by Ahsan Washington

May 19, 2026

7 Malcolm X Quotes On Black Empowerment

The honorable X was an activist who fought fiercely for Black dignity, equality and justice

El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz, largely known as Malcolm X, was born Malcolm Little on May 19, 1925. The honorable Malcolm X was an activist who fought fiercely for Black dignity, equality, and justice throughout the civil rights movement until his untimely murder Feb. 21, 1965. It did not matter if he was in a mosque, abroad, on stage, or giving an interview, Malcolm X was crystal clear in his messaging: Black folks deserve their freedom, a right to choose their path, and real economic power. X was a great orator and his raw, honest words about Black empowerment still hit home today. Celebrating his 100th birthday, BLACK ENTERPRISE is sharing seven of Malcolm’s most impactful quotes that inspire Black communities across the diaspora.

1) “Who taught you to hate your own kind?”

Malcolm X fired this question during a 1962 speech in Los Angeles, after William Stokes was killed by LAPD. He was calling out how Black people are programmed to hate themselves through racism. Malcolm wasn’t playing. He challenged Black folks to question who convinced them that they were less than. It’s all about throwing off those mental chains and embracing Blackness and self-love as resistance.

2) “Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.”

Malcom X stated this powerful quote during a speech at the Founding Rally of the OAAU, June 28, 1964. Why is it impactful? Malcolm ties education directly to empowerment and freedom. This quote reminds Black people that knowledge is a tool of liberation, not just a credential. It inspires an investment into education for Black youth.

3) “You can’t separate peace from freedom because no one can be at peace unless he has freedom.”

During a speech in 1965 in New York City, Malcolm X delivered this powerful statement which continues to hit. The quote reveals how people advocate for peace without addressing real oppression. It calls out the hypocrisy of expecting oppressed people to remain silent while their rights continue to be suppressed. According to Malcolm, true peace requires more than silence. True peace emerges from the presence of justice and freedom. The message continues to affect us deeply in the present day.

4) “The most disrespected person in America is the Black woman. The most unprotected person in America is the Black woman. The most neglected person in America is the Black woman.”

Malcolm X, 100th birthday, Black liberation — Public Domain

While eulogizing William Stokes at his funeral, Malcolm X acknowledged what Black women were dealing with. He was ahead of the curve at placing Black women at the heart of liberation struggles. The quote would go on to become a rallying cry for respect and justice that still hits hard in today’s climate of disparity and discrimination against Black women.

5) “I’m for truth, no matter who tells it. I’m for justice, no matter who it is for or against.”

This powerful quote is from Malcolm X’s autobiography that was co-written with Alex Haley and published after his death in 1965. It’s not just talk, it shows how Malcolm put principles above being liked. After splitting from the Nation of Islam, he developed a wider, more inclusive worldview based on justice for all. What makes it so inspiring is how it pushes Black folks to embrace truth, even when that truth is uncomfortable.

6) “It is time for the Black Americans to band together and do whatever is necessary to see that we get the type of protection we need.”

Malcolm X revealed this profound truth during What makes this statement so powerful is that it reveals that Black liberation requires both organized resistance and strategic planning. People must fight for it while maintaining strength and demonstrating determination. His words served as a battle cry for movements that refuse to compromise or surrender. Malcolm understood that there are situations where you must demonstrate your power instead of simply making polite requests.

7) “By any means necessary.”

Malcolm X dropped this bomb during his 1964 speech at the Organization of Afro-American Unity. Probably his most famous line ever. Why’s it hit so hard? It’s basically saying: do whatever it takes to get free. No waiting around for permission. It told Black folks they had every right to chase freedom through any channel — political moves, cultural resistance, self-defense, whatever works. Not about sitting back and taking it, it’s about grabbing your own destiny. Raw power in just four words.

will.i.am, work-life balance — will.i.am at the TIME Women of the Year 2024 Gala held at Ardor at the (Photo by Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images)

by Sidnee Michelle

May 19, 2026

Will.i.am Trades The Stage For The AI Classroom

The 51-year-old musician, whose real name is William Adams, began teaching "The Agentic Self" earlier this year.

