Today is the 56th anniversary since the assassination of Malik El Shabazz, better known as Malcolm X. Since then his efforts have been honoured each year by the millions across the globe who recognise Black History Month. I was only 8 years old when Malcolm got gunned down, yet I remember it as if it was only yesterday. Yes, that was the kind of impact he had on the black community in the U.K. It was only 9 days prior to his murder that he was literally walking the streets of our ghetto back in England. With 23 years on, Steel Pulse had the pleasure of meeting the third daughter of Malcom, Ilyasah Shabazz, in New York (1988). It was on our βReaching Outβ video set, directed by Spike Lee. Spike introduced us as she was one of the many fine females dancing in that video. She had no idea that she had left me with goose bumps that day; to be meeting the daughter of my hero of all heroes, as the facial features and stature of Malcolm X came shining through.
But being close to Malcolm didnβt just stop there. Only two years ago I had the pleasure of meetings Bill Haley, the grandson of Alex Haley, the man that helped to write the autobiography of Malcolm X and one of the most controversial TV series to have ever hit the world, βRoots.βΒ Bill was able to convey the βbehind the scenesβ scenario involving Malcolmβs interviews and other works done by his grand father. So 56 years on and Malcolm, is in no way, shape or form, been forgotten.
Honourable respect too to one of our late former lead guitarists, Donavan McKitty, who would have turned 66 years, today.
In the meantime, go check it out the documentary called, βWho Killed Malcolm X.β
Credit: Facebook Wall of the Reggae Band Steel Pulse.