The Legacy of Malcolm X

I commend writer Trey Ellis (“Who Is Malcolm X?” Opinion, Nov. 22) in pointing out one of the lessons to be learned from a study of the life of Malcolm X--”the redemption of the irredeemable.” The redemption that Malcolm experienced in prison has been duplicated many thousands of times over by African-American men and women who also responded to the message of the late Elijah Muhammad and transformed their lives. Today, they are also success stories of redemption from self-destruction.

Tens of thousands of former followers of the “Messenger,” as he was known, are productive and successful members of society. Today, they are represented among the ranks of physicians, business owners, counselors, other professionals and productive citizens.

In the current focus on Malcolm, history has failed to give credit to the man who is responsible for Malcolm’s transformation, Elijah Muhammad, and the remarkable impact he has had on the African-American community and American history.

No one has been able to duplicate the success rate that Elijah Muhammad had in redirecting the lives of African-American men in prison (and out of prison).

GAIL MADYUN

Altadena