“You Can’t Hate the Roots of a Tree and Not Hate the Tree, You Can’t Hate Africa and Not Hate Yourself”

Chapter six explores proverbs, sayings, and proverbial expressions used by Malcolm X (1925–1965). Malcolm X is arguably the most influential and controversial figures of the Civil Rights Movement. He came from an impoverished background, was incarcerated for a short time before joining the Nation of Islam (NOI), and he went through a philosophical conversion before breaking ties with the NOI. Chapter six explores his life by examining some of the proverbs, sayings and proverbial expressions that he used as he transitioned from being one of the Nation of Islam ministers to becoming the founder of two important organizations: Muslim Mosque, Inc. (MMI), and the Pan-African Organization of Afro-American Unity (OAAU). Chapter six illustrates that proverbs, sayings, and proverbial expressions that were used by Malcolm X demonstrate his philosophical worldview of universal brotherhood among all races, and the importance of promoting black pride at a time when anti-black messages were pervasive.