The Metro: Ibram X. Kendi’s new book introduces Malcolm X to a new generation

Subscribe to The Metro on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

The cover of "Malcolm Lives!: The Official Biography of Malcolm X for Young Readers," by author Ibram X. Kendi (right).

"Malcolm Lives!: The Official Biography of Malcolm X for Young Readers," by author Ibram X. Kendi (right).

Ibram X. Kendi has a new children’s book out called “Malcolm Lives.” In the book, he’s introducing the life and antiracist work of Malcolm X to young people. 

The book continues Kendi’s antiracist work and scholarship. He is the New York Times bestselling author of “Stamped from the Beginning,” and “How to Be an Antiracist.” 

The summer of 2020 was a unique time in America. Many were staying at home, trying to slow the spread of COVID-19. The Trump administration’s popularity was waning. And, there was a surge of interest in the ways that racism was hurting people’s health, their politics and their minds. 

But five years later, Americans are a lot less concerned with the ways that racism impacts themselves and others. The Trump administration is now back in power. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion efforts are in retreat. The “Black Lives Matter”-painted street in Washington D.C. has been removed. 

Kendi joined The Metro on Thursday to discuss the new book and how the Trump administration’s efforts are making life harder for Black people in America. He joined us ahead of a rally in Detroit, with Author Bernadette Atuahene, to stop tax foreclosures of Detroit homes under $50,000 in value.

Use the media player above to hear the full conversation.

Listen to The Metro weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM and streaming on-demand.

Trusted, accurate, up-to-date.

WDET strives to make our journalism accessible to everyone. As a public media institution, we maintain our journalistic integrity through independent support from readers like you. If you value WDET as your source of news, music and conversation, please make a gift today.

Donate today »

More stories from The Metro

Authors

  • Tia Graham is a reporter and Weekend Edition Host for 101.9 WDET. She graduated from Michigan State University where she had the unique privilege of covering former President Barack Obama and his trip to Lansing in 2014.
  • Sam Corey is a producer for 101.9 WDET, which includes finding and preparing interesting stories for the daily news, arts and culture program, The Metro. Sam joined WDET after a year and a half at The Union, a small newspaper in California, and stints at a variety of local Michigan outlets, including WUOM and the Metro Times. He is a graduate of the University of Michigan and the University of Chicago.
  • The Metro