THE MURDER OF MALCOLM X
In the euphoria over the success of the movie Black Panther, many in black america have hands down fell in love with Michael B. Jordan's character, Erik Killmonger. They were literally creaming in their pants over his recognition of the suffering of black people in America. Everyone from Tariq Nasheed to Cynthia G has hailed him as a hero since he was the only one in the movie that killed a white person. This is especially interesting since black people are the first to kill anyone that engages in any form of revolution. I guess the Last Poets were right. Niggas are scared of revolution.
This was never more evident than in the case of Malcolm X. When it comes to enunciating the grievances of Africans throughout the diaspora, he was the ultimate champion of the black liberation. His attempt to take the case of Black people to the UN is well known by even the most casual observer. If there was ever a revolutionary that Black people should have loved and protected, it was Malcolm X. In spite of the hollow praises and platitudes we render to Malcolm, the reality is that we were his worst enemies. Please spare me the shit about the government, white man or COINTELPRO. None of this would have ever worked if there weren't a group of niggas waiting and willing to do the deed. Or better yet, a group of people willing to send his enemies to hell if they even tried.
If Malcolm were to come back from the grave and prosecute those who betrayed him in life, he would have the following grievances against those who professed their love for him:
1. Slander: In the Nation of Islam, Malcolm was slandered frequently by Elijah Muhammad's children (AKA the Royal Family). They accused Malcolm of all manner of evil including but not limited to: disloyalty, backbiting, theft, treachery and megalomania. If Malcolm would have had a dollar for all the evil poured on him by his "brothers," he wouldn't have died broke leaving his wife to care for 5 children; dependent on the kindness of strangers.
2. Betrayal: Up until the time that he was blasted into martyrdom, Malcolm X was subjected to countless betrayals from the people who pledged their very lives to him. He was frequently snitched on. The FBI was able to track Malcolm's movements because there were people in his circle that gave them his travel plans. One such person is Gene Roberts. Although he appeared to be conflicted at times, Roberts never the less gave the NYPD all the information they wanted on his boss: Malcolm. Yet, incredulously, he honestly thought that they were going to do something when he reported that he witnessed a dry run (dress rehearsal) for Malcolm's impending murder.
3. Jealousy: See 1 & 2.
4. Adultery: In Manning Marable's biography, he (Marable) references FBI reports, photographs, and memorandums to show that while Malcolm was in Africa advocating on behalf of the liberation of Black Americans, one of his lieutenants was having an affair with his wife. (READ THE BOOK MALCOLM X, A LIFE OF REINVENTION) NOTE: This man was later shot by persons unknown on the streets of Harlem. He was later alleged to be a government informant.
5. Murder: While it is clear that Malcolm's murder was a result of the state machinations, they had the full cooperation and compliance from not only his enemies, but his friends and allies. On the day that 5 men stepped forward to take his life, his security detail left him on stage alone to have his chest filled with lead. While there is nothing wrong with self preservation, you probably shouldn't engage in a practice that requires you to lay down your life for the safety of others.
However, the treachery does not stop there. Manning reveals that Malcolm's security detail was compromised at the very top. In other words, his Chief of Security pulled his bodyguards from the heat of battle when the gunfire ensued. While it is clear that one of his bodyguards shot one of the assassins, the majority of them were either hiding or gone when the pistols started smoking. And when they were needed to either meet out justice to the murderers, or aid in their capture, they were M.I.A.
When one examines these facts, it is little wonder that the only champion that black people can find in the 21st century, is a fictional Marvel comic book villain, pleading their cause in a country that doesn't exist. Even he knows that Black people may love you in theory, in reality, they don't seem to give a damn about you.
Malcolm X's death was one of the most horrific things to happen to Black America in the 20th century. His murder reveals that in times of struggle and adversity, the true enemy is within. More often than not, they will be the first to betray you. They will envy you. They will slander you. They will murder you. And after you're gone, they will become denying Peters when someone raises the question of their association with you. Even on the anniversary on your murder, they will be more interested in a celluloid villain, than a real life hero.
TONY MACEO is the Chief Blogger at Power & Strategy.com and a senior blogger at the Negromanosphere. Like, Share & Subscribe to the mailing list and to the You Tube Channel. Also Like us on FB @ Power and Strategy. You may also become a Patron @ Powerofstrategies. Till Next Time I'll Holla!!!!!
