Michael X - Part One: British Black Power | #445

This episode of Red Handed dives into the forgotten and deeply controversial figure of Michael X, a Trinidadian-born man who became the self-proclaimed leader of the British Black Power movement in the 1960s. Charissa and Hannah unpack his rise from a troubled youth in Trinidad and Cardiff to a manipulative, charismatic figure who exploited white liberal guilt, racial tensions, and the countercultural scene to build a cult-like following. Through a mix of satire, historical deep-dive, and sharp cultural commentary, the hosts reveal how Michael X co-opted the language of liberation while running a fraudulent operation—stealing from the very communities he claimed to represent. The episode traces his journey from pimp and petty criminal to a media darling who hosted celebrities like John Lennon and Muhammad Ali, all while fabricating his credentials and leading a secretive, authoritarian commune called the Black House. The narrative sets up a chilling contrast with Hakim Jamal, a real Black Panther whose own descent into madness and exploitation mirrors Michael X’s, suggesting a broader pattern of performative activism and personal pathology within radical movements. The story is framed as both a cautionary tale and a dark comedy of modern myth-making, culminating in Michael X’s dramatic flight to Trinidad—where the real crimes, including murder, are set to unfold in Part Two.