While some of today’s youth generation may not know the historical details of the civil and human rights struggle that was fought in the ‘60s and ‘70s, The Source Magazine celebrated the birthday of one of its most powerful advocates for justice and self-determination, El-Hajj Malik El Shabazz (a.k.a. Malcolm X), with a block celebration and tribute on his birthday, May 19th, in Harlem on 165th Street and Broadway (Dr. Betty Shabazz Way), near the Malcolm X and Betty Shabazz Memorial and Educational Center. The impact of Malcolm X’s life is seen and felt throughout the entire Hip-Hop generation, and The Source made sure to capture the essence of this historical moment. The community came out to enjoy the beautiful weather and great music by DJ Marz in commemoration of brother Malcolm’s legacy in the same streets that transformed him into an unparalleled leader. The Source‘s publisher, attorney L. Londell McMillan, hosted the festivities, and The Source paid its respect to the legacy of Malcolm X and his family. Even Malcolm’s daughters, Ilyasah, Gamilah Lumumba, and Malaak Shabazz, were on hand for what would have been their father’s 87th birthday, just around the corner from where he was assassinated in 1965.
There were numerous Hip-Hop artists and personalities that do know the importance of recognizing Harlem’s “shining Black prince” who were on hand for the festivities, including Prodigy of Mobb Deep, Brand Nubian’s Lord Jamar, MTV’s Amanda Seales, Immortal Technique, Papoose, and a host of others. They all spoke about Malcolm X’s undeniable influence on Hip-Hop culture and society in general. Underground vet Immortal Technique says, “I think that he as an individual was beyond the civil rights movement. He was beyond Hip-Hop. Maybe he wasn’t a jazz musician like Duke Ellington, but I think a lot of times the Harlem Renaissance is more associated with the arts as opposed to its legacy of civil and human rights struggle.”
MTV host/personality Amanda Seales had this to say about The Source sponsored event for the dynamic Black leader who popularized the Nation of Islam: “I’m just really glad to hear The Source is involved in things like this because it also brings Hip-Hop into a different space than a lot of folks think it exists in.” Lord Jamar of Brand Nubian sums it up best, saying, “What Malcolm X represents is his intellect, his street sense. You saw him standing at the window with the rifle to protect his family. That’s a lot of things that a lot of people in Hip-Hop can identify with.”
The event also marked the relaunch of The Malcolm X Foundation, which was initially founded by Malcolm X’s wife, the late Dr. Betty Shabazz. The organization preserves the legacy of Malcolm X and realizes his mission of empowerment, justice, education, and peace through the development and support of targeted programs dedicated to enhancing human values and empowering local and global oppressed communities. The Malcolm X Foundation coordinates and fosters dialogue, understanding, and partnerships among governments, businesses, non-governmental organizations, and private individuals on the life and legacy of Malcolm X. This is to ensure that even though they may have murdered the man in the Audubon Ballroom, his legacy lives on all over the planet. By Any Means Necessary!
-ShaBe Allah(@KingPenStatus)
