Tuesday, May 19, 2015

Happy Birthday, Brother Malcolm

Malcolm X (born Malcolm Little; May 19, 1925Feb 21, 1965)

This post is to honor the memory of Mr. El-Hajj Malik el-Shabazz (Malcolm X) for his birthday, May 19, 1925. You know, we sometimes forget that our leaders of the past and present were once little boys and girls who loved to laugh and play. They played games like 21, hop scotch, and hide-and-go-get-it. They became excited when they heard the ice cream truck; they loved bubble gum, cookies, and all types of sweets. They had a crush on the pretty girl or cute boy in their class.

Back then, the young Malcolm Little did not know that he would grow, fall, and rise like the Phoenix. He did not know that he would grow to be internationally known and respected. He did not know that he would carry the weight of the world on his shoulder. Malcolm Little did not know that he would die just trying to make things right -- right for everyone. God bless your soul, brother Malcolm. Happy Birthday. Peace~

21 comments:

Rethabile said...

God Bless us all. Thanks, Stephen.

Babz Rawls Ivy said...

This was such an elegant post. I really enjoyed this perspective. Leave it to you to remind us of our humble beginnings.

Anonymous said...

Great post about the greatest African to be born in the diaspora (no offense)! He is a combination of Humility and Firmness compressed in confident speech delivery. Brother Malcom never minced his words, he means what he says, and says what he means. Viva Malcom X, viva!

"He did not know that he would grow to be internationally known and respected. He did not know that he would carry the weight of the world on his shoulder" Very true, most people in his position believe they are just doing what anyone and everybody can, and ought to be doing anyway.

I love the picture, reminds me of my hubby's boyhood pictures; except he does not have a Mandela nose(flat), and is more handsome he he

Stephen A. Bess said...

Rethabile-
Thank you, sir.

Lovebabz-
Thank you.

Anon-
Malcolm was one of the first leaders to call himself and all of us African. Can you imagine how many black people who had indian in their family felt? They were outraged. lol. I think he said it to remind black people in America that they are African too. You hear so many of us talking about our great grandparent who was Cherokee or white, but you never hear anyone proudly say that their great grandparent was African. We are not all proud of our origin. Nowadays, it much more fashionable because we see so many beautiful African born people around us and figure it's not such a bad idea -- hence, African American. Some of us don't even like to be called that. For me, I am proud of my African heritage. You can call me what you want (African American, Black, Negro, Colored, etc), but when it's all said and done I will just be a child of God. Peace~

All-Mi-T [Thought Crime] Rawdawgbuffalo said...

salute

Yasmeen Christian said...

Thank you, Stephen.
Thank you, Malcolm.

CapCity said...

Thanx Dear Brother Bess!

Stephen A. Bess said...

Yasmeen-
Thank you!

Capcity-
Thank you and thanks for stopping by.

M. Akamau said...

Hey, friend. Thanks for this. It's sometimes challenging for us to remember that our great leaders were also just stubborn, snotty-nosed, nappy-headed kids just like we were. The stuff from which great things are born are sometimes just the most ordinary seedlings.

Grace,
Michele
P.S. Stop by and visit sometime...my blog misses Stephen!:)

Anonymous said...

You read better than most other blogs. And you are right to be proud of your heritage. Even though I am caucasion, I can appreciate the awareness and consciousness Malcolm X brought to this world.

Peace be with you, and think of South Africa and our challenges in your prayers. God Bless.

Stephen A. Bess said...

Emil-
I appreciate the compliment and your awareness that Malcolm was not just all of the media's hype. He was a lover of humanity and equal rights. One of Malcolm's heroes was Paul Robeson, who was a champion of peace and justice all over the world. I feel that Malcolm was moving toward that very same platform when they decided to get rid of him for good. Yes, I will keep South Africa in my prayers. God bless Africa for all. Peace, brother.

Stephen A. Bess said...

Michele-
Yes, I need to visit your blog. It has been a while. Good to see you. God bless you and the family. Peace~

Crankyputz said...

What a cute kid he was....and good on you for bringing him down to the human level....

Anonymous said...

Stephen,
Thank you for the reminder. We tend to remember Martin Luther King and overlook Malcolm. He did far more than he is being credited for.
Thanks again,
Marvia

Stephen A. Bess said...

Cranky-
A pleasure and good to see you.

Marvia-
I agree. Malcolm has always been a hero of mine. I've always admired him for his convictions. It's my hope that I will see him one day when it's all said and done. Then, I can say thank you. Good to have you here. Welcome!

Anonymous said...

Thank you Stephen, for your wonderfully kind words and moving prayer at my blog. I think it is Ghandi who said that prayer is not an old woman’s idle amusement. Properly understood and applied, it is the most potent instrument of action.

Peace, brother and I hope your family is safe!

BronzeBuckaroo said...

I've never underestimated the importance of Mr. X. During my university studies I remember a student from Asia talking with such pride and knowledge about Malcolm. It was then I realized the influence and importance of black folk to the larger world of color.

Personally, I've been thinking about the Malcolm who had to battle the larger world and sometimes his own people who didn't always want to challenge the status quo. These days, I am reading the writings of Huey Newton. Another blogger reading about Huey said I reminded her of him. I don't know about that. I know Huey admired Malcolm. I know both men wanted a Afro American strong community first. I know my Langston Hughes wanted the same and presided both men in his own black pride radicalism.

My mind is wandering now. I better stop writing.

Stephen A. Bess said...

Bronze-
First, it's good to see you. Long time. Yes, Malcolm was often misunderstood. Most folks who were of age during Malcolm's day felt he was too radical or crazy. I suppose he was ahead of his time or maybe he was right on time and most people were behind the times.

Huey was great. I enjoy reading him. Revolutionary Suicide is difficult to get hold of. I don't know if it's on purpose, but it's not easy. If you like him, I know that you would like the writings of Frantz Fanon or Aimé Césaire. Have you read them? If not, check out Césaire's book, Discourse on Colonialism. It's one of my favorites. Thanks for stopping in. Peace~

Stephen A. Bess said...

Emil-
Amen. That Prayer is potent! Thank you brother and God bless you and yours.

changeseeker said...

What a wonderful photograph. Look at those eyes. Thanks for this.

blkbutterfly said...

thank you for this elegant reminder that greatness starts from humble beginnings. i teach 1st grade and it's humbling to know that one day one (or more) of my students will be future history makers.

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