One hundred years after his birth and sixty years after his untimely death, Malcolm X still haunts the American consciousness. Malcolm X’s short life has been the subject of a posthumous autobiography by Alex Haley, several biographies and a biopic by director, Spike Lee. Yet the man, his philosophy, his life and his revolutionary rise from felon to icon - defy easy classification.

According to one book critic “Malcolm X still haunts and inspires this nation — in ways we often fail to understand.”

Now Mark Whitaker has put together the missing pieces to present a full and intriguing picture of the man’s life and legacy in The Afterlife of Malcolm X. Beginning with Malcolm Little’s origins in a childhood marred by racial discrimination in Nebraska and Michigan, Malcolm is 6 years old when his father is found dead; shortly after his mother ends up being institutionalized. Placed in various foster homes, Malcolm excels at school but is discouraged by his white teachers from becoming a lawyer. After dropping out in eight grade he ends up in Harlem in the world of drug use and petty crime and by the time he is 21, he is serving time in jail. But his secular descent eventually becomes his route to religious salvation when he discovers Islam, takes the name of Malcolm X and changes the course of American history.

Malcolm X’s iconic image and charismatic personality have amassed a cult-like following that has far outstripped the number of people who knew of him when he was alive. At times his politics have alternately been described as radical, traditional and everything in-between. But his eloquence and elegance, and his cool, hip style have stood the test of time. But who was the enigmatic Malcolm X – why was he murdered and by whom?

Author and journalist, Mark Whitaker helps us examine the amazing influence of the man, sixty years after his assassination as we evaluate Malcolm X’s enduring impact on American culture, politics and civil rights.