Fighting for Our Place in the Sun: Malcolm X and the Radicalization of the Black Student Movement 1960–1973 (Black Studies and Critical Thinking)

Published on December 23, 2014, "Fighting for Our Place in the Sun: Malcolm X and the Radicalization of the Black Student Movement 1960–1973" delves into a less explored facet of Malcolm X's legacy—his influential role as an educator and mentor within the Black student movement. Author Richard D. Benson II artfully portrays Malcolm X not just as a political radical but as a pivotal figure in fostering educational and racial justice. The narrative explores how Malcolm X's teachings inspired a wave of student activism in North Carolina and Duke University, leading to the formation of significant movements and institutions like Malcolm X Liberation University, the Student Organization for Black Unity, and African Liberation Day. These initiatives were crucial in perpetuating a tradition of Black activism through the late 1960s and early 1970s. Ideal for college students and scholars across various disciplines including African-American studies and political science, this book provides profound insights into the intersection of education and racial justice, urging readers to reflect on the ongoing struggle for equity and liberation.