Extraordinary, comprehensive archive of over 80 documents concerning Malcolm X's arrest, conviction, imprisonment, and parole—highlighted by a twice-signed ALS (signed "Malcolm Little") and an original mug shot photograph from his intake into the Massachusetts State Prison system—plus a wealth of internal files from the Massachusetts Department of Correction, court records, parole board documents, and the like, circa 1946 to 1952.
Malcolm Little was found guilty of larceny and breaking and entering in 1946, and began serving his eight-to-ten year sentence at Charlestown State Prison in February. He made efforts to reform and educate himself while there, and with his sister Ella began a letter-writing campaign in hopes of getting transferred to the Norfolk Prison Colony (today known as MCI-Norfolk)—it offered broader educational opportunities that did not exist in Charlestown or Concord. This exceptional archive contains one such letter (the lone Malcolm X autograph within), in which he pleads his case, expressing remorse and explaining his plight: "If I had completed my education I never would have been in prison today. I'm serving ten years for burglary on my first offense—my first crime. That doesn't hurt so because, being a Negroe, I'm used to heavier punishment than usual. But, I have long ago realized my mistake and cannot see how an educated man would break into people's houses."
He ultimately found success, and was transferred to Norfolk the next year, on March 31, 1948. In The Autobiography of Malcolm X, he described the colony as 'comparatively, a heaven, in many respects,' observing: 'Norfolk Prison Colony represented the most enlightened form of prison that I have ever heard of. In place of the atmosphere of malicious gossip, perversion, grafting, hateful guards, there was more relative ‘culture,’ as ‘culture’ is interpreted in prisons. A high percentage of the Norfolk Prison Colony inmates went in for ‘intellectual’ things, group discussions, debates, and such.' He joined the weekly debate team, where he honed his oratorical skill, and devoted much of his time to studying in the prison library. Most importantly, it was during this time that Malcolm discovered the Nation of Islam. It seems that he began to question authority after becoming involved with the Nation of Islam, and was shipped back to Charlestown State Prison for being 'undesirable.'
Paroled on August 7, 1952, after seven years served, Malcolm Little left prison as Malcolm X, a devout member of the Nation of Islam and a committed disciple and pupil of Elijah Muhammad. He soon moved to Detroit—as authorized by the Massachusetts Parole Board and documented herein—and began an intensive recruiting campaign for the Nation of Islam. Relying on the rhetorical skill honed during his time in prison, Malcolm X attracted new members wherever he spoke. Within a year, he would triple the membership of Detroit's Temple No. 1. Increasingly recognized as the public face of the Nation of Islam, he returned to the east coast in late 1953 and continued to grow the organization.
Some highlights from the extensive archive:
- ALS signed twice, "Malcolm Little," three pages on two adjoining sheets, 6 x 9.25, July 28, 1947, to "Mr. Dwyer" of the "Norfolk Prison Colony Transportation Board." Little makes a plea for transfer to the Norfolk Prison Colony, In full: "A year ago, while an inmate of Charlestown State Prison, I was interviewed by the Norfolk Board. I was terribly upset when the warden told me that I wasn't to be transferred so I wrote to you for consideration. I was rewarded with another interview from the Board. After re-hearing my plea they told me that I would be transferred and in the meantime to keep a clean record. Well, I've kept my record clean and, instead, they've sent me here at Concord. My sole purpose for wanting to go to Norfolk was the educational facilities that aren't in these other institutions. If I had completed my education I never would have been in prison today. I'm serving ten years for burglary on my first offense—my first crime. That doesn't hurt so because, being a Negroe, I'm used to heavier punishment than usual. But, I have long ago realized my mistake and cannot see how an educated man would break into people's houses.
