05/19/2026
Phi Chapter Celebrates Malcolm X’s 101st Birthday with Free Books
CONWAY, N.C. — In honor of the 101st birthday of Malcolm X on May 19, and in celebration of nonfiction literature, the Phi Chapter of Gamma Xi Phi has placed free copies of The Autobiography of Malcolm X in various locations in Conway for community members to enjoy while supplies last.
The books were made available through a grant from Friends Meeting of Washington, a Quaker meeting in Washington, D.C., supporting initiatives that promote literacy, expand access to books, and encourage the growth of home libraries.
The initiative is part of Gamma Xi Phi’s ongoing commitment to the arts through its national program of service, wellness, edification, advocacy, and recognition. By making one of the most influential autobiographies in American history freely available, the fraternity hopes to encourage reflection, conversation, and a deeper understanding of Black history, identity, and social justice.
This effort follows Gamma Xi Phi’s recent participation in Free Comic Book Day at Trackside Tavern, where four individuals collected bundles of comic books during the event. The fraternity views both initiatives as part of a broader mission to celebrate literacy at every age and across every genre, from graphic storytelling to historical nonfiction.
“In times such as these, it’s important to look to the past for examples of resilience and transformation,” program director Rashid Darden of Conway shared. “Malcolm X persevered through extraordinary circumstances and found his own voice. In so doing, he changed the world. That’s a story worth sharing over and over.”
Books were placed in the Little Free Libraries on Main Street and on Martin Street in Conway, as well as at the Conway Post Office. Community members are encouraged to visit the Martin Street location regularly for future book offerings related to Black literature and justice issues.