Grammy-winning artist and tech entrepreneur Will.i.am is entering higher education by offering lessons on artificial intelligence (AI) at Arizona State University with a new course focused on AI-driven digital assistants.

The 51-year-old musician, whose real name is William Adams, began teaching “The Agentic Self” earlier this year. This 16-week class aims to help students understand and create AI agents that can handle tasks on their own. The course blends technology, creativity, and entrepreneurship, reflecting Adams’ long-term involvement in the tech industry beyond music.

“Agentic is the next step, where the agent is able to do tasks and workflows on your behalf. You set it on its course, and it would reason, research, browse, generate — all autonomously,” Will.i.am shared with Arizona State University.

According to The Wall Street Journal, Adams felt nervous before teaching the course, despite his years of performing for large audiences. He took inspiration from the structure of “Where Is the Love?” to help organize his lectures. The focus was on identifying problems, discussing solutions, and promoting reflection.

Students in the class join remotely and in person from Los Angeles and Arizona. They hear from guest speakers from major tech companies, including OpenAI and NVIDIA. Adams encourages students to welcome rapid changes in technology and see AI as a means of personal empowerment, rather than something to fear.

Adams’ connection to technology goes back over two decades. BE covered the rapper’s early investment in Tesla and OpenAI, having previously worked with Intel as director of creative innovation, and has regularly appeared at major tech conferences around the world.

Outside the classroom, Adams is expanding his technology projects. Earlier this year, BE also reported that Adams introduced an AI-powered three-wheeled electric vehicle called Trinity and is reportedly developing additional projects in artificial intelligence and consumer technology.

union, UWA, auto workers, Black History Month 2025 — (Photo: Getty Images)

by Sidnee Michelle

May 19, 2026

White-Collar Hiring Slows As AI And Infrastructure Fuel Trade Jobs Surge

Employers across multiple sectors are slowing hiring for entry-level office and tech positions while increasing recruitment for electricians

The U.S. labor market shows a sharp split between declining white-collar hiring and rising demand for skilled trade workers as artificial intelligence reshapes how companies recruit, according to CNBC.

Employers across multiple sectors have slowed hiring for entry-level office and tech positions while having increased recruitment for electricians, technicians, welders, and other trade roles tied to physical infrastructure, data centers, and energy systems.

The shift is unfolding in 2026 as companies adapt to rapid AI adoption, which is automating portions of administrative and analytical work. At the same time, massive investments in data centers, power grids, and advanced manufacturing are driving demand for workers who can build and maintain the physical systems on which AI depends.

Labor economists say the trend reflects a broader restructuring of hiring priorities rather than a simple contraction in the job market. Recent labor data shows overall hiring has slowed significantly compared with the post-pandemic surge, creating what analysts describe as a “low-hire, low-fire” environment in which job seekers face fewer openings and longer search times.

While layoffs in some corporate sectors have been linked to AI-driven efficiency gains, other industries are expanding payrolls to meet infrastructure needs. Skilled trades tied to construction, energy, and technology infrastructure are among the fastest-growing categories, with employers reporting persistent shortages of qualified workers.

Executives in technology and finance have acknowledged that AI is reshaping workforce planning. Some companies are reducing entry-level hiring while reallocating resources toward automation and technical roles, signaling a long-term shift in labor demand patterns.

Economists note that demographic pressures, including an aging workforce and declining labor force participation, are also contributing to shortages in skilled labor pipelines, further tightening the supply of workers in trade occupations.

Analysts expect the divergence between white-collar hiring slowdowns and blue-collar shortages to persist as AI adoption accelerates and infrastructure investment continues across the United States.

