Very seldom does one encounter a leader as valiant, sharp and fearless as Malcolm X (aka el-Hajj Malik el-Shabazz), born May 19, 1925, in Omaha, Neb., as Malcolm Little.
He and his family were terrorized by white supremacists (who would eventually kill his father). During time in jail, Malcolm joined the Nation of Islam and became a minister.
Malcolm X would later travel the world speaking out on white supremacy and an American system that (by design) set out to oppress African Americans. But he also included messages of self-pride and self-reliance.
Some might call Malcolm X’s words prophetic—from “The Ballot or the Bullet” speech to his letter to the Egyptian Gazette and beyond. Sadly, decades after Malcolm X’s assassination, the icon’s words still ring true.
On what would have been his 92nd birthday, New York City teenagers Nathaniel Okoroji, Aiyana Smash, Malik Bamidele, Ella Moore and Talen Hall speak power into Malcolm X’s words.
