holier he is inside... When the Light fully shines, I pray Allah will not put the sword in my hand, for I don't believe I could be merciful to the devils"
Malcolm X Autograph Letter Signed and Initialed from Prison with
one of the Earliest Uses of His Name. Six pages on three
leaves, 8.5" x 11", no place [Norfolk Prison Colony,
Massachusetts]; March 12, 1950. An extraordinarily passionate
letter from Malcolm X written from the Norfolk Prison Colony
containing one of the earliest uses of his name. Malcolm Little was
transferred to Norfolk Prison Colony in 1948 to finish out a
burglary sentence stemming from his 1946 arrest. While there, he
was first exposed to the Nation of Islam and began lengthy
communications with several influential members. By 1950 he had
adopted the name Malcolm X and began using it while corresponding
with these affiliates. In his autobiography, Malcolm X later
explained that the change was a visual representation of his
liberation from the enslaver's name forced upon his ancestors.The letter is addressed to Brother Raymond, presumably Raymond Sharrieff (1919-2003), the Supreme Captain of the Fruit of Islam and the son-in-law of Elijah Muhammad. Malcolm X ardently discusses several issues in extensive detail, such as President Truman's Masonic ties, the Pope, and Black supremacy. The majority of the letter expands upon the etymology of words that denote and elevate the divine nature of Blackness. The letter is hugely important because it shows an early and extensive examination by Malcolm X of what it means to be Black. It captures his innermost thoughts and feelings as he comes to create a new identity and embrace a new ideology. In the conclusion, he touches on his attempts to convert other prisoners and his sister, Ella Lee Collins, to the Nation of Islam. He writes, in part:
"...I too believe the bottom will fall out of this Hell this year. The entire world is vibrating with a tension that must create the inevitable explosion... When the Pope in Rome proclaimed this a 'holy year' I knew the time was 'nearer than many realize.' He says he is the 'Door.' (smile) Well, no doubt he is, but where does he (as a door lead to, or from? Truman is one who knows what's going on, but you can see he's not talking... Do you realize that of all those who died in office none died a natural death? No, what is going on now cannot be averted even by Truman, because I do believe he is at present taking his orders from someone above him, from Allah Himself. Can you not see how the land is fast becoming crippled by various methods and Truman raises not a hand to deter the events... he must be powerless!!
Yes, the light teaches the Blacker a man is the Holier he is inside... Long I have wondered what made people Black... since accepting Islam I have pondered over what it is that the Godly possesses that the ungodly lack... what substance was it that comprised the Spiritual Essence found within the Godly, but void in the ungodly... Truth is light, and Light is Life, and Life is Root... The pigment is the Root, the Root is the Life, the Life is the Spirit, the Spirit is the Light, the Light is the Truth... and the Truth is God!... Those who are without Spirit are 'blanc' (French for 'white') for the Truth can be seen!! The Truth is Life... and a tree without roots is dead...
So, is the Sun the Essence of Blackness?... or, is Blackness the Essence of the Sun? Is there any difference??... When the Light fully shines, I pray Allah will not put the sword in my hand, for I don't believe I could be merciful to the devils... not after knowing what I today know. Speaking of the devils, you don't know who their god is, huh? Well, I do... Just as ours is Positive... theirs is negative. Just as ours if Full... theirs is empty. Just as ours is Love... theirs is hate... Just as ours is the Highest Essence of Blackness, the Most Holy, Allah, All in All, theirs is the opposite, theirs is blanc, nothing! Lucifere! Lucifere is a Latin word. Breaking it apart: fere is the verb 'to be' meaning 'to carry'... luci means white. This Truth give me my real kicks, Brother..." It is signed, "Your Brother Malcolm X" followed by a lengthy postscript signed with his initial, "M."
A fascinating letter that illustrates the enthusiasm with which Malcolm X initially embraced the Nation of Islam and foreshadows his career as a brilliant orator and minister. This is the earliest surviving document that we have seen where Malcolm calls himself Malcolm X.
Condition: Pinholes at intersections of folds which touch some text but does not affect overall legibility. Splitting at a few folds which has been professionally repaired with Japanese tissue. Lightly soiled, chiefly located on one page, with a few minorly smudged letters. Light edgewear.
Auction Info
2022 October 19 Historic African Americana Signature® Auction #6248 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
October, 2022
19th
Wednesday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 4
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 1,194
Buyer's Premium per Lot:
25% on the first $300,000 (minimum $49), plus 20% of any amount between $300,000 and $3,000,000, plus 15% of any amount over $3,000,000 per lot.
Shipping, Taxes, Terms and Bidding
Terms and Conditions | Bidding Guidelines and Bid Increments | Glossary of Terms
Important information concerning Sales Tax and Resale Certificates. Learn More
Terms and Conditions | Bidding Guidelines and Bid Increments | Glossary of Terms