The Buzz: Remembering The Legacy and Words of Malcolm X

Yesterday, May 19, was Malcolm X’s birthday. Born in 1925, Malcolm X would have turned 96 if he was still alive today. He was a well-known Black Muslim minister and human rights activist. A strong supporter of Black nationalism and race pride, urging Black people to protect themselves against white aggression “by any means necessary.”

We are approaching the one-year anniversary of the murder of George Floyd, which has me reflecting on the events over the past year: The protests for racial justice, the commitments from organizations to be anti-racist. And yet, I feel despite the spotlight that has been placed on the need for equity and justice – the road still seems just as long and obstacle-laden to get there. As the police killings of Black people continue, with organizations backpedaling on their stance, and as states fight against race curriculum being taught in schools, I am reminded that there is still so much work to do.

In a recent interview, Ilyasah Shabazz, daughter of Malcolm X, reflected on her father’s legacy. She believes that if Malcolm X had been alive today, perhaps the protests last summer wouldn’t have been necessary. “I don’t think that we would still be marching, protesting and demonstrating for the same things that we were marching for 55, 56 years ago when my father was alive,” Shabazz said. “He was a results-oriented person.” Obviously, we’ll never know, but even though he may not be here in the physical, his words still live on and are relevant as we continue the fight today. 

If you’re feeling weary and need hope and inspiration to go on and fight the good fight for equity and justice, I leave you with these powerful words and quotes from Malcolm X: 

“Early in life I had learned that if you want something, you had better make some noise.” 

“A man who stands for nothing will fall for anything.” 

“You don’t stick a knife in a man’s back nine inches and then pull it out six inches and say you’re making progress…. ” 

“I’m for truth, no matter who tells it. I’m for justice, no matter who it’s for or against.” 

“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.” 

“You don’t have to be a man to fight for freedom. All you have to do is to be an intelligent human being.” 

“You’re not to be so blind with patriotism that you can’t face reality. Wrong is wrong, no matter who does it or says it.” 

“America’s greatest crime against the Black man was not slavery or lynching, but that he was taught to wear a mask of self-hate and self-doubt.” 

“Time is on the side of the oppressed today, it’s against the oppressor. Truth is on the side of the oppressed today, it’s against the oppressor. You don’t need anything else.” 

“Don’t be in a hurry to condemn because he doesn’t do what you do or think as you think or as fast. There was a time when you didn’t know what you know today.” 

“Change is only a good thing if you change in a good way.” 

“There is no better than adversity. Every defeat, every heartbreak, every loss, contains its own seed, its own lesson on how to improve your performance next time.” 

“It is only after the deepest darkness that the greatest joy can come.” 

“How can anyone be against love?” 

“One day, may we all meet together in the light of understanding.”