Alex Haley Autobiography (1973)

Assassination of Malcolm X in New York City – 21 February 1965

2024-02-21:  On this day in 1965 … Malcolm X … was Assassinated at an Organization of Afro-American Unity (#OAAU) Rally in the Audubon Ballroom, Harlem, New York City …

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Black and white image combining a photograph of Malcolm X on the left … with one of his quotations on the right: “You can’t separate peace from freedom because no one can be at peace unless he has his freedom”.  Still directly relevant today.  Click to enlarge.

Malcolm X … later known as el-Hajj Malik el-Shabazz … was born on 19 May 1925.

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Black and white photograph showing Malcolm X addressing a large crowd.  Click to enlarge.

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Eulogy of Ossie Davis at Malcolm’s Funeral Service …

” Here – at this final hour, in this quiet place, Harlem has come to bid farewell to one of its brightest hopes – extinguished now, and gone from us forever.

Many will ask what Harlem finds to honour in this stormy, controversial and bold young captain – and we will smile.

They will say that he is of hate – a fanatic, a racist – who can only bring evil to the cause for which you struggle !

And we will answer and say unto them: ‘ Did you ever talk to Brother Malcolm ?  Did you ever touch him, or have him smile at you ?  Did you ever really listen to him ?  Did he ever do a mean thing ?  Was he ever himself associated with violence or any public disturbance ?  For if you did, you would know him.  And if you knew him, you would know why we must honour him: Malcolm was our manhood, our living, black manhood !

This was his meaning to his people.  And, in honouring him, we honour the best in ourselves.  And we will know him then for what he was and is – a Prince, our own black shining Prince ! – who didn’t hesitate to die, because he loved us so.”

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Black and white image showing the USA Postage Stamp, issued 1999, in honour of Malcolm X … who is seen in pensive mood.  Click to enlarge.

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