When Malcolm X was assassinated at 39, his book nearly died with him. Today The Autobiography of Malcolm X ? a favorite of President Obama and Justice Clarence Thomas alike ? stands as a milestone in America’s struggle with race. The Autobiography is also a Horatio Alger tale, following a man’s journey from poverty to crime to militancy to wisdom. Muslims look to Malcolm as a figure of tolerance; a tea party activist claims him for the Right; Public Enemy’s Chuck D tells us, ?This book is like food. It ain’t McDonalds ? it’s sit down at the table and say grace.?

The Autobiography of Malcolm X was produced by Derek John and Lu Olkowski with editing by David Krasnow. The actor Dion Graham read passages from the book.