It’s been 50 years since his assassination, and he would’ve been 90 years old in May.
It is a very pivotal year in the legacy of El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz, better known as Civil Rights activist and icon Malcolm X. It’s been 50 years since his tragic assassination–he was shot and killed while delivering a speech at NYC’s Audubon Ballroom–and on May 20th, X would’v been 90 years old. In the wake of the tumultuous year 2014 proved to be, from Michael Brown to Eric Garner, the tragedies in between, and the many dialogues it restarted, we thought it appropriate to re-visit the story and life of a man whose primary goal was equality for all, and subsequently to put an end to racially charged injustices, committed either civilians or authorities.
In issue #265, we hear testimonials from everyone from The Wu-Tang Clan’s Raekwon to Kendrick Lamar–who attributed some of his present philosophies directly to his interpretation of Malcolm X’s autobiography–in addition to exclusive statements from The Source’s Chairman, L.Londell McMillan, who is also the attorney for the Malcolm X estate.
Kendrick Lamar on The Autobiography of Malcolm X:
Taking that lifestyle and going across the world and talking to othe rpeople from other cultures and walks of life, it gives you a bit more wisdom.
Ludacris:
The reason Malcolm X was who he was is because of the life he lived before he went to jail, and while he was in jail. It takes someone with that knowledge that’s seen the other side.
Chuck D:
Malcolm X is a story of what hate of the USA pas had produced, yet the epitome is a human being, fighting for so many against that same hate; in order to be represented as a Human, Equal and Free.
L. Londell McMillan:
Brother Malcolm stood for self-esteem and self-awareness, self-help and fighting against those who taught you to “hate yourself.”
Gamilah-Lamumba Shabazz (Malcolm X’s fourth daughter)
I continue to be in awe of how precise and relevant his message remains even after 50 years. His legacy and teachings were to bring justice to fruition and solutions to the people. Let’s please get it done already.
