What the film industry failed to do with Spike Lee�s 1998 movie on Malcolm X, they try again with �Ali�. And that is to destroy the name and legacy of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad.

In Spike Lee�s �X�, the shapers of images and thoughts used another Black actor who was at the top of his game, Denzel Washington, to connect to the audience while making it appear that there wasn�t one redeeming quality about Mr. Muhammad.

Fortunately, the Black audiences across the country saw through most of the mess, and the expected clash between Blacks who adore Malcolm and his work and those who now follow the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan never occurred. Also, it was the wise foresight of Min. Farrakhan�through the teaching and training of Mr. Muhammad�to pull the men selling The Final Call newspaper from the streets at that time so there would be no emotional explosions as the enemy wanted.

In every reference in the �Ali� film to Mr. Muhammad and the Nation of Islam, the producers chose to portray them darkly and foreboding, accompanied appropriately with music of gloom.

Why?

Let�s pull a quote from the character of Howard Cossell, played by actor  John Voigt, for the answer.

In a conversation with the champ who�s contemplating his future after refusing to be drafted into the military, the famous sports broadcaster says the government is only after Ali because �they�re afraid of Black militancy in the inner cities.� And that has been an objective of not only the government�s counterintelligence program since the early 20th century, but since the first slaves were brought to these shores Islam and militancy were forbidden to enter the minds and hearts of the Black man and woman.

Why do we as Black people love Muhammad Ali? It is because he stood for a principle, challenged the government and spoke things that most of us were afraid to speak. Who gave him that strength and courage? Cassius Clay would have joined the Army!

Why does White America love Muhammad Ali today? Is it for the same reasons the image shapers produced this film�one that really tells very little about Ali that we don�t already know?

Though still quick of wit and intelligence, Muhammad Ali unfortunately has been stricken with a debilitating disease that doesn�t allow his words to flow as smoothly from his lips. He virtually has been silenced. Similarly, the government hated Malcolm while he was alive. Now that he speaks no more, they have his image on a stamp!

In the �Ali� movie, we see government agents following our heroes and orchestrating events from inside and outside the Nation of Islam. Yet, the atmosphere isn�t portrayed as wicked and sinister as Mr. Muhammad is portrayed. And these are the agents that sought to destroy both men.

A quick review by the logical thinker will show that Mr. Muhammad began his work alone after the departure of his teacher (Master Fard Muhammad) in 1934. He had laid the foundation for the Nation of Islam before Muhammad Ali, Malcolm X and even Min. Farrakhan had even met him. Yet, they all became giants after meeting him.

What strong, defiant Black leader has ever been positively portrayed on the big screen, unless there was an ulterior motive?

Furthermore, count the number of films produced in 2001 that have predominantly Black casts and separate the serious ones that deal with real life issues in a balanced way from those about booty-shakin� and buffoonery.

Then ask yourself, why?

Let�s not be hoodwinked or bamboozled. The aim of this world is to destroy those who would awaken the Black masses and a sleeping humanity!