“I believe that there will ultimately be a clash between the oppressed and those that do the oppressing. I believe that there will be a clash between those who want freedom, justice and equality for everyone and those who want to continue the systems of exploitation.” Malcolm X

With all the horrors of all the current wars, the growing prejudices, the continuing degradation of Humanity, we must not forget an important anniversary which helped shaped the ideas of the 20th and 21st Century. Malcolm X showed us all that a personal belief in GOD can lead to a real sense of self respect and personal responsibility. Therefore on the 43rd anniversary of the assassination of Malcolm X which took place on the 21st February, a ‘worldwide revolution’ took place which commemorated the revolutionary leader’s legacy. Many of the attendees to the remembrance events fi nd the words and beliefs of Malcolm X as a source of inspiration in their everyday lives.

“The main reason we put this on was to remember Malcolm X and his legacy,” Abdul-Malik told Islamic Times in one such event in Birmingham. This was a private event in the city, open only to its members, organised by Housam Abdul-Malik, (an American Black revert to the Islamic faith) and Chairman of the Black Youth Association in Aston. However, the purpose of the event echoed its words in similar events around the world which were open to all, with particular emphasis and importance placed on Malcolm’s teachings in today’s world.

“Malcolm can be used as a model for struggle. The things that Malcolm said can help us understand what’s going on today,” Abdul-Malik said. “Things that he advocated, that he believed in would help us to survive what’s taking place today. He gives us clarity, he gives us focus and so we try to apply the Malcolm of yesterday, to today and try to give a practical application to his teachings.”

Abdul-Malik captivated the audience of approximately 50 attendees as he compared the political turmoil of the 1960s to the social climate of today.

“Before a period of social upheaval is a chill period. The 1950s were ‘Ozzie and Harriet’ and ‘Leave it to Beaver’ and then the ‘60s came,” he said. “Well, this ain’t no different. Things are changing. People are becoming more conscious, so don’t compromise. Still think the way you think in terms of being conscious and having more serious things on your mind. People are slowly waking up.”

In keeping with the theme of the recent anniversary of the Abolition of Slavery, Abdul-Malik reminded the audience of the regressive socialisation of black people today.

“Black people are still dealing with a slave mentality. Black people are the only ones who use the word that was meant to dehumanise them to describe themselves,” said Abdul-Malik. One audience member, Naya Waheed was struck by many of the similarities and comparisons of yesterday’s slaves to today’s popular culture.

“It was really deep what he was saying about yesterday’s breeder being today’s player,” referring to a comment made by Abdul-Malik about young black people still having a slave mentality and almost imitating the breeders of slavery.

The actions and beliefs of Malcolm X teach young black men and women to accept themselves and create their own defi nitions, Abdul-Malik said.

“There was a time when we changed the defi nition of black. It was a negative term and we said ‘No, I’m a black, man. Call me black.’ Black is beautiful and guess what white people started doing? They started calling us black because we made them accept our defi nition.”

February 21st, the day that Malcolm was assassinated, should be celebrated. It should serve as an inspiration to fi ght and sacrifi ce for the struggle of what is right.

“Don’t honour people’s birthdays because birthdays don’t mean nothing. You were just born that day,” Abdul-Malik said. “Malcolm was born May 19. What does that mean? Now, the day that you die fi ghting for what you believe in, the day that you die standing up for truth and justice, that day is way more signifi cant than a birthday.”

Malcolm was martyred. He made a commitment to truth, he made a commitment to justice and he made a commitment to the struggle. He was ready to make the ultimate sacrifi ce and that’s why February 21st is more important than May 19.”

I suppose the main message to come out from the event was that all ethnicities should unite together against oppression and injustice because it is a human cause and colour should not matter.

Malcolm is more relevant today than he was yesterday. If you study him and apply his thought process to today, you will not fall prey.

May we never forget him! May we also begin to think for ourselves!