Disruptors: Malcolm X

While in prison, Malcolm X read furiously after lights-out and changed his entire life trajectory. Naomi Alderman looks at his extraordinary capacity for learning. Prominent as a black nationalist, skilled orator and remarkable organiser in the black freedom struggle in mid-20th century America, Malcolm X was, above all, a learner – a thinker prepared to change his mind. He left hustling behind for a Spartan, ascetic existence, dedicated to the cause.

Special thanks to Clarence Lang, Susan Welch Dean of the College of the Liberal Arts and Professor of African American studies at Penn State.

Excerpt from The Autobiography of Malcolm X by Malcolm X and Alex Haley (Penguin Modern Classics 2001).

Produced by BBC Studios Audio in partnership with The Open University.

Presenter: Naomi Alderman
Executive editor: James Cook
Assistant producer: Sarah Goodman
Researcher: Harry Burton
Production coordinator: Amelia Paul
Script consultant: Sara Joyner