Malcolm X

Malcolm X’s Daughters File Lawsuit Against U.S. Agencies Over His Assassination

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Malcolm X

Malcolm X

Three daughters of the late civil rights leader Malcolm X have filed a lawsuit accusing the CIA, FBI, New York Police Department (NYPD), and Department of Justice of being complicit in his 1965 assassination. The lawsuit, announced at a news conference in New York City, seeks accountability from the agencies for allegedly suppressing evidence and orchestrating a cover-up related to Malcolm X’s murder.

A Civil Rights Icon’s Tragic End

Malcolm X, born Malcolm Little and later known as El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz, was a prominent figure in the fight for racial justice and human rights. He was assassinated on February 21, 1965, at the Audubon Ballroom in Manhattan, where he was preparing to deliver a speech. The 39-year-old leader was shot 21 times by multiple gunmen.

Three men were convicted for his killing, but in 2021, two of those convictions were overturned after investigators uncovered evidence that had been withheld by law enforcement. The city and state of New York later awarded the two exonerated men a combined $36 million as part of settlement agreements.

Allegations of Government Involvement

In their legal filing, Malcolm X’s daughters and the Malcolm X estate allege that law enforcement agencies were not only aware of the plot to kill their father but also actively involved in orchestrating and covering it up.

“They did not know who murdered Malcolm X, why he was murdered, the level of NYPD, FBI, and CIA orchestration, the identity of the governmental agents who conspired to ensure his demise, or who fraudulently covered up their role,” the lawsuit states.

The plaintiffs argue that these actions caused immense and irreparable harm to their family, including decades of uncertainty about the circumstances surrounding Malcolm X’s death.

A Call for Justice

The lawsuit represents a significant step by Malcolm X’s family in their ongoing quest for justice. It echoes a growing demand for transparency regarding the U.S. government’s role in historical injustices against civil rights leaders.

“The damage caused to the Shabazz family is unimaginable, immense, and irreparable,” the filing states, underscoring the emotional toll of decades spent grappling with unanswered questions.

Historical Context

Malcolm X’s assassination has long been surrounded by controversy and conspiracy theories. The release of declassified documents, coupled with the exoneration of two wrongfully convicted men, has reignited calls for accountability and further investigation into the roles various agencies may have played in the events leading up to his death.

For the daughters of Malcolm X, this lawsuit is not just about uncovering the truth but also about holding powerful institutions accountable for their actions. As the legal battle unfolds, it has the potential to reshape the narrative surrounding one of the most pivotal moments in civil rights history and bring long-overdue answers to the Shabazz family.

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Today In Black History: Civil Rights Icon Malcolm X Is Assassinated 59 Years Ago

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Malcolm X

59 years ago today, February 21, 1965, the civil rights activist and leader, Malcolm X, was murdered at 39 years of age. Three men from the Nation of Islam, Thomas Hagan, Norman Butler and Thomas Johnson, were all charged with the Malcolm’s death, yet only Hagan confessed while the other two maintained their innocence. He was killed as he began speaking during the Organization of Afro-American Unity at the Audubon Ballroom in Harlem right in front of his wife and children.

Just one week prior to his assassination, attackers threw Molotov cocktails into his home in East Elmhurst, Queens and started a fire. He made a statement to the New York Daily News at the time of the attack:

“It could have been done by any one of many. I’m not surprised that it was done. It doesn’t frighten me…it doesn’t quiet me down in any way or shut me up.”

He received several death threats from the Nation of Islam, yet there are theories that there was more to his murder since it was known that FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover had ordered close surveillance watching Malcolm’s every move for quite some time.

As we commemorate the death of the influential leader Malcolm X, during this Black History Month, let us not forget what great strides have been taken and must continue to be made for the freedom of Black people in America.

The post Today In Black History: Civil Rights Icon Malcolm X Is Assassinated 59 Years Ago first appeared on The Source.

The post Today In Black History: Civil Rights Icon Malcolm X Is Assassinated 59 Years Ago appeared first on The Source.

