Malcolm X (Malcolm Little, El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz)
Malcolm X was a black activist from the civil rights era whose ideologies and cultural impact Kelley discusses frequently in "Freedom Dreams." He was a vocal proponent of the Nation of Islam, before splitting from the organization and founding groups related to the more "mainstream" civil rights movement. Malcolm X wanted radical change in America, and was a controversial figure before his assassination. "Freedom Dreams" touches on how Malcolm X's assassination was a catalyst of the rising black national movement.
Aime Cesaire
Aimé Fernand David Césaire was a black French author and politician, and was born in and spent much of his life in the former French colony of Martinique. A highly regarded intellectual, he wrote books on colonial racism and African cultural identity, often specifically relating to Martinique. He also fought for independence of Martinique in both his writing and political career.
W.E.B. Du Bois
William Edward Burghardt Du Bois is one of the most famous African American historical figures. He was a civil rights activist and one of the greatest intellectuals of the late 19th and early 20th century. He helped found the NAACP in 1909, and argued for full civil rights and equal representation. Also a professor, historian, economist, and author, his later writings are considered critical to the early field of sociology.
C.L.R. James
Cyril Lionel Robert James was a Trinidadian journalist and historian in the 20th century. He was known for his support of socialism and postcolonial studies and activism.
