Happy Malcolm X Day ! [View All]

[H2O Man]

In February, 1965, the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party held a series of rallies in Jackson. At the time, Martin Luther King, Jr., was incarcerated in Selma. There was tension within the Civil Rights Movement. And on February 4, the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee invited Malcolm X to speak to a rally of young people, who were planning a march in Selma.

Some of King’s top aides found the prospect of Malcolm X addressing the young people a bit frightening. Two of them, Rev. Andrew Young and Rev. James Bevel, approached Malcolm with instructions: do not incite the students.

Malcolm responded, "Remember this: nobody puts words in my mouth."

It is known that Malcolm himself approached Coretta Scott King, and assured her that he was not there to cause Martin any problems. He said that his goal was to let the opposition know that if Martin failed, there were other forces, waiting in the wings, fully prepared to take over. Malcolm believed this would make Martin a more acceptable choice to those who opposed freedom and justice for all.

Today, we mark the birthday of Malcolm X – May 19, 1925. At a time when there are tensions within the Democratic Party, we would do well to remember this courageous man ….. and to learn from the lessons he taught.

Peace,
H2O Man