When the Word is Given... / A Report on Elijah Muhammad, Malcolm X, and the Black Muslim World

The author investigates the rise, teachings, and social impact of the Nation of Islam, profiling its leader Elijah Muhammad and spokesman Malcolm X, tracing the movement’s origins, organizational practices, and outreach among urban communities and prison populations. The book reproduces speeches, analyzes rhetorical strategies, and presents interviews and reportage to explain how religious belief, racial grievance, and political activism intersect within the group. It situates the movement within mid-century racial tensions, examines controversies about separation versus integration, and assesses the movement’s appeal, discipline, and influence on broader debates about race and American society.