Malcolm X Shabazz High School - Optimist Yearbook (Newark, NJ)

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Malcolm X was born Malcolm Little on May 19. 1925 in Omaha. Nebraska At an early age. Malcolm moved to Lansing. Michigan with his parents, both of whom were tragically lost to him in childhood. His father was run over by a street car and his mother was committed to a mental institution. Leaving school after the eighth grade. Malcolm made his way to New York. He began selling and using drugs, turned to burglary and was sentenced to prison in Massachusetts for 10 years in 1946. While in prison he adopted the beliefs of the Block Muslims, a religious movement which believed in the separation of the races. During his incarceration, he re-educated himself by copying and studying a page of the dictionary each day. until he had gone through the entire dictionary After his release from prison in 1952. Malcolm X became a leading spokesman for the Black Muslims. In 1964. following a disagreement with Elijah Muhammad, leader of the Black Muslims. Malcolm formed a rival group, the Organization of Afro-Amencan Unity (OAAU). Malcolm X had a profound influence on both blacks and whites, and was considered to be one of the most fiery and controversial blacks of the 20th century. Many blacks felt that he was a man of the people, experienced in the ways of the streets rather than the pulpit or college campus, which traditionally have provided the preponderance of black leaders Many young whites responded to Malcolm's blunt, colorful language and unwillingness to retreat in the foce of hostility. Malcolm X was assassinated in New York City on February 21. 1965. Three men. including two Black Muslims, were sentenced to life in prison for his murder Although he was killed before the OAAU was firmly established, his followers interpreted his death as a sacrifice for the black revolution and he quickly became a martyr of that movement. He was buried as El Hajj Malik el-Shabazz, the name he hod taken in 1964 after making h«s holy pilgrimage to Mecca. H I MALCCLM Oh beautiful, black martyr Cut down by guns hold in black hands. You and they, proclaiming the worth of being black. But they, somehow deaf to tones of truth Issuing from your golden black throat. Feared for their song of hate And in jealousy borne tor your mingled melodies Of brotherhood, black brotherhood And strength, violent if need be With pride of real negritude. Cut you down Were you to be the leader Of a new flock from the dark skinned nation. The mastermnd of preasioned fight Long grounded by fledgkngs Groveling in shadows of white fathers? You were the brmant embodiment Of elusive manhood. Those who are less Negate your death and fat to acknowledge Righteousness felt of your logic Oh beautiful, black martyr Cut down by black hands. Held down by fttle white rands. Send back your song to a centixy wrong Yet seeking one of your golden throat Your growing notes of truth. Joyce Whitsitt Lawrence (Molatko Wongota) MALCOLM X 15

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MALCCLM X 1925-19C5 14 MALCOLM X

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