Malcolm X left 'saga of pride,' daughter says

"I have always been proud of my father," Shabazz said during a speech to commemorate her father Tuesday night at the Business College Complex. "I was just waiting for America to catch up. When people knew about his strength and character, I was already there. I met his soul first and his politics later."

Shabazz spoke for almost an hour before a crowd of about 75 people, discussing the life of her father and his work to improve the status of black people in society. Shabazz asked questions about perceptions of her father to encourage audience participation.

During his elementary school days, Malcolm X resided in Lansing, East Lansing and Mason. He became a powerful black-rights leader in the 1960s and was the former minister of the Nation of Islam. Later in his life he supported a more secular black nationalism, which emphasized using the ballot to effect change.

Malcolm X was assassinated in February 1965. Saturday is the 33rd anniversary of his death.

Throughout the speech, Shabazz spoke about growing up as Malcolm X's daughter. She said there were essentially two people - the pre-1963 man and the post-1963 man.

"Anytime you quote the pre-1963 Malcolm it was his voice, but he was a devotee of an organization," Shabazz said.

Shabazz described her family as an extremely loving unit that was always supportive.

"People talk of my family as a saga of ache, but I came from a saga of triumph and a saga of pride," Shabazz said. "I had a house that talked love, touched love, tickled love."

Shabazz was impressed that Michigan State University is still acknowledging Malcolm X's life. The event was part of Malcolm X Week, which is aimed at honoring the life of the controversial black leader.

"I am grateful you celebrate Malcolm X week," she said. "It's nice to know you find him thematically impressive enough to acknowledge."

The audience reacted positively to Shabazz's speech.

"It is a breath of fresh air that exhibits positivity," said Tasha Booker, academic guidance specialist in the Office of Supportive Services. "I hope that - everyone wasn't just hearing but really listening."

Katrinell McClendon, social relations junior, agreed with Booker's assessment.

"I thought she gave meaning to the personal side of Malcolm X," McClendon said. "She gave the audience keys to being a human being that was honest to themselves."

Murray Edwards, coordinator of the event, said that he was pleased to be able to bring Shabazz to campus to talk about Malcolm X.

"Malcolm X left a strong legacy," said Edwards, coordinator of African American Student Affairs at MSU. "He was one of the most powerful figures in history. Very few folks have had this magnitude."