Denzel Washington’s 7 Most Unforgettable Roles

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Denzel Washington is a Hollywood legend, and that goes without saying. His seamless portrayal of different types of characters has greatly highlighted his versatility over the decades. Moreover, this versatility also shines through his ability to play historical figures. Throughout his illustrious career, Denzel Washington has taken on real-life roles portraying the likes of Malcolm X and Frank Lucas. 

A multiple Oscar-award-winning actor, Denzel Washington has played a few unforgettable roles. From Glory in the 1980s to The Pelican Brief in the early 1990s and even The Little Things in 2021, Denzel’s powerful presence and immersion into his characters always make his movies memorable. With so many acclaimed, unforgettable performances in his resume, let’s review some of the times Denzel has displayed incredible acting dexterity. They’ve become etched in the memories of moviegoers for a long time. 

7. Antwone Fisher (2002)

Antwone Fisher is a film about a young US Navy sailor (who goes by the same name) with a troubled past. After a violent confrontation with a colleague, Antwone is forced to see a psychiatrist, Dr. Jerome Davenport, a character played by Washington. In this role as a psychiatrist, Washington is a compassionate guide that helps Antwone gradually deal with his issues and re-discover himself. The movie won multiple awards, including the Stanley Kramer Award from the Producers Guild of America. This was especially noteworthy because of how it highlighted critical social issues. Furthermore, Antwone Fisher is also an example of Washington’s ability to portray real characters. The movie was based on the life of an actual former US Navy sailor. 

6. Fences (2016)

Denzel’s role in Fences is unforgettable because of how well he immersed himself into the character of Troy Maxson, a frustrated man. Set in the 1950s, the movie highlights the pains of a Black family man who used to be a baseball player but now works as a garbage collector. Moreover, Troy Maxson is angry about the failure he feels his life has become. Coupled with this is the harshness the system metes out to him as a Black man. Eventually, he takes it out on his family, including his wife, played rather flawlessly by Viola Davis. Thanks to both Washington’s and Davis’ powerful acting and presence, Fences earned four Academy Awards nominations, with the latter winning for Best Supporting Actress. 

5. American Gangster (2007)

This crime drama sees Denzel Washington as Frank Lucas, a real-life depiction of a drug lord who controlled the heroin trade in Harlem. American Gangster showed Lucas as a ruthless yet vulnerable and calculating drug mastermind. Like most crime overlords in history, he got caught. However, Lucas went down with style, snitching on so many New York cops that a good number of them were arrested and convicted. American Gangster was a critical darling, eventually earning multiple Academy Award nods. Overall, it grossed over $260 million worldwide. 

4. Inside Man (2006)

In one of his most captivating roles ever, Denzel Washington portrayed an NYPD negotiator (Detective Keith Frazier) in Inside Man. A bank heist goes down, and Detective Frazier is called upon to handle the situation. Keith Frazier is one of Denzel’s most unforgettable roles because of the wit with which he delivered his lines in the film. Besides this, Inside Man has quite an intriguing plot. Moreover, it’s worth the watch for its captivating, dramatic moments. 

3. Philadelphia (1998)

In Philadelphia, Denzel Washington starred as Joe Miller, a personal injury lawyer representing Andrew Beckett, played by Tom Hanks. Beckett, who is also a lawyer, gets fired from his law firm on suspicions of being gay and having AIDS. He ends up convincing a reluctant Joe Miller to represent him. As the plot develops, it is evident that Joe Miller’s inclinations change, and he becomes more open-minded.

Philadelphia was one of the first Hollywood films that shined an unbiased light on the topic of AIDS. The movie also continued establishing Denzel Washington as an actor with great range. Moreover, his ability to take on and succeed in roles that depicted social issues has become a prominent part of his career. That also makes Joe Miller one of Denzel’s most unforgettable roles. 

2. Malcolm X (1992)

Malcolm X is another film where Denzel Washington depicted a real-life person. Collaborating with director Spike Lee on this one, Washington acts out Malcolm X’s life from his humble beginnings to his life as a preacher and leader.  Unfortunately, Malcolm X was nominated for two Academy Awards but didn’t win any, greatly displeasing his longtime friend, Spike Lee. However, it won multiple NAACP awards, including the Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture Award. 