Black Business Month, Entrepreneurs, She Did That., Shopify — (Photo: RDNE Stock project/via Pexels)

by Sidnee Michelle

May 19, 2026

Beasley Media, MBBA Unite To Amplify Black-Owned Business In Detroit

The companies stated that the partnership aims to support local entrepreneurs

Beasley Media Group is expanding its community engagement efforts in Detroit through a new partnership with the Michigan Black Business Alliance (MBBA). This partnership aims to support Black-owned businesses and increase economic opportunities in Southeast Michigan.

Announced on May 7, this collaboration will connect Beasley Detroit radio stations 105.9 KISS-FM, 105.1 The Bounce, and Detroit Praise with the nonprofit’s advocacy and business development initiatives. The companies stated that the partnership aims to support local entrepreneurs, connect residents with business resources, and strengthen community-focused programming throughout the region.

As part of this initiative, Beasley Media Group plans to use its radio, digital, and promotional platforms to highlight MBBA programs, feature Black-owned businesses, and create campaigns focused on economic empowerment and community outreach. Executives noted that this effort reflects a broader aim to increase visibility for entrepreneurs and organizations working to address economic gaps in Detroit communities.

Matt Scarano, vice president and market manager for Beasley Media Group Detroit, stated that the partnership is meant to create opportunities and uplift voices within the city. Scarano highlighted community engagement as a key part of the company’s strategy in the area.

“This partnership is about using the strength of our platforms to elevate voices, create opportunity, and support the communities we serve. We’re proud to work alongside the Michigan Black Business Alliance to help shine a light on the incredible work being done across Detroit and to make a lasting impact,” he said.

MBBA CEO Charity Dean noted that the organization hopes this collaboration will help expand its reach and strengthen its mission to promote economic equity for Black-owned businesses.

“We are excited to partner with Beasley Media Group to further our mission of advancing economic equity and supporting Black-owned businesses,” she reflected.

Founded in 2021, the nonprofit works to reduce the racial wealth gap by advocating for policies and programs that support sustainable Black entrepreneurship and access to economic opportunities across the state.

This announcement comes as Detroit engages in broader discussions about fair economic growth and investment in Black business communities. Through this new media partnership, both organizations expressed their hopes to build stronger community connections while showcasing the innovation and resilience of local entrepreneurs.

Jamaica, Jamaican patois, Parliament — Photo by aboodi vesakaran: https://www.pexels.com/photo/flag-of-jamaica-13913322/

by Selena Hill

May 19, 2026

Jamaican Lawmaker Blocked From Delivering Parliamentary Speech In Patois

Opposition MP Nekeisha Burchell was stopped mid-speech after attempting to address Jamaica’s Parliament in Jamaican patois

An effort to bring Jamaican patois into one of the island’s most formal political spaces has ignited debate across Jamaica and the Caribbean diaspora.

According to the Jamaica Observer, Opposition Spokesperson on Creative Industries, Culture and Information, Nekeisha Burchell, was interrupted during her maiden Sectoral Debate presentation in Jamaica’s House of Representatives after opening her remarks in Jamaican patois.

“Madam Speaker, mi git up dis afta noon fi mek mi fuss sectoral speech…” said Burchell on May 13 before House Speaker Juliet Holness, who warned that if she continued using patois, she would lose speaking time. Burchell later resumed her speech in English after making a statement about the cultural implications of the dialect.

“Perhaps I should abandon that attempt to use our local language,” she said, reports the Jamaica Observer. She added that there may be “no more fitting way” to begin a presentation on culture than speaking in the language understood by most Jamaicans, even if it “still struggles for full acceptance” in formal national spaces.

The incident has since triggered backlash and broader conversations about colonialism, classism, and linguistic accessibility in Jamaica. Critics argue that excluding patois from Parliament reinforces class divisions and diminishes a core part of Jamaican identity, while supporters of the rule maintain that standard English remains the country’s official language and is necessary for parliamentary procedure.

