Life after Death

"There's far too many of you dying..."

Marvin Gaye - What's Going On

45 years ago today, Malcolm X died, and while I would arrive many years later, I learned from his example.

Respect

Malcolm is often identified with hate, and for being a radical, however I believe that he was the opposite of those labels, as his fight was for the human rights of his people in the United States. I was very interested in his life at a young age, because every February I would always learn about the same people, places, and things for Black History Month. I could never understand why Malcolm X was never taught or mentioned, so I did my own research in the same school where his legacy was never explained.

Not only did he help to instill a sense of self pride, he also sparked an interest in Muhammad Ali. Prior to my reading the Autobiography of Malcolm X, I didn't realize that they were best friends, and Malcolm was the quiet leader in the then Cassius Clay's corner.

In my youth, these stories helped me understand that my heritage and history is very diverse...and the slave trade is only part of a bigger story.