REMEMBERING MALCOLM X- BY PROFESSOR TIMEHIN OLUROTIMI

Malcolm X (1925–1965) was an African-American civil rights popular for his advocacy for Black rights. He later adopted the name El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz after converting to Islam. His views evolved later towards a more inclusive approach to human rights. He was assassinated in 1965, but his legacy continues. He would have been a hundred years old today.

To Malcolm X on His Centennial

May 19, 1925 – May 19, 2025

Malcom's day is here again

Seekers of truth still groan in pain

A hundred years have come and gone,

Since fire in Harlem's soul was born.

From dust and chains, a voice arose—

A man of will who faced his foes.

Malcolm, bold with piercing gaze,

You marched through tempestuous days.

From streets of agony to Mecca's light,

You sought the truth and spoke it right.

No courtly robe, no scholar's feat,

Yet wisdom roared from whence your seat

In strides as sharp as thoughts you bore,

You fought not less, but always more.

Not just for Black, but all oppressed,

You carved out pride from deep distress.

Pan-African dreamer, fearless guide,

Who taught the shamed to stand with pride.

They feared your truth, so struck you down,

But could not keep your spirit bound

For every youth who dares to rise,

Your words still burn behind their eyes.

Centennial star of truth and strife,

Your name still pulses full of life.

El-Hajj Malik, rise and see—

The seeds you sowed still grow in me.

I remember you on this great day,

Your hundredth echo lights my way.

No chains, no grave, no time can dim,

The torch you bore—it still burns grim.

El-hajj Shabbaz, live on in hearts

Of men of noble deeds and arts

A valiant Knight in Truth's great camp

A questing soul with Allah's stamp

Rest on in Eternal Grace, Truth's gladiator 

Your soul succumbs to no terminator.

© PROFESSOR TIMEHIN SAHEED OLUROTIMI 

The poet persona praises The Great Malcolm X. He reveals his nationality and great acts. The voice admits that his significant actions on earth can never be forgotten by human beings.