Relatives seek to block publication of Malcolm X’s diary with lawsuit
Relatives of Malcolm X have decided to sue in order to block the publication of private diaries kept by the civil rights leader.
Malcolm X was assassinated shortly after returning from overseas, where he received spiritual enlightenment during the holy Pilgrimage to Mecca.
The Diary of Malcolm X, a reproduction of a private diary kept as he travelled to the Middle East and Africa immediately before his assassination, is due to be published this week, according to Third World Press, a Chicago-based company. The publisher lists one of the leader’s six daughters, Ilyasah Shabazz, as a co-editor.
But in papers filed to Manhattan federal court, according to the Associated Press, heirs to Malcolm X say Third World Press does not have the right to publish it.
Malcolm X’s daughter signed a contract with Bennett Johnson, who is the president of Third World Press. A video on the company’s website shows Shabazz talking about the book, along with Herb Boyd who is co-editor of the work.
Thoughts on the dispute?
Should Third Word Press be allowed to publish the diary, since they have one of Malcolm X’s daughters permission?
Sound off below!