[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 63 (Friday, May 19, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E900]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E900]]
                HONORING THE 81ST BIRTHDAY OF MALCOLM X

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 19, 2006

  Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, on what would have been his 
81st birthday, to enter the Record a salute to EI-Hajj Malik EI-
Shabazz, also known as Malcolm X. Malcolm X was a formidable character 
who was truly ahead of his time and very much under appreciated during 
his lifetime. He remained an advocate of racial pride and self-
determination during a period in history where African Americans were 
systematically denied the rights enjoyed by white America.
  Malcolm X's teachings focused on helping African Americans to deny 
negative stereotypes impressed upon them by the white society and also 
stressed economic empowerment through community building with other 
African Americans.
  To understand the man is to know about his past. To understand the 
man is to know what life lessons affected his being. Born Malcolm 
Little on May 19, 1925 to a Baptist minister in Omaha, Nebraska his 
father was killed while attempting to fight racial oppression. His 
mother was committed to a mental institution. After moving to New York 
Malcolm was arrested in 1946 for burglary. Unbeknownst to him, his 
incarceration led to the first of many life altering experiences. 
During his incarceration he developed an interest in the philosophy of 
the Muslim movement and joined the Nation of Islam. Upon leaving prison 
in 1952 he changed his last name to ``X''. This change in surname 
signified the shedding of linkage to the white slaveholders who had 
given him and other African Americans their family names.
  Unde the tutelage of Elijah Muhammad, Malcolm flourished as one of 
the most effective speakers for the Nation. He increased membership and 
founded new mosques, eventually being assigned to be the Minister of 
the Nation's Harlem, New York mosque. In 1963, disagreements with 
Elijah Muhammad caused Malcolm to leave the Nation of lslam. In 1964 he 
embarked on a pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia. That pilgrimage proved 
to be another life altering experience for Malcolm X. While in Mecca he 
witnessed the union of all races. His observances proved to be the 
foundation that led to the development of the Organization of Afro-
American Unity and the Muslim Mosque Inc.
  When he returned to New York, Malcolm gained an even more loyal 
following. His popularity was at a pinnacle. Malcolm's success did not 
fair well with many of the Muslim sect. He quickly became the victim of 
death threats from those who disagreed with his views. In February, 
1965 his home was firebombed. His family escaped unharmed. A week later 
Malcolm X was shot to death at the Audubon Ballroom in Harlem as he 
prepared to make a speech.
  Malcolm X had a profound influence on Americans of all races and all 
around the world. While he was often portrayed as a black militant 
leader because he encouraged Black Nationalism, separatism and black 
pride little was said to recognize him for creating a framework for 
world brotherhood and human justice.
  Mr. Speaker: This cursory review that I offer does not do justice to 
the larger-than-life figure known as Malcolm X. I encourage everyone to 
read ``The Autobiography of Malcolm X'' to understand one of the 20th 
century's true Renaissance figures.
  On this 81st anniversary of his birthday, I rise to honor an 
unforgettable and extraordinary individual who during his lifetime 
changed the world.
  His conviction and devotion to instilling the concept of self 
empowerment in people of color still resonates today. He left an 
indelible mark on mankind. I wonder what Malcolm X would think of the 
world today?

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