Malcolm X Typed Letter Signed ("Malcolm X"), February 2, 1965

This rare original typed letter signed by Malcolm X ("Malcolm X"), dated February 2, 1965, on his personal New York letterhead (10 ⅜" x 7 ¼"), is addressed to Miss Ellenie R. Ash of Amsden, Ohio. Written in crisp type with Malcolm X’s bold red script signature and “Malcolm X” notation at the head, the letter responds thoughtfully to a correspondent, addressing themes of honesty, race, slavery’s lasting scars, and his evolving views on religion and Black self-determination. The single-page document shows typical mailing folds and light aging, with clear, legible text and a strong signature.

Written less than three weeks before his assassination on February 21, 1965, this letter captures Malcolm X during a transformative period — shortly after his break with the Nation of Islam and his pilgrimage to Mecca. In it, he articulates nuanced ideas on race, the psychological impact of slavery, and the true meaning of Islam, offering a direct window into his philosophy as he sought to unify and empower Black communities. As one of the most important voices of the 20th century, Malcolm X’s signed correspondence from this critical window is exceptionally scarce and historically vital.