Malcolm X Signed Postcard.

MALCOLM X. (EL-HAJJ MALIK EL-SHABAZZ),.

Item Number: 98487

Rare original postcard signed and entirely in the hand of Malcolm X. The postcard reads, “Miss Annette McConts 326 East 25th Apt 1-C New York, N.Y. USA. Greetings from the Ancient Land of Arabia. Allah has blessed me to visit the Holy City of Mecca where I witnessed pilgrims of all colors, from all parts of this earth, displaying a spirit of unity & brotherhood like I’ve never seen before. It is truely [sic] a sight to behold. El-Haj Mailk El-Shabazz (Malcom X).” In April of 1964, Malcolm X flew to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, as the start of his Hajj, or obligatory pilgrimage to Mecca, whereby he also became known as el-Hajj Malik el-Shabazz. In Jeddah, he was inspired by seeing Muslims of “all colors, from blue-eyed blonds to black-skinned Africans,” interacting as equals, inspiring him to change his views on racial integration which he had previously harshly criticized. The front of the postcard displays the Kandra Palace Hotel in Jedda, Saudi Arabia. In near fine condition. Double matted and framed. The entire pace measures 18.5 inches by 12.5 inches. Rare and desirable, offering an intimate view into the legendary figure’s evolving philosophy on issues of race and integration.

Born Malcolm Little in Omaha Nebraska, American Muslim minister and human rights activist Malcolm X took on the name Malcolm X upon joining the Nation of Islam during a ten year incarceration in New York. During the civil rights movement, Malcolm X served as the public face of the controversial group for twelve years, where he advocated for black supremacy, the separation of black and white Americans, and rejected the notion of the civil rights movement for its emphasis on racial integration. In the 1960s, Malcolm X grew disillusioned with the Nation of Islam and began to advocate for racial integration after completing Hajj, whereby he also became known as el-Hajj Malik el-Shabazz. On February 21, 1965, Malcolm X was preparing to address the OAAU in Manhattan when he was assassinated by Thomas Hagan, Thomas Johnson, and Norman Butler, three members of the Nation of Islam. Conspiracy theories regarding the assassination, and whether it was conceived or aided by leading members of the Nation or with law enforcement agencies, have persisted for decades after the shooting.