162 Malcolm X. 1925-1965. African-American Nationalist leader.
Typed Letter Signed. One page, Quarto, New York, July 19, 1960. To Elijah Muhammad, religious leader of the Nation of Islam, who with Malcolm X made a national movement out of the Black Muslims.
Important letter from Malcolm X to the leader of the Black Muslims planning the means to create "controversy" and insure attention by separating themselves from more moderate "Negro leaders," who they have invited to participate in an impending gathering of the leaders of the Nation of Islam. Malcolm X writes, in part:
"My Dear Holy Apostle:
This is meant to be a quick note.
'Controversy creates headlines and headlines draw crowds ! [in red ink].' Last year when you came to New York, your coming was preceded by two weeks of free publicity by the Mike Wallace Television Show, which, thanks to ALLAH, produced a crowd of 10,000. This year we don't have television, and I don't want to "gamble" (take it for granted) that the crowd is coming. I think that we should exert every means and methods for insurance and then if our effort is all-out ALLAH will bless us with success.
In trying to think of some way to attract the attention of the press (and the masses) we have launched some "controversy" and excitement here that the press is picking up and so are the masses here in Harlem....We have been politely inviting the Negro leaders here in the past to come out in an effort for unity which they have repeatedly ignored, plus they've continued to class you as a Ku Kluxer, so we've ceased begging them now and are challenging them to clarify their "reluctant" stand.
This approach excites the people of Harlem, because they think we've been too easy on these "Uncle Tom" leaders. If they don't come out they will be the loser with the people, and if they do come out THEY'LL STILL BE THE LOSER in any debate with you before the public...".
Very Fine. Malcolm X has signed the letter, "As-Salaam Alaikum your brother and servant, Malcolm X" in bold blue ink, written in large letters below his complimentary close.
Estimated Value $6,000-UP.