 Today, on May 19th of 2023, we celebrate the birthday of el-Hajj Malik el-Shabazz, better known as Malcolm X. Although Malcolm X’s legacy is well-known in the United States, he was often misunderstood and demonized both during and after his lifetime. Malcolm X was a minister, civil rights leader, and human rights activist who became a significant figure in American history.
In 1946, Malcolm X was sentenced to 10 years in jail for burglary. During his incarceration, he became much more knowledgeable by reading books from prominent writers like W.E.B. Du Bois and Harriet Beecher Stowe. He was also visited by his siblings, who introduced him to the Nation of Islam. Malcolm X emerged from prison as an extraordinary writer and speaker. Soon after, he utilized his charisma and oratory skills to bring thousands of people under the umbrella of the Nation of Islam. As a supporter of black nationalism, he uplifted black people, taught them the importance of self-respect, and promoted dignity. Malcolm was never violent, nor did he preach violence, but he did believe that black people have the right to self-defense. In Malcolm X's words, "Ignorance of each other is what has made unity impossible in the past. Therefore, we need enlightenment. We need more light about each other. Light creates understanding, understanding creates love, love creates patience, and patience creates unity. Once we have more knowledge (light) about each other, we will stop condemning each other and a United front will be brought about." Malcolm X is often compared to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. To many, Malcolm is as important as Dr. King, as they were both prominent figures during the Civil Rights movement. While they did have different beliefs, they shared a common goal. The media depicted them as opposing forces; one as a pacifist and the other as a violent political renegade. In reality, they were simply two activists with different methods, who were both integral to progress towards civil rights for Black Americans. Malcolm X even visited Selma in 1965, supporting Dr. King during his arrest. James Baldwin, an American writer and voice of the Civil Rights movement wrote, "As concerns Malcolm and Martin, I watched two men, coming from unimaginably different backgrounds, whose positions, originally, were poles apart, driven closer and closer together. By the time each died, their positions had become virtually the same position. It can be said, indeed, that Martin picked up Malcolm's burden, articulated the vision which Malcolm had begun to see, and for which he paid with his life. And that Malcolm was one of the people Martin saw on the mountaintop." Today, we remember Malcolm X as a sincere leader who chose the authentic path, lived with faith and dignity, and gave his life fighting for justice. Sources: “Malcolm X Biography.” Biography.Com, 3 Apr. 2014, www.biography.com/activists/malcolm-x.
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 What is humanity? We can picture it from many angles: as “mankind”, the human race, or the benevolence and compassion we show towards others. Being human means acting with love and respect for all creatures on Earth and caring for our planet. Humanity is our global identity. As human beings, we all carry an equal status that connects us when respected. There are magnificent qualities associated with humanity, such as honesty, courage, kindness, and intelligence, which have led to remarkable advances in science and society. However, we must recognize the fact that the differences we could be celebrating with each others have led to the harsh realities of wars, military invasions, violence and murder.
Today, humanity confronts deep crises that reflect an ugly face of humanity and have resulted in unimaginable violence that has destroyed many nations and civilizations in modern history. Some of the biggest humanitarian crises are ongoing in Yemen, Syria, Afghanistan, Palestine, Kashmir, and the Congo, where prolonged wars and communal violence have displaced millions and traumatized families, especially children. The damage is physical, psychological, and generational. Moreover, people are deprived of basic human necessities like food, shelter, and water. For example, 13 million people in Syria, including 4.8 million children, still need humanitarian assistance for the basic necessities of food, shelter, and medicine. We urgently need to address these humanitarian crises. We seem to be losing our values and connections to our supposed shared humanity. Multiple societies have been tarnished by greed and power and have built a system of inequality. Many of us live in our bubble-like comfort zones, are intensely competitive in our interests, and are divided into many social and political areas. Furthermore, the polarization of race, religion, and ethnicity is tearing us apart. The struggle for justice and equality suggests that humanity has failed and that this lack of compassion may be a new revelation, but not a new phenomenon. Nelson Mandela once said, "To deny people their human rights is to challenge their very humanity." So, we wonder what direction we are taking. Can we have a decent life and find peace while so many of our fellow human beings are deprived of and struggling for their basic needs and rights? The notion of a "Revival of Humanity" is a clear and loud call for positive human transformation and improved quality of life for all individuals and societies. A collective effort by individuals, communities, and nations is required for the revitalization of humanity to work toward a more just and fulfilling future. It also requires building a coalition with various groups, reaching out to local and state representatives, and most notably, acknowledging the complexity of these issues and inspiring people to take meaningful actions. Identifying and addressing social and environmental issues and tackling social problems such as inequality and injustice that prevent certain groups from accessing the same opportunities and resources as others could demonstrate the true meaning of compassion, which is a true reflection of our humanity. A willingness to confront complex challenges will be uncomfortable in the short term, but will ultimately lead to a better future for all. |
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