Echoes of El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz: The Quest for Truth

By Darius Spearman (africanelements)

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Malcolm X 100th: Family Demands Gov’t Files

Malcolm X, a towering figure in our history, remains a symbol of Black empowerment and resistance. Born Malcolm Little on May 19, 1925, he became a powerful voice against racial injustice. His journey from a troubled youth to a minister for the Nation of Islam, and later an independent human rights activist, captivated and inspired many. Even now, decades after his assassination, his words and actions resonate deeply within the Black community and across the diaspora. As we would mark his 100th birthday, the quest for full understanding and justice surrounding his life and death continues with renewed vigor.

His family, carrying the torch of his legacy, is making a significant appeal. They are urging the release of government files related to his assassination. This call is not just about looking back; it’s about seeking truth. For many, Malcolm X represents the unyielding fight for self-determination. Therefore, uncovering any hidden details about his death is crucial for historical clarity and for our collective healing.

A Legacy Demanding Truth: Malcolm X’s Impact

Malcolm X, also known as El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz, was far more than just a speaker; he was a catalyst for change. His activism during the civil rights movement offered a potent alternative to mainstream approaches. He championed Black pride, self-defense, and economic independence, fiercely advocating for Black rights (Democracy Now). Malcolm challenged the system “by any means necessary,” a philosophy that empowered many who felt unheard and unprotected. Indeed, his influence laid foundational stones for the Black Power and Black consciousness movements that followed, shifting how we spoke about ourselves from “Negro” to “Black” and “Afro-American” (Britannica).

On what would have been his 100th birthday, his family has intensified their call for transparency. They have urged President Trump to release government files concerning his assassination (Democracy Now). This request is deeply rooted in the long-held suspicions that government agencies may have been involved, or at least knowledgeable, about the plot against him. The family’s appeal, consequently, is a powerful continuation of the fight for truth, a truth they believe is locked away in classified documents. This effort aims to shed light on potential government overreach and ensure that such historical injustices are fully acknowledged.

The Quest for Answers: Unveiling Government Files

The specific files sought by Malcolm X’s family are believed to be held by powerful government bodies. These include the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), and the New York Police Department (NYPD). These records likely contain intelligence, surveillance logs, and investigative notes surrounding his assassination on February 21, 1965 (Wikipedia). The family’s demand is for unredacted files. This means they want the complete documents, without any information blacked out or censored. Such complete access is vital for a full understanding of what these agencies knew and what actions they took, or failed to take.

This call for transparency is not without precedent. The family points to the release of files related to other historical assassinations, notably that of President John F. Kennedy. President Trump previously authorized the release of thousands of unredacted JFK files (Democracy Now). He also vowed similar action for Martin Luther King Jr.’s case. The hope, therefore, is that Malcolm X’s case will receive the same level of openness. Access to these documents could finally answer lingering questions and expose any hidden truths about the circumstances leading to his tragic death at the Audubon Ballroom.

Justice Delayed: The $100M Wrongful Death Lawsuit

In their relentless pursuit of justice, the family of Malcolm X took significant legal action in 2023. They filed a $100 million wrongful death lawsuit. This lawsuit targets the FBI, CIA, and NYPD, accusing them of concealing evidence related to his murder (Democracy Now). A wrongful death lawsuit is a civil case brought by family members who believe a loved one’s death was caused by another’s negligence or wrongful act. In this instance, the family argues that these powerful agencies either failed to protect Malcolm X, despite knowing the threats against him, or were more directly involved in the events leading to his assassination.

These agencies are specifically named due to their historical surveillance and disruption of civil rights leaders and Black activist groups. The FBI’s COINTELPRO program, for example, is infamous for its tactics against Black nationalist movements, including extensive monitoring of Malcolm X from the 1950s (Wikipedia). The NYPD, operating locally, also monitored activists in Harlem. The lawsuit, consequently, seeks to hold these institutions accountable for their historical actions and for the profound loss suffered by the family and the wider community. It is a demand for answers and a stand against the abuse of power that many believe silenced a critical voice for Black liberation.

Voices for Malcolm: Leaders Amplify the Call

The family of Malcolm X is not alone in this fight. Prominent civil rights attorney Ben Crump is lending his considerable expertise to their cause (Radio Free). Crump is well-known for representing families in high-profile cases of racial injustice and wrongful death, including those of Trayvon Martin and George Floyd. His involvement brings national attention and legal strength to the demand for the release of FBI files and other government documents concerning Malcolm X. This signifies the seriousness and urgency of the family’s pursuit of truth.

Public support is also being mobilized through events and gatherings. These events honor Malcolm X’s enduring legacy while continuing the battle for justice. Ilyasah Shabazz, Malcolm X’s daughter, is a key figure in these efforts, often speaking powerfully about her father’s impact and the need for accountability (Instagram). Alongside her, figures like Rev. Al Sharpton, a long-standing civil rights activist, are involved, adding their influential voices to the chorus demanding transparency (Instagram). These public actions underscore the deep importance of this case, not just for the family, but for the entire Black community and all who seek historical justice. Furthermore, social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube are playing a vital role in spreading awareness and galvanizing support for these initiatives.

Confronting Historical Injustice Through Transparency

The call to release government files on Malcolm X’s assassination is part of a larger effort to confront “historical injustices.” This term refers to the systemic racism, government surveillance, and repression that targeted Black activists and movements during the civil rights era. The FBI’s COINTELPRO operations, for instance, aimed to neutralize leaders like Malcolm X, who were perceived as threats to the existing social order (Wikipedia). These injustices include not only direct actions but also failures to protect leaders despite known threats, and subsequent cover-ups or obstruction in investigations.

Achieving government accountability for these past actions is a central goal. The family’s lawsuit and the demand for unredacted files aim to expose the full extent of government activities surrounding Malcolm X’s death. This pursuit of transparency is crucial for healing. It offers a chance for a more complete historical record and for holding institutions responsible for abuses of power. Ultimately, addressing these historical wrongs is vital for building a more just future, where such betrayals of public trust are not repeated. The struggle highlights the ongoing need for vigilance and advocacy in the face of systemic oppression.

Unanswered Questions: The Assassination & Its Aftermath

Malcolm X was tragically assassinated on February 21, 1965. He was preparing to speak at the Audubon Ballroom in Manhattan when three gunmen shot him (Britannica). While men connected to the Nation of Islam were convicted, many questions about the full circumstances of his murder have persisted for decades. Suspicions have long pointed towards possible government involvement, whether through direct action, complicity, or a deliberate failure to prevent the assassination despite extensive surveillance on Malcolm X.

The renewed push for file releases around his 100th birthday in 2025 underscores how these questions remain deeply relevant. The family and supporters believe that unredacted government documents could finally provide a clearer picture. These files might reveal the true extent of FBI, CIA, and NYPD operations targeting Malcolm X and other Black leaders. Today, social media platforms are crucial tools in this fight, amplifying the call for justice and mobilizing a new generation. They help keep Malcolm X’s legacy alive and ensure that the demand for truth and accountability echoes loudly, seeking to resolve the lingering shadows surrounding a pivotal moment in our history.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Darius Spearman is a professor of Black Studies at San Diego City College, where he has been teaching since 2007. He is the author of several books, including Between The Color Lines: A History of African Americans on the California Frontier Through 1890. You can visit Darius online at africanelements.org.