Malcolm X Signed Letter to His Wife, Rare Personal Content

Religious Leader and Civil Rights Activist Malcolm X (1925-1965) Typed Letter Signed, “Malcolm X”, in green ink, 1p, 8.375" x 10.875", East Elmhurst, August 27, 1958. Adhesive residue at left edge, small tear in the upper area, staining, soiling, light fading to Malcolm X’s signature, else Good condition.

In this rare, lengthy, and personal letter to his wife Betty, Malcolm X discusses the various Nation of Islam mosques, Louis Farrakhan, and Malcolm X's state of mind as he traveled extensively around the country that year. From their home in East Elmhurst, Queens, Malcolm X writes to Betty in Boston, in part:

"...my health is getting back to normal...I had so much on my mind I left my car parked on a hill with the brakes off in Newark yesterday. It rolled down hill and hit another car. It cost me $95 to get the other man's car fixed; I had just spent $82 on my own car; and yet have to have my $74 car note in the 1st of next week...All that piled up on my mind at once had me such a nervous wreck I left Newark without teaching there last night at all. Bro Capt and Secretary carried on.

I came on home soaked my feet, took a hot bath, locked myself in and went to sleep. It is good that you weren't here because in such nervous state my patience is short and when I'm unpleasant toward you it only adds to my already 'pained' conscience, and make things that more miserable.

Wilfred sent me a message that he would like you to come to Detroit and spend some time with him and Ruth. After we see what the Court here is going to do, it might be good for you. Being around people who are more friendly toward you then the #7 Muslims [NOI mosque in Harlem] is good for you at this time. You should be corresponding with Sister Muhammad [Clara Muhammad, Elijah's wife], lettinig [sic] her know how much you are enjoying Boston, and how the MGT there is doing. It is hard for you to show genuine friendliness. But you should learn to.

Tell Minister Louis [Farrakhan, at the time head of the Boston NOI mosque] I hope he has his labor here by Tuesday…Don't call me on the phone unless it very important; then you can call me COLLECT. It is better to write if you have nothing (other than business) to tell me. Learn to be thrifty. I am always happy when you call, but I don't want you to get in the habit of extravagance. When I make a long distance call it MUST BE BUSINESS.

I dreamt of you the other night. I was telling you how much I loved you.”

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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