Community Reflects On Malcolm X’s Legacy
Various community groups and personalities came together at Places Place this week to commemorate the anniversary of the assassination of Malcolm X.
A spokesperson said, “A media conference was held on Wednesday, February 21st at Places Place, marking the anniversary of the assassination of Malcom, with the intention of leveraging the icon’s legacy. A joint invitation was made by groups including Bermuda is Love, CURB, Imagine Bermuda, and Social Justice Bermuda and various community personalities, re-affirming the 2023 call for those across the community, caught in the cycle of violence to lay down their swords and shields and study war no more.
“The media release noted that Malcolm’s legacy as a transformational figure demonstrates our human potential to evolve. He serves as an example to any of us when we find ourselves off the path, that we have the capacity to change for our own benefit and that of our wider community.
“Dale Butler pointed out that local transformative figure Wilfred ‘Mose’ Allen had a life journey similar to that of Malcolm’s. Mose had gone through circumstances that included incarceration, but he did not let that define him. Mose was an exemplar who was always learning and eventually played a key role in the transformation of Bermuda into a democratic society.
“William ‘Billy’ Richardson, the 94 year old veteran of the local labour movement, reminded the group of CedarBridge students assembled at the conference that you have the potential to learn from example of Malcolm and Wilfred ‘Mose’ Allen, and to make a difference in the Bermuda and the wider world. So, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise!
“Cromwell Shakir, a former member of the Nation of Islam, spoke directly to those caught up violence, saying that we all are here for you in love; notwithstanding where you are at this time. Always know that you have an option and we’re praying that you chose peace rather than war.”
Glenn Fublers said, “I learnt early in Sunday School that all lives are precious. As we call to those locally for a ceasefire, to lay down their swords and shields, we also reflect on the children of Gaza and the precious lives of especially children. As noted philosopher Cornel West points out, it’s about being morally consistent.”
Rev Michael Barclay, whose ministry addresses those on the margins of society, said, “I’m hoping that we can encourage all the communities of faith on the island to collaborate in addressing the challenges that lead to unwanted outcomes.”
Imam Saleem Talbot of the Islamic community said, “We all have a responsibility to make sure that we nurture a culture that promotes collaboration across all sectors, avoiding tendencies in which we might operate like gangs. Our younger people learn from our examples, the examples of the status quo. So, when we see the cruelty committed from the global halls of power, we must – being morally consistent – call it out.”
The spokesperson said, “As the media conference was closing, attendees were encouraged to ceremoniously shed those symbols of identity that may promote competition rather than collaboration. So, in the spirit of playfulness, temporary sacrifices were placed on a chair. Items included ties, phones, hats, scarfs, keys, and the like. That group included Irving Ingram, co-founder of the Black Berets; Troy Lewis, an iconic member of Young Men’s Social Club; Lynn Millett, longtime activist; and Vice Principal of CedarBridge Chris Swan, along with eight CedarBridge students.
“In a joyful spirit of community, two old competitors – Keith Jensen, former striker for BAA, and Jerome ‘Jake’ Perenchief, former mid-fielder for PHC – agreed to study war no more as they reminisced about decades-old battles between the two teams.”