Jamaican patois, also known as Jamaican Creole, is widely spoken throughout the island and heavily influences the nation’s music, storytelling, and everyday communication. The incident also revived memories of a similar parliamentary language dispute last year when lawmakers challenged the use of Spanish inside the chamber.

Enterprise, EEOC, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Age discrimination — (Photo: Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

by Sidnee Michelle

May 19, 2026

EEOC Is Done With Tracking Race And Sex In The Workforce

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is suggesting an end to mandatory demographic reporting.

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the nation’s top workplace civil rights agency (EEOC), is considering a major rollback of diversity data collection requirements that have been in place for decades. Critics say this change in workforce tracking could diminish the federal government’s ability to spot employment discrimination across the United States.

The EEOC is suggesting an end to mandatory demographic reporting. This reporting has required large employers to submit workforce data related to race, sex, and national origin since the civil rights era of the 1960s. The proposal was first reported May 15 by The Washington Post.

If approved, these changes would also remove reporting requirements for apprenticeship programs, labor unions, schools, and state and local governments. Requirements connected to laws protecting pregnant workers and individuals with disabilities could also be reduced.

This proposed shift comes as the Trump administration continues broader efforts to reduce diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives across the federal government and private sector. Civil rights lawyers and former EEOC officials argue that the reporting system has long been one of the agency’s main tools for finding patterns of discriminatory hiring, pay, and promotion practices.

Civil rights activist Noreen Farrell told MS Now, “First, they dismantled workplace protections. Then they gutted DEI programs. Now, as women abandon careers in record numbers, they want to stop counting. This is what systematic discrimination looks like.”

Employment lawyer Christine Webber told The Washington Post that the rollback would conflict with other recent EEOC investigations where the agency sought demographic information from institutions under federal review. Former agency leaders have also warned that ending data collection might make it much more difficult to prove cases of systemic discrimination in court.

“They know perfectly well that the EEOC needs data like that to do its job of enforcing the antidiscrimination laws. Because if you want to show a pattern of conduct, a pattern of decision-making, data is an essential ingredient.”

The EEOC’s EEO-1 reporting system currently applies to companies with more than 100 employees and certain federal contractors. Supporters of maintaining the database say the information has been vital for tracking workforce inequities and enforcing Title VII protections.

The proposal has not been finalized and is expected to undergo a public review process after notifying the White House. Legal experts have advised employers to continue collecting demographic workforce data while the current anti-discrimination laws remain in effect.

Olivier Audemars, watch, Audemars Piguet — Photo credit: liftconferencephotos from Geneva, Switzerland / Wikimedia Commons/ Olivier Audemars

by Selena Hill

May 19, 2026

Meet Olivier Audemars, The Black Executive Shaping The Luxury Watch Industry

The fourth-generation descendant of Audemars Piguet’s founding family is drawing attention as the iconic watchmaker prepares for a highly anticipated collaboration with Swatch

Luxury watches are known for being associated with wealth, exclusivity, and prestige. But amid growing conversations about Black representation in elite industries, one executive is quietly reshaping perceptions of who holds power inside one of the world’s most influential watch brands.

Olivier Audemars, vice chairman of the board of directors for Swiss luxury watchmaker Audemars Piguet, is gaining widespread attention in light of the company’s upcoming collaboration with Swatch. According to CassiusLife, Audemars is not only a top executive at the company but also a descendant of one of the luxury brand’s founders.

Founded in 1875 in Le Brassus, Switzerland, Audemars Piguet is one of the most prestigious names in haute horology, known for high-end timepieces such as the Royal Oak. Today, it is still privately owned by its founders’ descendants. Audemars is the great-grandson of Edward Auguste Piguet, one of the company’s founders. However, his path into the family business was not immediate. According to CassiusLife, Audemars initially pursued a career in materials science and launched his own laboratory before joining the company in 1997. He later became vice chairman of the board in 2014.

