MALCOLM X: Fighter for Black Liberation

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dedicated in Philadelphia Malcom X has been dead for nearly 28 years. But never before has there been as much interest as there is today in the life and ideas of the martyred Black revolutionary.

Over the years, numerous books books have been published about Malcolm X. And with the release this month of Spike Lee's movie, millions of people will be introduced to this extraardinary man, who gave his life in the fight for equality and justice.

Below we are reprinting a chapter from the pamphlet titled, "Malcolm X: Fighter for Black Liberation," published by Walnut Publishing Co. in September 1988. (See ad on page 18.] This chapter gives a Marxist appreciation of the life and ideas of Malcolm X and the reason for his impact on American society.

On Feb. 21, 1965, Malcolm X was gunned down by assassins as he was about to give a speech at the Audubon Ballroom in Harlem, N. Y. His assassination was a stunning blow to the Black liberation movement.

The circumstances surrounding the death of Malcolm X remain unresolved. Many people believe-and rightfully so-that the real perpetrators and killers were never caught. Undoubtedly, the greatest beneficiary of Malcolm's death was the U.S. government.

The American ruling class will discover, however, that the ideas and solutions PHILADELPHIA—On Oct. 30, a new mural of Malcolm X was unveiled here.

Malcolm's widow, Betty Shabazz, was present at the dedication.

The mural was produced by the artists of the Philadelphia Anti-Graffiti Netthat Malcolm X popularized cannot be buried as easily as the man.

Malcolm X was an uncompromising opponent of the U.S. government. In the early 1960s, his ideas for what road to take for Black freedom and equality represented the most militant wing of the fight against racism.

Nation of Islam days Malcolm X first came into public prominence as a dynamic spokesperson and organizer for the Nation of Islam (Black Muslims).

The Nation of Islam advocated a religious and separatist solution to the scourge of white racism. It was an attractive organization to many Black people because it encouraged Black pride and independence. In addition, they were opposed to integration with the "white man" and instead advocated Black selfreliance and a Black "homeland."

Malcolm X was the Nation of Islam's most eloquent and powerful speaker. He was their best recruiter and was responsible for its tremendous growth in membership.

In early 1964, however, Malcolm X broke with the Nation of Islam. There were many reasons for this, but the most important was their abstention from the Black struggle for civil rights.

Need for political action Malcolm X believed that political organization and action was the most effective means to win Black liberation. Although his painful break with the Nation of impressions of Islam forced him to re-examine many of the solutions and tactics he had previously advocated, he never changed his basic analysis of what was needed to win the fight for justice and equality.

Malcolm X was a consistent Black nationalist and a revolutionist of action.

He constantly argued that:

• Black people will get their freedom only by fighting for it;

• that the U.S. government is a racist government and is not going to grant freedom;

Malcolm X mural their Darnell and Sharon also approved of Malcolm's call for self-defense. But Sharon pointed out: "What he was saying was not just self-defense. Malcolm said that if you take a stand, then people won't mess with you. That V ido World Photo • that gradualism (slow reform), the program of the liberals-Black and white, Democrat and Republican—is not the road to equality;

• that traitors within the Black movement ("Uncle Toms") must be exposed and opposed;

• that Black people must rely on themselves and control their own struggle;

• and that Blacks must determine their own strategy and tactics, select their own (continued on page 18)

make things better for all people."

But an older friend who was standing nearby, Lisa, strongly disagreed. "Malcolm X was selfish," she interjected. "He didn't fight for everybody but for his own kind-the same people he was about. He fought for Islam, not for us."

Another young woman I interviewed,