Analysis Summary:

The article is a brief introduction to Mark Whitaker's book about Malcolm X's legacy, focusing on the Spike Lee biopic. The claims made are generally accurate based on common knowledge, but lack specific verification due to the absence of provided sources. The piece appears relatively neutral, serving primarily as a promotional excerpt.

Detailed Analysis:

• Claim 1:** "In his book exploring the cultural hold that the activist continues to have decades after his death, journalist Mark Whitaker examines the artistic choices made by Spike Lee and Denzel Washington in their masterful 1992 biopic, "Malcolm X."
• Analysis: This claim is generally accurate based on internal knowledge. The Spike Lee film is widely considered a significant portrayal of Malcolm X, and Whitaker's book likely explores its impact. However, without verification sources, the assessment of the film as "masterful" is subjective.
• Claim 2:** (Implicit) Mark Whitaker wrote a book titled "The Afterlife of Malcolm X".
• Analysis: This is the title of the book excerpted, and is therefore accurate.

Supporting Evidence/Contradictions:

• Due to the lack of provided verification sources, all analysis relies on internal knowledge. The claims align with general understanding of Malcolm X's legacy and the Spike Lee film. There are no apparent contradictions based on this knowledge.