[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 62 (Monday, April 27, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E984]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  IN RECOGNIZING OF THE ANNIVERSARY OF THE ASSASSINATION OF MALCOLM X

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                          HON. DANNY K. DAVIS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 27, 2009

  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I wish to take a moment to 
recognize that February 21, 2009, as the 44th anniversary of the 
assassination of EL-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz, better known as Malcolm X. I 
find it only fitting that we take this time to reflect and celebrate 
the life of this courageous advocate for the civil rights of African 
Americans.
  Born Malcolm Little in Omaha, Nebraska, on May 19, 1925, the early 
portion of young Malcolm's life was filled turmoil and change. By the 
age of 13, his father had passed away and his mother had been committed 
to a mental hospital. He spent a great portion of his formative years 
in foster homes. He then became involved in the criminal underworld in 
both Boston and New York. Little was arrested and sentenced to eight to 
ten years in prison. It was during his incarceration that Little become 
a member of the Nation of Islam, changing his name to Malcolm X. 
Following his parole, he quickly became the Nation's chief spokesman 
and served as its public face for almost 12 years. After his departure 
from the Nation of Islam, Malcolm X went on to found Muslim Mosque, 
Inc. and continued championing the cause of Black America. Tragically, 
the life of Malcolm X was cut short by gunfire on February 21, 1965 in 
Manhattan's Audubon Ballroom. The most poignant description of Malcolm 
was during his eulogy by Actor Ossie Davis who called him, ``our 
shining black prince''.
  Malcolm X once said, ``The future belongs to those who prepare for it 
today''. We must heed these words and be evermore dutiful in our 
commitment to ensure that our children and their children are able to 
enjoy those three noble principals of life, liberty and the pursuit of 
happiness. Malcolm X remains an inspiration to millions of people 
around the world, inspiring others to build on his vision of a nation 
that recognizes the strengths of all peoples.

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