Malcolm X Legacy: Black Power, Rights, and Truth

Malcolm X Legacy: Black Power, Rights, and Truth

In the annals of history, few figures burn as brightly or as controversially as Malcolm X. Malcolm X was born Malcolm Little on May 19, 1925, in Omaha, Nebraska. He would grow to become one of the most polarising and influential voices of the 20th century. His journey began as a troubled youth. Over time, he transformed into a fiery civil rights leader.

It is a story of redemption, resilience, and radical transformation. Yet, his life was cut short on February 21, 1965. He was assassinated at the Audubon Ballroom in New York City. The gunmen were not shadowy government agents or white supremacists. They were members of his own community—Black men from the Nation of Islam (NOI).

This article aims to explore Malcolm X’s life and his ideological evolution. It will delve into the complex circumstances surrounding his death. It also challenges the narrative that absolves the Black community of its role in his murder.

The Early Years: From Malcolm Little to Detroit Red

Malcolm X’s early life was marked by trauma and turbulence. His father, Earl Little, was a Baptist minister. He ardently supported Marcus Garvey’s Universal Negro Improvement Association. Earl Little was killed when Malcolm was just six years old. The official story claimed that Earl was struck by a streetcar. Still, the family believed he was murdered by white supremacists. Malcolm’s mother, Louise, struggled to raise eight children alone, and after a mental breakdown, she was institutionalised. The children were split up and placed in foster homes.

We declare our right on this earth to be a human being. We declare our right to be respected as human beings.

Malcolm’s brilliance was obvious even in his youth, but systemic racism stifled his potential. A teacher told him that becoming a lawyer was “no realistic goal for a nigger.” Malcolm lost faith in the structure. He dropped out of school and moved to Boston, where he immersed himself in the underworld of crime. Known as “Detroit Red,” he became a hustler, pimp, and burglar. In 1946, he was arrested and sentenced to ten years in prison.

Prison: The Crucible of Transformation

Prison was the turning point in Malcolm’s life. It was there that he encountered the teachings of Elijah Muhammad, the leader of the Nation of Islam (NOI). The NOI’s message of Black self-reliance, separation from white society, and the rejection of systemic racism resonated deeply with Malcolm. He devoured books, educated himself, and began to correspond with Elijah Muhammad. By the time he was released in 1952, Malcolm Little was no more. He had become Malcolm X, shedding his “slave name” and dedicating his life to the NOI.

The Rise of Malcolm X

Malcolm X quickly rose through the ranks of the NOI, becoming one of its most prominent and charismatic spokesmen. His fiery rhetoric and uncompromising stance on white supremacy made him a magnet for both admiration and controversy. He famously referred to white people as “devils.” He advocated for Black separatism. This was a stark contrast to the integrationist approach of leaders like Martin Luther King Jr.

Malcolm’s speeches were electrifying. He spoke truth to power, unflinchingly calling out the systemic oppression of Black people in America. His message resonated with millions of African Americans who were tired of waiting for incremental change. He was a voice for the voiceless, a champion for the marginalised.

The Break with the Nation of Islam

By the early 1960s, cracks began to form in Malcolm’s relationship with the NOI. He grew disillusioned with Elijah Muhammad’s moral failings and the organisation’s refusal to engage in political activism. In 1964, Malcolm left the NOI and embarked on a pilgrimage to Mecca, an experience that profoundly transformed his worldview.

In Mecca, Malcolm saw Muslims of all races worshipping together as equals. This shattered his earlier beliefs about race and white people. He returned to America with a new message of unity and inclusivity, renouncing his earlier separatist views. He adopted the name El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz. He founded the Organisation of Afro-American Unity (OAAU). His aim was to build bridges between the civil rights movement and the global struggle against colonialism and imperialism.

The Assassination: A Community Betrayed

Malcolm X’s transformation made him a target. The NOI viewed him as a traitor, and his former comrades turned against him. On February 21, 1965, Malcolm prepared to speak at the Audubon Ballroom. He was gunned down in front of his wife and children. The assassins were members of the NOI. They included Talmage Hayer, Ben Thomas, Leon Davis, Willie Bradley, Wilbur McKinley, and Len Wood X. These men, all Black, had plotted and executed the murder of one of their own.

We intend to bring these rights into existence by any means necessary.

Only Talmage Hayer served time for the crime. The others walked free, protected by their communities and the silence of those who knew the truth. This betrayal is a stain on the Black community, a reminder that oppression does not absolve us of accountability. Malcolm X was killed by Black hands, and it is a disservice to his legacy to ignore this fact.

The Legacy of Malcolm X

Malcolm X’s legacy is one of fire and transformation. He was a man who constantly evolved, who had the courage to question his beliefs and change his mind. His journey from a street hustler to a global icon is a testament to the power of redemption and self-education.

His message of Black pride and self-determination continues to inspire generations. He taught us to love ourselves, to demand our rights, and to never accept second-class citizenship. His critique of capitalism and systemic racism remains relevant today, as the fight for justice and equality continues.

Yet, his death also serves as a cautionary tale. It reminds us that the struggle for liberation is not just against external oppressors. It is also against the internalised hatred and division that can tear our communities apart. Malcolm X was killed by Black men. We must confront this uncomfortable truth if we are to honour his legacy.

Conclusion: A Call for Accountability

Malcolm X’s life was a beacon of hope and a call to action. His death was a tragedy. It was not just because of the loss of a great leader. It was also due to the betrayal by those who should have stood by him. As we think about his legacy, let us not shy away from the hard truths. We must hold ourselves accountable. We need to confront the rot within our communities. We should strive to build a future worthy of Malcolm X’s vision.

In the words of Malcolm X himself, “We declare our right on this earth to be a human being. We declare our right to be respected as human beings. We should be given the rights of a human being in this society, on this earth, in this day. We intend to bring these rights into existence by any means necessary.”

Let us honour his memory by continuing the fight for justice. Hold ourselves and each other accountable. Never forget the price he paid for our freedom.

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