Newly-elected Ga. official refuses Bible, takes oath of office on 'Autobiography of Malcolm X'

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One of the newly elected council members in Athens, Georgia opted to place her hand on a Malcolm X autobiography instead of the Bible for her swearing-in.

The Washington Examiner reports Mariah Parker was sworn in this week to represent District 2 on the Athens-Clarke County Commission and refused to take her oath of office on the Bible.

She said she wanted “The Autobiography of Malcolm X,” instead.

The book, despite its title, was written by Alex Haley after Malcolm X was assassinated by members of the Nation of Islam.

Parker, a 26-year-old doctoral student at the University of Georgia, also raised her fist in a black-power salute while taking the oath.

Corrie O'Connor