Why Malcolm X has endured nearly 30 years after his death

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"Malcolm X," directed by Spike Lee, starring Denzel Washington.

ROLAND SHEPPARD

Malcolm X "was the most electric personality I have ever met, and I still can't quite conceive him dead. It still feels to me as if he has just gone into some next MOVIE REVIEW chapter, to be written by historians."

These were the words of author Alex Haley at the end of his epilogue in the book, "The Autobiography of Malcolm ;" published shortly after the African American revolutionary was assassinated.

And this is certainly the feeling viewers will have when they leave the theatre after seeing Spike Lee's admirable movie, Negotiations are set to resume between the African National Congress (ANC) and the white minority government of South African President F.W. De Klerk. which is based scrupulously biography."

Undoubtedly, the movie, like the book, will enjoy a long life. Interest in the life and ideas of Malcolm X-to the chagrin of the American ruling class—just won't go away.

The making of this movie had been a goal for Spike Lee ever since he came on the cinematic scene with his critically acclaimed movie, "She's Gotta Have It," almost 10 years ago.

Likewise, no other movie has ever been so eagerly anticipated, nor sparked as much controversy even before its release.

Spike Lee was hassled from the beginning both by charges from some Black nationalists that he was too "bourgeois" to make an accurate movie about Malcolm X and by pressure from Warner Bros. studios to stay within the shooting budget.

(At one point, when Lee went over-budget, the studio took control of the film from him. It was given back only when (continued on page 8, in “FREE MUMIA ABU-JAMAL! Stop the Execution!”) 10, No. 12 DECEMBER Rap Music's message See back page.

1992 50 CENTS ROY SCHAT