1. Training Day (2001)

It would be difficult to think of unforgettable Denzel Washington roles without Training Day coming to mind. Known for its description of blatant and unabashed corruption, Training Day is a masterpiece that still holds relevance in film culture today. Washington masterfully played the role of Alonzo Harris, a police detective and the head of LAPD’s narcotics division. 

As the name suggests, the film is set across one day – one day for Alonzo Harris to show newly promoted detective Jake Hoyt (Ethan Hawke) how to be a narcotics detective. Unbeknownst to Jake, however, Detective Harris works with the Russian mafia and would do anything to achieve his criminal objectives. Since Training Day, Alonzo Harris has become an important name in crime cinema. Denzel Washington deviated from his usual role as a hero and played a villain with dastardly motives. Overall, Washington was electric in his role, delivering a standout performance.  It’s no wonder it won him the Academy Award for Best Actor. 

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Malcolm X’s Family Hits NYPD With $100 Million Lawsuit

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The family of Malcolm X is suing the NYPD, the state of New York, and federal agencies for $100 million. They allege that the government concealed evidence in the murder of the activist. The news comes 58 years after the killing of Malcolm X. His daughters Qubilah Shabazz, 62, and Ilyasah Shabazz, 60, provided formal notice of the lawsuit alongside attorney Ben Crump on Tuesday. They made the announcement at the Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial and Education Center located in NYC. Previously named the Audubon Ballroom, it is the location where Malcolm X was murdered.

The lawsuit comes after a $36 million settlement was reached in 2021. The decision was made following the wrongful conviction of Muhammad Aziz and Khalil Islam. Judge Ellen Biben said at the time: ”I regret that this court cannot undo the serious miscarriage of justice. There can be no question that this is a case that cries out for fundamental justice.”

Malcolm X At A Rally

Nation of Islam leader Malcolm X draws various reactions from the audience as he restates his theme of complete separation of whites and African Americans. The rally outdrew a Mississippi-Alabama Southern Relief Committee civil rights event six blocks away 10 to 1.

At Tuesday’s announcement, Ben Crump cited the settlement when explaining the decision for the family’s lawsuit. “The rhetorical question is this: if the government compensated the two gentlemen that were wrongfully convicted for the assassination of Malcolm X with tens of millions of dollars, then what is to be the compensation for the daughters who suffered the most from the assassination of Malcolm X?” He added: “We intend to have vigorous litigation of this matter, to have discovery to be able to take depositions of the individuals who are still alive, 58 years later, to make sure that some measure of justice can be given to Malcolm X’s daughters. The truth of what happened and who was involved has always been critical.”

Malcolm X was shot 21 times while preparing to speak at the Audubon Ballroom on February 21, 1965. He was set to address a large audience for a gathering of the Organization of Afro-American Unity. He founded the group one year earlier.

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Shocking: Malcolm X’s Daughter Found Dead In Brooklyn Apartment.

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Malikah Shabazz, daughter of slain civil rights activist Malcolm X, was found dead Monday at her Brooklyn home.  Speculation has arisen that the death could involve foul play. Malcolm X’s Daughter Malikah Shabazz Found Dead Malikah Shabazz was found unresponsive in her home in Midwood on Monday afternoon.  The death was not deemed suspicious, an […]

Julius Jones Execution Stopped, Exonerated Malcolm X Killer Speaks

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Julius Jones

The campaign to halt the execution of Julius Jones’ — backed by celebrities including Kim Kardashian, Kerry Washington and Vic Mensa — has worked. Oklahoma governor Kevin Stitt announced the amendment of Jones’ sentence just hours before he was scheduled to be put to death. Julius Jones Gets Another Chance At Life After national coverage […]

Nas Pays Homage + Honors Malcolm X

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Nas Sugar Daddy Title Selfie

New York rap legend Nas is paying homage. This week, the hip-hop veteran went onto social media to salute and honor late civil rights leader and Blacks rights icon Malcolm X. Nas Pays Respect To Malcolm X Nas took to Instagram with a dope shot of the African-American Muslim minister. He kept it simple in […]

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