A Soul on Ice, Initial Reactions to the Assassination of Malcolm X Summary and Analysis

As is the case with many historical events, Cleaver recalls exactly where he was and what he was doing when he learned of the assassination of Malcolm X. He says that he didn't initially know that the black rights leader had been killed, but was watching a movie at Folsom Prison. He recalls thinking that the shooting, if not too serious, could benefit the movement. He says that he couldn't image that Malcolm X might actually have fallen victim to the shooter. Cleaver says that when he discovered it was true, his overriding desire was for vengeance. He spends the next few days being blasted with information about the death of Malcolm X, but says he continued to reject...