Scholars consider Malcolm X biography
W.S. Tkweme, PhD, an assistant professor in the university's Pan-African Studies department, directed a McConnell Center seminar on Malcolm X's autobiography.
The seminar, held specifically for McConnell Scholars, focused on Malcolm's self-education while in prison. During this period of "self-enlightenment," Malcolm began to study the teachings of the Nation and Islam and its leader, Elijah Muhammad. Students considered Malcolm's leadership and communication skills, his intellect and the mystery surrounding his death.
"We were better able to understand the effect Malcolm X had not only on African Americans but on the nation as a whole," said freshman McConnell Scholar Jaymar Bonet, of Hardin County.
The McConnell Center regularly hosts authors, historians and experts on a variety of issues, ideas and politics as part of its public lecture series.