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LUJ Professor Patrick Parr Releases Malcolm Before X
Lakeland University Japan (LUJ) is proud to spotlight Professor Patrick Parr and the release of his latest book, Malcolm Before X. Patrick’s new work takes an in-depth look at Malcolm X’s formative prison years and how they shaped him into one of the most influential figures in American history.
The Book: Malcolm Before X
Patrick’s third book explores the period in Malcolm X’s life including his childhood, young adult life, and a time that has often been overlooked—his years in prison. Using rarely referenced primary sources, such as prison newspapers, Patrick reconstructed the intellectual and personal transformation of Malcolm Little into Malcolm X.
The book has already gotten significant attention, with The Guardian publishing an in-depth review, calling it “eye-opening,” and “ambitious.” The article praises Patrick’s ability to paint a vivid picture of Malcolm’s prison years, shedding light on a period crucial to his ideological evolution. You can read the full article here.
Patrick’s Book Tour & Publicity
Patrick went on an extensive book tour across the United States (Chicago, Montgomery, Akron, and Boston) at the end of last year. He checked in with us, often sharing updates from the road. The event held at NewSouth bookstore in Montgomery, Alabama, included a lively discussion with dozens of attendees. He also visited independent bookstores in Boston to sign copies and meet with store owners.
“It was great to finally begin talking about the book with other people. The book took about five years to write, and even more if you include research. Although I did enjoy the entire trip, it was the event in Montgomery that will stay with me. The crowd asked some incredible questions. Before the event I was able to walk around Montgomery and take in the history—some of it related to Martin Luther King Jr., the subject of my first book, The Seminarian.” ~ Patrick Parr, Jan 2025
Get Your Copy
Malcolm Before X is available now at major bookstores and online retailers. If you want to hear more about Patrick’s journey writing the book, check out his interview on The Author’s Corner here.
Patrick at LUJ
Patrick has been a valued faculty member at Lakeland University Japan since 2019, starting as an instructor in the English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program. Over the years, he transitioned into teaching undergraduate writing courses as well, helping students develop their composition skills. This year, he is teaching an exciting new advanced writing course, WRT200 J1: Copywriting and Editing, which aims to help LUJ students learn a variety of writing genres, such as commercial scriptwriting, listicles, case studies, and brand histories.
Beyond the classroom, Patrick is a well-known presence around LUJ for his impromptu donut and pastry deliveries to various offices. If you need a good bakery recommendation that’s nearby, he’s the one to talk to!
LUJ congratulates Patrick on this incredible achievement and looks forward to seeing where his research takes him next!
