On May 19, 2025, the world commemorates the centennial of El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz—known to many as Malcolm X. Born Malcolm Little in Omaha, Nebraska, in 1925, his life journey from early life struggles to global human rights icon is a testament to the transformative power of self-determination, truth, and unrelenting courage.
But to truly honor Malcolm X, we must begin with his roots, deeply planted in the Caribbean soil of Grenada through his mother, Louise Norton Little. A proud Garveyite and follower of Marcus Garvey’s Pan-Africanist vision, Louise instilled in her children a sense of Black pride, political consciousness, and resistance to oppression.
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Malcolm’s early life was marked by systemic racism, poverty, and personal loss. His father, Earl Little, a Baptist preacher and Garveyite, died under suspicious circumstances when Malcolm was just six. His mother, Louise, was institutionalized for nearly 25 years, leaving Malcolm and his siblings to navigate a hostile world on their own.
After a tumultuous youth and imprisonment, Malcolm underwent a profound transformation. Embracing the teachings of the Nation of Islam, he emerged as a powerful voice against racial injustice, advocating for Black empowerment and self-defense. His eloquence and unwavering stance challenged the status quo, making him both a revered leader and a target of intense scrutiny.
Malcolm’s pilgrimage to Mecca in 1964 was a turning point. Witnessing a diverse Muslim community united in faith, he began to see the potential for racial harmony and shifted his message towards a more inclusive human rights perspective. He founded the Organization of Afro-American Unity, aiming to internationalize the Black struggle and connect it with global liberation movements.
His Pan-Africanist vision resonated with leaders like Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana and Kwame Ture (formerly Stokely Carmichael), who saw in Malcolm a kindred spirit advocating for the unity and independence of African people worldwide.
Historically, Malcolm X and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. have been portrayed as ideological opposites. However, recent scholarship reveals a more nuanced relationship. While they had differing approaches—Malcolm’s militant stance versus King’s nonviolent resistance—they shared a common goal: the liberation and dignity of Black people. Dr. King acknowledged Malcolm’s profound concern for the plight of African Americans, stating, “He was an eloquent spokesman for his point of view… I always had a deep affection for Malcolm.”
Despite his assassination in 1965, Malcolm X’s legacy endures. Yet, the circumstances surrounding his death remain contentious. In November 2024, his daughters filed a $100 million lawsuit against the FBI, CIA, and NYPD, alleging these agencies conspired in his assassination and engaged in a decades-long cover-up. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, representing the family, stated, “We believe that they all conspired to assassinate Malcolm X, one of the greatest thought leaders of the 20th century.”
Behind Malcolm X’s legacy of strength and transformation was Dr. Betty Shabazz, his wife and lifelong partner in the struggle for justice. Betty Shabazz, a fierce advocate for education and community development, carried the torch of Malcolm’s vision long after his assassination. She championed causes for social justice, worked tirelessly to preserve his legacy, and raised their six daughters with a deep sense of purpose and pride.
The Shabazz Center, located in Harlem, stands as a living testament to Malcolm’s vision and Betty’s relentless commitment to community empowerment. More than just a memorial, the center serves as a hub for education, activism, and cultural preservation. Today, Malcolm and Betty’s daughters, particularly Ilyasah Shabazz, continue this important work, ensuring that their father’s legacy of justice and empowerment lives on through youth programs, historical exhibitions, and global advocacy.
Their efforts underscore the belief that Malcolm X’s message is not a relic of the past but a blueprint for future generations to achieve equality and dignity across the world. This fight for justice continues in a tangible way through the recent lawsuit filed by Malcolm X’s daughters, alongside civil rights attorney Ben Crump, against the CIA, FBI, and NYPD. The lawsuit seeks accountability for what they allege to be a cover-up and conspiracy surrounding Malcolm X’s assassination, aiming to unearth the truth and honor his legacy through justice and transparency.
As we mark his 100th birthday, celebrations worldwide honor Malcolm X’s enduring impact. Events range from academic symposiums to cultural festivals, reflecting on his teachings and their relevance today. The Shabazz Center in Harlem, a site of both tragedy and remembrance, stands as a beacon of his enduring influence.
Malcolm’s messages about systemic racism, economic inequality, and the importance of self-knowledge remain strikingly pertinent. In an era grappling with racial injustice and social upheaval, his call for Black empowerment and global solidarity continues to inspire new generations.
Malcolm X’s life was a testament to the power of transformation, resilience, and unwavering commitment to justice. His Caribbean heritage, particularly the influence of his Grenadian mother and the teachings of Marcus Garvey, shaped a worldview that transcended borders and challenged oppression in all its forms.
As we commemorate his centennial, let us not only celebrate his legacy but also commit to advancing the principles he championed. In doing so, we ensure that Malcolm X’s life was not lost in vain but continues to light the path toward liberation and equality for all.
As the world marks this significant milestone, Carib News proudly acknowledges the centennial of Malcolm X, celebrating not only his global impact but also his deep Caribbean roots. For decades, Carib News has chronicled Malcolm’s influence, from his transformative journey to his lasting legacy. We recognize his Grenadian heritage as a foundational part of his worldview—a perspective shaped by the principles of unity, self-reliance, and resistance taught by Marcus Garvey, who also drew inspiration from the Caribbean struggle for liberation. In highlighting his life and work, Carib News reaffirms its commitment to honoring those who fight for justice and equality, both within the Caribbean diaspora and across the world.
