Who was the real West Indian Archie?

West Indian Archie was one of the bigger players in the ‘Numbers’ game in Harlem who had done time up the Hudson River at Ossining State Prison best known as “Sing Sing”. He eventually took Malcolm under his wing and taught him the Numbers game, and used the novice in his illegal activities.

Who was West Indian Archie and what was his unique ability?

West Indian Archie’s unique ability is that he has a photographic memory.

What do the descriptions of West Indian Archie suggest about American society?

The descriptions of West Indian Archie’s “photographic memory” and “exceptional mathematical talents” relates to the idea of systemic oppression because it shows that these talents could have “been better used” in a society that allowed non-whites and ex-convicts to have better legitimate jobs (p. 120).

How does the author’s description of Malcolm X’s reunion with West Indian Archie develop Malcolm X’s view of himself?

How does the author’s description of Malcolm X’s reunion with West Indian Archie develop Malcolm X’s view of himself? The contrast emphasizes how Malcolm X’s life has taken an entirely different direction from Archie’s, which develops Malcolm X’s belief that his conversion to Islam saved his life.

Where is West Indian Archie from?

Archie was born in the Caribbean, and he later settled in the African-American enclave of Harlem in New York City, New York, where he turned to crime to earn a living.

What does West Indian Archie accuse Malcolm of doing?

Malcolm hits a low point when West Indian Archie accuses him of collecting winnings on a bet he had not actually placed. He returns to Harlem, where he runs into West Indian Archie at a bar.

How did Malcolm propose to Betty?

In 1956 a woman named Betty joins the New York temple. For ten years, Malcolm has been celibate and fully devoted to his work. Malcolm introduces Betty to Elijah Muhammad, and then proposes marriage abruptly from a payphone in Detroit.

Who was Bimbi?

Bimbi. A prison inmate. Bimbi, the most vocal of Malcolm’s fellow inmates, makes speeches that gain him the respect of guards and prisoners alike. He demonstrates to Malcolm the power of independent thought and persuasive argument, and thus serves as an inspiration to Malcolm when Malcolm converts to Islam.

What was Malcolm’s main job when he worked for Hymie?

transport bootleg liquor
Malcolm then starts working for Hymie, a specialist in renovating bars and restaurants and then selling for profit. Malcolm’s main job is to transport bootleg liquor to some of the bars in Harlem, where it is substituted for brand-name liquor, unbeknownst to the customers.

What is Malcolm’s favorite drink?

Malcolm’s favorite drink is a shot of bourbon.

Why did Sammy pull a gun on Malcolm?

The narcotics squad in Harlem knows Malcolm too well for him to resume his drug-dealing there, so he begins a series of robberies. Malcolm has a falling out with Sammy the Pimp after Sammy pulls a gun on him for slapping one of Sammy’s women.

Who was West Indian Archie in Sing Sing?

West Indian Archie was one of the bigger players in the ‘Numbers’ game in Harlem who had done time up the Hudson River at Ossining State Prison best known as “Sing Sing”. He eventually took Malcolm under his wing and taught him the Numbers game, and used the novice in his illegal activities.

Where did Malcolm X meet West Indian Archie?

Malcolm X (then Malcolm Little) first met West Indian Archie in New York city prior to converting to Islam and dedicating his life to Civil Rights. West Indian Archie was one of the bigger players in the ‘ Numbers ’ game in Harlem who had done time up the Hudson River at Ossining State Prison best known as “ Sing Sing ”.

Where did West Indian Archie go to prison?

West Indian Archie was one of the bigger players in the ‘Numbers’ game in Harlem who had done time up the Hudson River at Ossining State Prison best known as “Sing Sing”.

Why was Archie so good at memorizing numbers?

West Indian Archie had the amazing ability memorize long sequences of numbers such that he never had to write them down. He in fact warned Malcolm never to write his customer’s numbers down to minimize the potential for incriminating evidence should he get apprehended by the police.