We continue our exploration of the legacy of the Eminent Prophet Omowale Malcolm X as we strive to discern his true legacy and the extent to which we are able to extend, if not complete it.

Throughout his activist career Malcolm X put defence of family and community at a premium.  The manner in which our people, including our children (e.g. Princess Q, Princess A) continue to suffer the depredations of pretty much all other communities – physically, psychologically and economically – indicates that we have yet to prioritise or actualise this principle. (1)

While we express outrage at atrocities like that outside a school in Surrey, or another death in custody there is increasingly an accompanying narrative that there is a tendency to overlook abuses when the perpetrator is from the community.  As one Facebook poster remarked in response to the attack. “I just seen a protest outside the white family house.  And thought imagine if we did this within our own community.”  This “dance ah yard before yuh dance abrard” perspective posits that we weaken our capacity to deal with external assailants when we fail to deal with or at least de-prioritise internal ones.

This may not be a useful dichotomy for some who see the issue more related to resources than any political caprice.  A case in could be the fundraiser A” to “ensure Child “A” receives Mental Health Support”, spearheaded by Cheryl Phoenix, CEO of Black Child Agenda. (https://www.gofundme.com/f/ensure-child-a-receives-mental-health-support?utm_campaign=p_lico+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=customer). Ideally, such support should be on hand if and when required but the paucity of resources require a case-by-case approach. (2)

(1) Afrika Speaks with Alkebu-Lan on Galaxy Radio (15/06/20) Have we done Enough to Support Death in Police Custody Families? https://www.alkebulan.org/2020/06/14/aswag-284-bdc-support/; Sabrina-Maria Anderson (15/02/23) “I Felt Exposed, Isolated And Targeted”: Black Mums & Their Daughters On How UK Schools Are Failing Black Girls. https://blackballad.co.uk/views-voices/black-girls-experience-of-the-uk-education-system

(2) Melissa Sigodo (15/02/23) Fundraiser to provide mental help support for girl, 15, in ‘race attack’ outside school. https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/fundraiser-provide-mental-help-support-29224137

We ask the question:

Malcolm X – Do we know his true legacy? Part 2

1) Is our community basically defenceless?

2) Do we protest external attacks more than internal ones?

3) Is this even a useful dichotomy??

4) Is it a resource issue? How do we address it

Our Special Guests:

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.

Sis. Cheryl Phoenix: is an award-winning Business woman, Mother, Philanthropist and Speaker. She is also founder and CEO of the Black Child Agenda a national organisation that campaigns for parents to galvanize support against illegal exclusions & racism in UK Schools tackling the Schools to prison Pipeline. It supports parents and young people up and down the UK with issues surrounding institutionally racist, unfair and bias treatment of Black Children. Sis. Cheryl’s career began in the corporate world of the city in the media, Business development and sustainability markets, which lead her to global events organising. . She sat on the board of the London Development Agencies BME grant awarding body, and was part of the panel which secured funds to BME Businesses within the M25 area. Sis Cheryl maintains her extensive media connection and appears regularly on the BBC and is often featured in the Guardian & Telegraph. Sis. Cheryl is a board member of the Bridge Park Community Council Steering Group (BPCC).