His growing visibility comes as Audemars Piguet prepares to partner with Swatch on a new collaboration reportedly tied to “Royal Pop,” which dropped with much anticipation on May 16. The partnership marks a notable culture shift for a brand traditionally associated with scarcity and exclusivity.

For watch enthusiasts and collectors alike, Audemars’ story represents more than luxury. Rather, it highlights the often-overlooked presence of Black leadership in industries historically viewed as inaccessible to people of color.

Joyel Crawford, fairygodmentor, contributor — (Photo: Kirten White Photography/BE)

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

May 19, 2026

Ask Your Fairygodmentor®: How To Tell If You’re Being Quietly Sidelined At Work

Not all career setbacks are super obvious

Dear Fairygodmentor®

I’m not being laid off—but I’m also not being promoted, challenged, or included like I used to be. I feel invisible. Am I overthinking this, or am I being quietly sidelined?
—Stuck in the Middle

Dear Stuck in the Middle,

Not all career setbacks are super obvious, complete with a meeting invite and a severance package. You’re in the in-between grief of work. This is career limbo, where there’s no clear feedback, and you’re not really clear about what your future holds. Sometimes the loudest message that a workplace can send you is silence.

Let’s just call it what it is: The Quiet Sidelining Phenomenon

This workplace behavior is not due to the recent layoffs you may have survived, nor to any performance issues (because you have been meeting and exceeding expectations like a rockstar). It’s that slow, insidious removal from visibility, opportunity, and influence. You’re not wrong for feeling like something is off. I’m sure that you’re feeling confused, doubting yourself at every turn, and hustling hard to the point of overwork to “earn” your visibility back.

The Signs You’re Not Imagining It (A Reality Check Without Panic)

Here are some red flags to look out for:

• Others are being given stretch assignments or promotions around you

• Feedback you’ve received (if you’re even getting it anymore) has become vague, inconsistent, or just plain nonexistent

• You’re busy but not advancing

Being busy isn’t the same as being invested in. If you feel like your Career Growth Well has run dry, it’s time for you to be proactive and take action.

Before You Spiral Out of Control, Do a Power Audit

You need to reclaim your power. Ask the following questions to ground yourself:

• What’s actually changed versus what feels different?

• Who controls access to opportunity in your organization?

• When was the last time you clearly advocated for yourself?

The reason I’m asking you to reflect on these Power Audit questions is that silence from leadership doesn’t always mean rejection. But it does require some interpretation on your end.

Next Steps to Take Action and Reclaim Your Power

1. Initiate a Career Clarity Conversation

You are in the driver’s seat of your career. If your car is stalled out on the road or you need help with directions, refer to your GPS (your manager). Some impactful questions to ask:

• “I’d love to understand how you see me here over the next 6-12 months.”

• “What would career advancement look like for someone in my role?”

• “Where should I be focusing to stay aligned with the team’s priorities?”

The key to remember is that you’re not asking for permission, you’re gathering feedback. Feedback is merely data. This is a time to find clarity and alignment. I would also advise you to bring your receipts to this clarity conversation. If your manager calls any of your performance into question, you can show your accomplishments to support any data you receive that’s not aligned with the reality of your output.

2. Re-Establish Visibility Strategically

Down with hustle culture! Contrary to some folks’ belief, you can increase your visibility whether you’re inside or outside of the concrete walls of an office building. I highly suggest that you have 1-on-1 meetings with your manager to keep them regularly up to date on your progress. This will ensure that you’re not just working harder, you’re working louder and smarter. You can’t just do the work and hope that everyone figures it out through osmosis. Put yourself out there for stretch assignments that are aligned with your goals and the company’s priorities. Reconnect with the decision makers. Don’t keep those 1-on-1 conversations just for your direct manager; skip a level or two. You may find a mentor or sponsor in these connections. I still keep in touch with my skip-level sponsors regularly, 20 years later.

