The second month of the year is when we commemorate the life, legacy and ultimate sacrifice of The Eminent Prophet and King Omowale Malcolm X, slain by assassins’ bullets on February 21st 1965. This is necessary as he remains one of the most misunderstood and misrepresented liberation leaders in history, particularly the latter period in his life. (1)
The plain truth is that, going by the evidence of the programme of the Organization of Afro American Unity (OAAU), at the end of his physical life Baba Omowale was a Black Nationalist Pan-Afrikanist. (2) The OAAU programme was organised around the themes of Self-determination, National unity, Restoration, Reorientation, Education, Economic security, Self-defense and advanced by its various committees. (3)
So as Afrika Speaks with Alkebu-Lan prepares to launch a major series on Nationbuilding, the example of Omowale Malcolm X is worthy of serious consideration. The series will begin on February 28th and continue on the last Kujichagulia-Day (Mon) of the month until June. The themes for each session will be: Economics, Politics (March), Education (April), Family (May) and Spirituality (June) and will be founded of the best of our Ancestral, liberation traditions as well as the grassroots work of the Alkebu-Lan Revivalist Movement that has been serving the Afrikan community for the last thirty-five years.
Indeed, the ARM definition of Nationalism, the foundation of Nationbuilding draws on precisely on these legacies:
“Afrikan people building and maintaining autonomous nations and communities with institutions designed to promote, preserve and protect Afrikan lives “by any means necessary. Nationalism is founded upon the fundamental principle of Race 1st and the (seven) essential principles of: Proud Heritage; Self-Governance; Self-Reliance; Separatism; Self-defence; Land Acquisition and Repatriation.”
So amidst growing calls in the community for a Nationbuilding and even a national organisation. It remains to be seen if the lessons have been learned from previous attempts.
(1) Jared Ball (2012) An introduction to a lie in Jared Ball and Todd Steven Burroughs (Eds) A Lie Of Reinvention: Correcting Manning Marable’s Malcolm X. Black Classic Press. p. 10. https://imixwhatilike.files.wordpress.com/2016/07/alieintropdf.pdf
(2) Omowale Malcolm X (28/06/64) Malcolm X’s Speech At The Founding Rally Of The Organization Of Afro-American Unity. https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/speeches-african-american-history/1964-malcolm-x-s-speech-founding-rally-organization-afro-american-unity/
(3) Organization of Afro-American Unity (15/02/65) Program of the Organization of Afro-American Unity. https://www.malcolm-x.org/docs/gen_oaau.htm
we ask the question:
Are we ready for NATIONBUILDING? Lessons from Omowale Malcolm X?
1) Why is Omowale Malcolm x’s legacy still so misunderstood?
2) Is Nationbuilding desirable or divisive at this stage?
3) What have been the main obstacles to successful Nationbuilding?
4) What lessons have been learned from previous attempts at Nationbuilding?
5) Is there a role for non-Afrikan “allies” in Nationbuilding?
Our Special Guest:
Bro. Ldr. Mbandaka: Resident guest who is Spiritual Leader of the Alkebu-Lan Revivalist Movement and an Afrikan-Centred Education Consultant. Bro. Ldr is a veteran activist of almost 40 years standing, a featured columnist in The Whirlwind newspaper and author of Mosiah Daily Affirmations and Education: An African-Centred Approach To Excellence.