"For 12 long years I lived within the narrow minded confines of the 'straightjacket world' created by my strong belief that Elijah Muhammad was a messenger direct from God Himself, and my faith in what I now see to be pseudo-religious philosophy that he preaches..I shall never rest until I have undone the harm I did to so many well-meaning, innocent. Negroes who through my own evangelistic zeal now believe in him even more fanatically and more blindly than I did" .
"The holiest and most sacred city on earth. The foundation of truth, love, peace and brotherhood. Here I am, back in Mecca. I am still traveling, trying to broaden my mind, for I've seen too much of the damage narrow-mindedness can make of things, and when I return home to America, I will devote what energies I have to repairing the damage".
"The price of freedom is death"
"If you're not ready to die for it, put the word 'freedom' out of your vocabulary".
"It is a time for martyrs now, and if I am to be one, it will be for the cause of brotherhood. That's the only thing that can save this country".
"Once I was yes. But now I have turned my direction away from anything that's racist".
"I am not a racist. I am against every form of racism and segregation, every form of discrimination. I believe in human beings, and that all human beings should be respected as such, regardless of their color".
"We cannot think of being acceptable to others until we have proven acceptable to ourselves".
The life cycle and complexities of Malcolm X with its many stages as well as post death events still require ongoing scholarship forty-eight years later.
Related Links:
The Birthday of Malcolm X
Manning Marable Tribute & Scholarly Book On Malcolm X
6 comments:
Hey, Carolyn! I was thinking about his birthday myself this morning (I remember it because it's two days after my mother's)! This is such a beautiful post, chronicling his life from Malcolm Little to the powerful EL-HAJJ MALIK EL-SHABAZZ -- in his own words.
They knew exactly what taking him out would do, my Sister -- Exactly! Thank you for this.
Peace...
Thanks Sis Deb for your recognition and comment on this 20th century heroic freedom fighter. I, too, marvel at what might have been had he lived. Peace to you as well...
No problem, Sis! I always call it like I see it. :-D Had he lived, I suspect, no I am certain, "we people who are darker than blue" would be a much more confident, loving and productive people, not constantly seeking the approval of our oppressors, but teaching them what a truly civilized world would look like!
I'm watching the Angela Davis/Toni Morrison video in your sidebar right now. Will let you know what I think about it later on. It is so-o-o good to be able to "talk" to someone who can not only converse about -- but teach through sharing -- all the multi-faceted experiences that are US!!
I appreciate ya, Woman!
Lovely article you've written. Great man, great mind, gone too soon. Thanks
@Deb...I appreciate you as well.Your assessment on Angela & Toni and some of the other videos with mainly women of color and their take on those issues that affect "US" are welcomed as well.
@Desertflower; I value your support and it inspires me that you recognize what we lost. Peace...
Sis Carolyn? Just checking to see if you alright. I posted a comment back to you about the Angela & Toni video and when I didn't see it, I thought I ought to check on you. Hope all's well.
Peace...
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