45 days before his assassination on 21st February 1965, Omowale Malcolm X delivered a message entitled Prospects for Freedom in 1965. In it he reminded those present at the Militant Labour Forum that 1964 had been a year of promises that failed to materialise. He concluded by predicting how Afrikans would be approaching matters the coming year: “In 1965 we should see a lot of action. Since the old methods haven’t worked, they’ll be forced to try new methods.” (1)
As part of his rationale he recalled the preceding years:
“So I point out that 1964 was not a pie-in-the-sky Year of Promise, as was promised in January of that year. Blood did flow in the streets of Harlem, Philadelphia, Rochester, some places over in New Jersey and elsewhere. In 1965 even more blood will flow. More than you ever dreamed. It’ll flow downtown as well as uptown. Why? Why will it flow? Have the causes that forced it to flow in ’64 been removed? Have the causes that made it flow in ’63 been removed? The causes are still there.” (2)
Like so much of Omowale Malcolm X’s a analysis, it contained a quality was prophetic that renders it unnervingly relevant to the current times. The overarching message was that we wanted to see freedom in 1965 we would need to “try new methods.” Fifty three years on we’re still not free and the challenge remains around whether we have the capacity deploy some new methods.
So in looking at just a few of the major issues last year it would be true to say that it had more than it’s fair share of tragedy. The “monstrous crime” (3) of the Grenfell Tower fire exposed once again the callousness at the heart of the British establishment and its preference for profits over people as well the fallacious “tolerance” of the British people that reveals an absence of humanity. (4) Even now there is widespread scepticism about the official final death toll of 71. (5). More families suffered through the ongoing saga of deaths in custody, particularly those of Edson da Costa, Darren Cumberbatch, Shane Bryant and Rashan Charles who were all killed in quick succession during the summer. (6) There was also the conclusion of the inquest into the death of Olaseni Lewis who died during prolonged police restraint in 2010, demonstrating the resilience and mental and spiritual strength required to even consider pursuing justice in the UK. (7) If all of that was not clear enough, David Lammy delivered his report on behalf of the government detailing who the discrimination we face. (8) Late in the year tragedy of a different kind emerged with reports of slavery in Libya, met with the not untypical responses of marches, rallies and demonstrations, with more planned in the near future. (9)
In an effect to effect change at the ballot box many activists rallied around the message, values and persona of Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn. His capacity to transform Afrikan lives remains untested at Labour lost the lection – albeit not by the landslide that was predicted when the poll date was set. However, in spite of the defeat, the incumbent Theresa May ended up being more damaged by the result. (10)
On the Motherland the year was top and tailed surprising changes of leader in Gambia and Zimbabwe respectively. The latter being a particular shock amid concerns about the direction of the new regime, vis-à-vis land reform. (11)
Independent education remained on the agenda with the Afruika Saturday School and the Alkebu-Lan Acadmeny of Excellence celebrated 20th and 10th anniversaries respectively, while the teaching our own homeschooling fair continued to go from strength to strength. (12)
In response to the ongoing injustices faced by Afrikan people in the UK there were calls for establishment of a national organisation for Afrikan people. However, in spite of it’s recent challenges , iNAPP is still in existence and can at least bequeath a wide-ranging draft constitution and manifesto for consideration. (13)
The release of Dalian Adofo and Verona Spence-Adofo’s Anestral Voices 2 and Tariq Nasheed’s 1804, in addition to Alkebu-Lan’s Shumira, Vimbo Vernga sessions and other classes on Afrikan Spirituality by the likes of Dalian Adofo and the Centre of Pan-African Thought could be indications of a renaissance in Afrikan spirituality. It remains to be seen whether this can form the foundation of the new methods that Omowale Malcolm X referred to.
(1) Omowale Malcolm X (07/01/65) Prospects for Freedom in 1965. http://malcolmxfiles.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/prospects-for-freedom-in-1965-january-7.html
(2) Ibid.
(3) David Lammy (15/06/17) This was a monstrous crime – there must be arrests after Grenfell Tower. https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/jun/15/crime-grenfell-tower-burning-homes-police-fire
(4) Amy Howarth (06/08/17) The torrent of racist abuse now being aimed at Grenfell survivors makes us truly ashamed to be British. https://evolvepolitics.com/grenfell-survivors-experience-racist-attacks-people-decide-asked-much/
(5) Amelia Gentleman (16/11/17) Scepticism persists over Grenfell death toll despite Met’s final figure. https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/nov/16/scepticism-persists-over-grenfell-death-toll-despite-mets-final-figure.
(6) Mark Townsend (03/09/17) Four black men die. Did police actions play a part? https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/sep/03/four-black-men-die-police-restraint-no-officers-suspended-bryant-cumberbatch-charles-da-costa
(7) INQUEST (09/05/17) Jury condemns police restraint of young black man in mental health hospital whilst medical staff looked on. http://www.inquest.org.uk/media/pr/seni-lewis-conclusion
(8) David Lammy (2017) The Lammy Review: An independent review into the treatment of, and outcomes for, Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic individuals in the Criminal Justice System. Ministry Of Justice
(9) Ella Willis (18/12/17) African Lives Matter protesters block all roads around Parliament in demo against Libya slave auctions. https://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/african-lives-matter-protesters-block-all-roads-around-parliament-square-in-demonstration-against-a3722521.html
(10) Jessica Elgot (11/06/17) Osborne says Theresa May is a ‘dead woman walking. https://blogs.spectator.co.uk/2017/04/five-times-theresa-may-no-10-ruled-snap-general-election/
(11) Emmerson Mnangagwa (24/11/17) President Mnangagwa’s inauguration speech in full. http://www.chronicle.co.zw/president-mnangagwas-inauguration-speech-in-full/
(12) Leah Salmon (2017) The Homeschooling Fair. http://teachingourown.co.uk/the-homeschooling-fair/
(13) ShakaRa (05/2015) ShakaRa Speaks On It: Why ‘No Vote – No Voice’ Is a Lie! http://www.thebritishblacklist.com/shakara-speaks-it-no-vote-voice-lie/
we ask the question:
What are the prospects for freedom in 6258 (2018)?
1. What were the highlights of 6257 (2017) for you?
2. What were the low points?
3. Do we need try new methods?
4. If so, what should they be
5. Is there a renaissance in Afrikan spirituality?
6. Is freedom a realistic prospect for 6258?
7. If, not what are the prospects?
Our very special guests:
YOU THE LISTENERS: Call in and share your thoughts about last year and what you think is in store for this .