3. Stop Waiting for Validation That May Never Come

If you’ve taken steps to show your value, stayed in constant contact with your manager about priorities, and you’re still stuck in Neutral, you may want to think about moving on. As my late father used to tell me, “When they stop promoting you, it’s time to leave.” You might want to consider moving internally within the organization or exploring external opportunities. If your environment can’t see your value, it may not be designed to help you grow it, either.

4. Build Your Exit Strategies Without Panic

Get your “career house” in order. Update that DIG (Damn I’m Good) folder. Create a Career Scenario log that captures all your stories and situations, providing hiring managers with results-based data on how your past performance could predict future behavior. Reconnect NOW with your network before you’re actively looking for work. Keep your connections warm. And it doesn’t hurt to explore your options before the urgency to leave hits you, or when you’re forced to leave.

5. Shift Your Mindset

As En Vogue used to sing, “Free Your Mind! And the rest will follow!” It’s time for you to shift from “What’s wrong with me?!” to “What is this environment showing me?” It’s time to reclaim your power. Your career isn’t happening to you. You need to take the wheel and get in that driver’s seat. You’re not stuck, my friend. You’re being informed.

If they’ve gone radio silent on your growth, that’s not your cue to shrink; that’s your cue to strive for clarity.

You got this!

Yours truly,

Your Fairygodmentor®

About Joyel Crawford:

Joyel Crawford is an award-winning career and leadership development professional and founder of Crawford Leadership Strategies, a consultancy that empowers results-driven leaders through coaching, training, and facilitation. She’s the best-selling author of Show Your Ask: Using Your Voice to Advocate for Yourself and Your Career.

Have a question for Your Fairygodmentor®?

Submit your career and leadership questions, whether it’s about navigating a micromanager, setting boundaries, negotiating for a raise, or handling burnout. Ask Your Fairygodmentor® today!

Malcolm X, Quotes — Photo credit: Marion S. Trikosko, Public domain

by Keka Araújo

May 19, 2026

The Enduring Fire: Revisiting Malcolm X’s Vision For Black Liberation On What Would Have Been His 101st Birthday

On what would have been his 100th birthday, we remember a man whose evolving vision of self-determination and liberation remains a powerful and necessary voice in our ongoing pursuit of a more just and equitable world.

Born Malcolm Little on May 19, 1925, the man who would evolve into the globally influential Malcolm X and later El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz remains a pivotal figure in the ongoing pursuit of Black liberation.

As we land on what would have been his 101st birthday, his incisive critique of systemic racism and his unwavering call for self-determination strike with profound urgency in today’s deeply divided racial landscape.

From a childhood scarred by the overt white supremacy that resulted in the burning of his family’s Michigan home (and the suspected Klan murder of his father, Earl Little) to his transformative engagement with the Nation of Islam (NOI) and his eventual embrace of Sunni Islam, Malcolm’s journey offers enduring insights for a world still grappling with the pervasive realities of racial injustice.

Malcolm’s early years were a stark testament to the virulent racism embedded within American society. The Little family’s eviction from their Lansing home due to a discriminatory restrictive covenant and the authorities’ indifference to the arson that destroyed their dwelling laid bare the systemic devaluation of Black lives. These foundational traumas, compounded by the state’s subsequent removal of the children following his mother Louise’s descent into mental illness, forged within young Malcolm a keen awareness of racial oppression.

His time incarcerated, commencing in 1946, became an unexpected catalyst for intellectual growth. Under the influence of a fellow inmate known as “Bimbi,” Malcolm embarked on a rigorous program of self-education. During this period, his newfound brother introduced him to the teachings of Elijah Muhammad and the NOI. Shedding the surname “Little,” which he viewed as a vestige of slavery, he adopted “X,” symbolizing the lost ancestral name and the forging of a new identity rooted in Black consciousness. Initially dismayed by the NOI’s limited growth, with a nationwide membership of around 400, Malcolm spearheaded an intensive recruitment drive with Elijah Muhammad’s blessing, leading to a significant surge in membership.

