"Seventh Child"

"The book's title resulted from the fact that Uncle Malcolm was a seventh child.  In African mythology, and science, it is believed that the seventh child will emerge as a leader of his people.  Malcolm also considered seven his favorite number.  That's why, when he was head of Temple Seven in Harlem, he named three other temples in New York City 7A, 7B, and 7C.  He also noted in his autobiography that "among over eight thousand other seats in Miami's Big Convention Hall [for 1963 Cassius Clay-Sonny Liston championship fight] I received seat number seven.  Seven has always been my favorite number.  It has followed me throughout my life."  (Preface, xii)*