The Final Call

Commemorating Malcolm X and Liberation Day

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• Time heals broken spirits (FCN, 06-08-2005)

Malcolm X �When will we start to defend ourselves? To tell our own history? When will we decide to be the master? When will we write our own story?� -Ayinde Jean-Baptiste

Atty. Jean-Baptiste, the lawyer heading a legal fight for reparations in the city, addressed an enthusiastic crowd of about 300 people at the South Shore High School May 19. He is also an alderman for the 2nd Ward of Evanston.

“It’s about our commitment,” he said, referring to the fight for reparations. “You have to make a difference where you are,” he said. Quoting Malcolm X, he said, “We no longer have to walk with our heads bowed. We are better people because we are humane.” He pointed out that Malcolm tried to make Black people conscious of our identity, and moved the Civil Rights Movement into a human rights movement.

Sharing the bill with his father, Ayinde Jean-Baptiste, a Northwestern student, statements were equally challenging. “I am Malcolm X,” Ayinde said, repeating the children’s declaration made in Spike Lee’s movie, “Malcolm X.”

“Folks are lying to themselves about what happened in history and what’s going on in the world today. Black people are participating in those lies,” he said. “When will we start to defend ourselves? To tell our own history? When will we decide to be the master? When will we write our own story?” he asked.

Both speakers were passionate about the need for Blacks to embrace the teachings of Malcolm X and stressed that it begins with parents serving as examples by standing up and working in the struggle. “It’s important to raise your children to fight. Raise them by standing up yourself and fight,” the young Jean-Baptist urged.

NBUF National Chairman Dr. Conrad Worrill, speaking of the fight for reparations, gave equally as stirring remarks. “Without the students, our movement is going nowhere,” he declared.

Dr. Worrill is preparing for NBUF’s 26th annual National Convention, scheduled for July 14-17, at the Manual Career Technical Center in Kansas City, Mo. This year’s theme is “Operational Unity & Grassroots Organizing” and will feature the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan as its keynote speaker during the July 14 opening ceremony and mass rally.

The Malcolm X celebration was one of creativity, with a special slide presentation of the life of Malcolm X, which featured pictures of Malcolm from his childhood to his tragic assassination, pictures of his parents, and happier times in high school and participating in sports. The ceremony included an ancestral tribute and libation ceremony with African drumming and singing. Zahra Baker and her husband Khail Fani Rivis presented an original musical tribute to Malcolm X. The celebration set a powerful stage for rallying around the reparations fight and attending NBUF’s annual convention.