As a charismatic minister and the national voice of the NOI, Malcolm X articulated a powerful challenge to the prevailing racial order. His potent oratory, advocating for Black self-defense “by any means necessary,” contrasted sharply with the nonviolent strategies of the mainstream Civil Rights Movement.

The NOI’s rapid expansion, reaching approximately 40,000 members under his influence and supporting 49 temples, demonstrated the power of his message to many Black Americans who felt marginalized and excluded from the promises of equality. The establishment of Muhammad Speaks, the NOI’s newspaper, further disseminated his uncompromising critique of white supremacy.

However, Malcolm’s intellectual and spiritual evolution continued. His transformative pilgrimage to Mecca in 1964 marked a profound shift in his understanding of race and Islam. Witnessing Muslims of diverse backgrounds worshipping harmoniously led him to embrace Sunni Islam and adopt the name El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz.

Simultaneously, he founded the Muslim Mosque, Inc. (MMI) in March 1964, a religious organization grounded in traditional Islam, and the secular Organization of Afro-American Unity (OAAU) in June 1964, advocating for Pan-Africanism and Black self-determination, drawing inspiration from the unified political voice of the Organization of African Unity (OAU).

Malcolm’s ideological evolution did not dilute his commitment to Black liberation but broadened its scope. He began to frame the struggle for racial justice in the United States within a global context of anti-colonialism and human rights. His efforts to bring the grievances of African Americans before the United Nations reflected this expanded worldview. As he stated after his Hajj, he witnessed in Mecca “pilgrims of all colors from all parts of this earth displaying a spirit of unity and brotherhood like I’ve never seen before.”

The experience informed his belief that a “bloodless revolution” in America was possible.

Today, nearly six decades after his assassination on February 21, 1965, Malcolm X’s legacy carries a renewed and vital significance. In an era marked by persistent and often stark racial disparities, his demand for genuine equality and self-determination reverberates with pressing urgency. For instance, data from the Bureau of Justice Statistics in 2021 indicated that Black individuals accounted for approximately 33% of the incarcerated population in state and federal prisons, despite making up only about 13.6% of the U.S. population. This stark overrepresentation underscores the systemic issues Malcolm so vehemently critiqued.

Furthermore, the ongoing national conversations surrounding racial bias in policing, as evidenced by numerous high-profile cases, echo Malcolm’s condemnation of police brutality following the assault on Johnson Hinton in 1957. His assertion of the right to self-defense in the face of state-sanctioned violence finds contemporary force in movements advocating for police reform and accountability.

The debates surrounding the teaching of Black history and the pushback against initiatives promoting diversity, equity and inclusion highlight the continued relevance of Malcolm’s insistence on historical truth and the need for Black-led institutions, a key tenet of the OAAU. His emphasis on education as a means of empowerment and the importance of African Americans controlling their own narratives remain crucial elements in the fight against systemic racism. As he articulated at the OAAU founding conference, rejecting pejorative terms and embracing self-defined identities are essential for genuine progress.

The increasing awareness of global Black solidarity and the interconnectedness of struggles against oppression worldwide also aligns with the Pan-African vision of the OAAU. Malcolm’s understanding that the fight for Black liberation in America was intrinsically linked to the liberation struggles on the African continent continues to empower contemporary movements advocating for racial justice on a global scale.

Malcolm X’s enduring legacy lies in his intellectual courage, unwavering commitment to justice, and capacity for transformative growth. He was a leader who challenged not only the external forces of oppression but also the internal limitations imposed by systemic racism.

On what would have been his 101st birthday, we remember a man whose evolving vision of self-determination and liberation remains a powerful and necessary voice in our ongoing pursuit of a more just and equitable world.

Inshallah.