Since my confinement I've already received a diploma in Elementary English through the State Correspondence Courses. I'm, very much disatisfied, though. The[re] are many things that I would like to learn that would be of use to me when I regain my freedom. I do know that if I prepare myself now, while I have the time, I will never have to break the law to secure a living. It does hurt, tho', to watch murders, thieves with records dating back to the cradle, and 'what not' going to Norfolk every day, while I (for reasons unknown to me) want to benifit by the place and can't get there for nothing. I've been confined for eighteen months now and my record is clean. I've been here in Concord under Mr. O'Grady for six months and can only refer you to him for any reference of my character. All I'm asking you for is a chance to ammend my mistakes. Then, if I fail, I have no one to hate but myself."
- Original vintage glossy 5.25 x 3 'mugshot' photograph of Malcolm Little taken on February 28, 1946, on his intake into the Massachusetts State Prison system. The photo is affixed to a sheet annotated in type with his personal details: "Name: Malcolm Little, #MSP 22843, Height: 6-2, Weight: 172, Hair: Lt Brown, Eyes: Brown, Complexion: Negro."
- Massachusetts Department of Correction "Initial Interview Sheet," 31 pages, March 8, 1946, recording extensive details of his background and personal history, filled out in another hand with data on his family and upbringing, home conditions, education, employment history, criminal history ("No previous record"), and habits and interests: "Liquor, occasionally to excess. Drugs; used when in company of those who were addicts, claims to have gone long periods without using or having a longing for them…Musicians and actors among his men associates; Women, subj. says that most of his women acquaintances have been made in night clubs, of a 'pick up' variety." The interview then records impressions of Malcolm's personality: "Subject a light complexioned mulatto was reserved, calculating and cautious throughout the interview. He has fatalistic views, is moody, cynical, and has a sardonic smile which seems to be affected because of his sensitiveness to his color. To affect this he seems to assume a nonchalant, complacent, superior attitude. He is worldly, wily and amoral and states 'I've been heading here a long time.' He further says that prior to accepting a life of crime he had weighed the penalty (of what he thought would be a three yr. sentence) against what he hoped to gain. He again says that had he anticipated the 8-10 yr. sentence that he would have gone in for armed robbery instead of burglary."
- Ten-page "Police and Court Data" carbon document, recording details about his arrest and sentencing, family information, educational history, employment history, residences, criminal record, and descriptions of his offenses.
- Commonwealth of Massachusetts Parole Board document granting Malcolm Little's request to leave the state, allowing him to live with his brother and work at a department store in Michigan.
- TLS signed by Deputy Superintendent Edward S. Grennan, one page, March 20, 1920, to Department of Correction Commissioner Elliott E. McDowell, requesting Malcolm's transfer, in part: "Since he has been at this institution he has been unnecessarily race conscious and has taken up the Moselm faith. He has frequently complained about the prejudice of officers and interference in his religious beliefs."
- Massachusetts State Prison disciplinary reports citing Malcolm Little for the offense of "shirking": "I detailed this man to work, but he loafed and fooled."
- Massachusetts State Prison psychiatrist's report, May 4, 1951, in part: "This twenty-six year old colored man from the British West Indies has a most peculiar appearance, with his bald head, carefully trimmed beard, and general air of importance. He reached the eighth grade in school and has average adult intelligence…His history says he took drugs for a number of years. He claims to be a Mohammedan, but his conversation expresses a confused jumble of ideas which make little sense. He is a responsible offender, although a peculiar personality characterized by disordered, incoherent thinking."
The remainder of the archive includes a mimeographed fingerprint card of his brother, Earl Little; carbon copies of court records; correspondence related to his appeal for parole; Mass. State Prison work reports, evaluating his subpar performance in the laundry room, yard, and auto shop; a circa 1950 carbon report documenting his academic performance and that he "studies Moselm faith"; prison transfer summary documents; Board of Probation reports; and parole officer's field reports. Overall, it is an absolutely remarkable, comprehensive archive from Malcolm X's time in prison, offering unparalleled insight into the most transformative period of the life of the Civil Rights icon.
