Remembering Malcolm – Happy Birthday

After just coming out of a political cycle for municipal elections (Mayor and Council) in Newark, NJ, and reading so much of the interesting political commentary that abounds, online and in print, in America today, and just reflecting on the reality of what is our community, leaders, “followers” and the like, I felt I had to give appropriate mention and respect to the memory of Al-Hajj Malik Shabazz, popularly known as Malcolm X, on what would have been, the Creator knows Best, his 85th birthday.

When I read about folks seeking “leaders” who will be true to who they are, who will sacrifice even if it means personal loss and pain, speaking truth to power, and for me, most importantly, being able to change one’s position once new information is available and you’ve been wrong, Malcolm Shabazz comes immediately to my mind. I don’t need to highlight the story, his life journey and evolution; we have all (or can and should read) read it.

We never know what he would have went on to become, achieve, accomplish had his life not been cut short when he was senselessly and tragically assasinated on February 21, 1965a few months short of his 40th birthday. What we do know is that all indications are he would have continued to evolve, grow and develop. And for me, when I look at what he sacrificed, when it would have benefitted him to just go along to get along, his standing firm unwaveringly, even in the face of adversity and death, this is why still today, as an example for yet another generation, Malcolm still matters. 

Where do we look TODAY, for a good example of that kind of legacy, speaking out on the issues, even when it may be against ones self or make others “uncomfortable”. It has to emerge, if our communities in America are going to evelop, grow and prosper. Anything short of that, I fear, will just put us a step closer to the edge of irrelevancy.

LEADERS, IT’S TIME TO STAND UP!

I just had to share that, for whatever it’s worth……As Malcolm used to say:

“The only one who doesn’t like when I talk to you like this is the wolf…..who intends to make you his meal.”

Let’s keep it going, and take it to the next level.

Rest in peace Brother Malcolm, and may the Mercy of the Creator be upon you.