Video: Group On Malcolm X, Change & More
[Join statement from a number of people]
We, the undersigned, wish to leverage the opportunity of the anniversary of the assassination of Al Hajj Malik Shabazz – Malcolm X – to encourage our young people who are caught up in the cycle of violence in our Island, to lay down their weapons. We urge this with a deep sense of love for each one in the upcoming generations and offer the reminder of the unique potential that every one of you possess.
Notwithstanding that each member of the human family – including each one of you – are amazing creations of the universe; we are all subject to make mistakes in life.
As Malcom demonstrated; our mistakes, mis-steps do not define who we are. Al Hajj grew up with a caring mother and father, activists in the Garvey Movement. His father was killed in a ‘suspicious’ accident when Malcom was 6, setting off stresses within his family.
His life journey included excelling in school until he was 14, before circumstances resulted in his becoming engaged in crime. Malcolm’s early life as a petty criminal resulted in imprisonment where he developed a passion for reading, encouraged by an elder-prisoner. His older brother introduced him to the Nation of Islam.
Emerging from prison, Malcolm became the mentee of the Hon. Elijah Muhammed, soon becoming the organization’s main spokesman. However, he subsequently continued his personal quest for knowledge and eventually left the NOI.
Malcom’s quest for knowledge resulted in an invitation to go on a pilgrimage to Mecca which ultimately led to his conversion to orthodox Islam after meeting people from all over the world, Malcolm changed his name to Al Hajj Malik Shabazz, and considered himself a Global Citizen.
In the climate fostered by some individuals in the Nation of Islam, Al Hajj Malik Shabazz aka Malcolm was assassinated on February 21, 1965.
While conclusive evidence is still unfolding, it is clear that the FBI had a program – COINTELPRO – targeting Black leaders such as Malcolm, Martin King, plus Anti-Vietnam War activists and others.
Al Hajj Malik Shabazz’s story reminds us that all of us – including those who have currently chosen the gangster ‘road’ – have the potential for personal transformation. We encourage you to make a change – putting down your weapons – and choose some of the multiple options that are potentially available. Those of us signing are prepared to offer any assistance that we can and we are sure that there are many others across the Island who are also committed to act in solidarity with you.
We know that Malcolm would agree, that your life is precious and your potential contribution to our community is vital.
Signed,
- Social Justice Bermuda
- Dale Butler
- Elizabeth Dejean-Saunders
- Charles ‘Joe’ DeShields
- Joan Dillas Wright
- Maxine Esdaille
- Glenn Fubler
- Wendell Hollis
- Irving Ingram
- Michelle Kaldun
- Lynn Millett
- Basim Muwakkil
- Calvin Richardson
- Norwood Salaam
- Saleem Talbot
- Roy Wright
The legacy of Malacolm X. /Al Hajj Malik Shabazz can be utilized to assist our young people generally and our young men specifically to change their lives in a more produtive.
My challenge to your group is to visit the middle and high schools asap and share the life changes of this exceptional man.