Remembering Malcolm X
Exactly 60 years ago, 21 February 1965 marks a dark day in African and American history. After receiving numerous threats, Malcolm X was assassinated at the young age of 39. He had tirelessly devoted his life to the pursuit of justice while expressing deep humility and sincerity in his search for the truth. Indeed, these characteristics capture the greatness of this man and endear him to us as a worthy role model for all times.
Malcolm X, originally known as Malcolm Little, was born on 19 May 1925. He was a prominent activist and minister during the 1960s civil rights movement. His unapologetic and passionate advocacy for Black rights brought him international attention. However, some have criticised his rhetoric as being extremist and racist.
Others explain that the assertive, Black nationalistic posture he took in his speeches was necessary for Civil-Rights-era America when discrimination and segregation were legal in many parts of the United States and racism was routine in many aspects of life.
To that point, Malcolm X, who was assassinated in 1965 at the Audubon Ballroom in Harlem, spoke about what some considered his extremist viewpoints.
“I don’t believe in any form of unjustified extremism. But I believe that when a man is exercising extremism, a human being is exercising extremism, in defence of liberty for human beings, it’s no vice. And when one is moderate in the pursuit of justice for human beings, I say he’s a sinner,
