SPECIAL EVENT ALERT: Homegoing Services for El Hajj Malcolm Latif El Shabazz, Grandson of Human Rights Activists, Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz Thursday, May 30th

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By Gloria Dulan-Wilson

Brothers and sisters:

I just received this media advisory from Terrie Williams, spokesperson for the Shabazz family, outlining the date and details for the homegoing service for young brother Malcolm Shabazz, grandson of Our Black Shining Prince Malcolm X (El Hajj Malik El Shabazz) and his beloved wife (and my soror/friend) Betty Shabazz.  I am sharing it with you so that you may in turn gather with the family in their time of grief and offer condolences and comfort to them at the tragic loss of this young brother, who was working so diligently and valiantly to move forward and continue his grandfather's work.

The information is as follows:

MEMORIAL SERVICE CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF

MALCOLM LATIF SHABAZZ

(October 8, 1984 – May 9, 2013)

  

 

El Hajj Malcolm Latif El Shabazz,

Grandson of Human Rights Activists,

Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz

WHAT:      Memorial Service and Celebration of Life for Malcolm Latif Shabazz, 28, has been confirmed.  The service is open to the public and media.

 

WHEN:     THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2013

                  10 AM -12 NOON
 

WHERE:   First Corinthian Baptist Church

                   1912 Adam Clayton Powell Blvd (between W. 115^th and 116^th Streets),    Manhattan                             

                   Rev. Michael A. Walrond, Jr., Senior Pastor                   

                

                   *For comment, please contact family spokesperson, Terrie M. Williams at tmwms@terriewilliams.com or 917-902-7668 (c).

 

Malcolm Latif Shabazz entered into this earthly realm on October 8, 1984 in Paris, France, and departed from it on May 9, 2013 in Mexico City, Mexico. He is the father of Ilyasah Saudi Shabazz; the son of Qubilah Bahiya-Shabazz and L.A. Bouasba; and the eldest grandson of El Hajj Malik El Shabazz (Malcolm X) and Dr. Betty Dean Sanders Shabazz.  Malcolm embraced his legacy and with reverence for his grandfather, identified himself as the grandson, namesake and first male heir of the greatest revolutionary of the 20^th century.  Malcolm, who was destined to live a revolutionary life in the 21^st century, followed in the footsteps of his great-grandfather and grandfather to become a human rights activist committed to the struggle for self-determination for all oppressed people.  

On the journey to fulfill his destiny, Malcolm completed his Hajj and visited the tomb of Hazrat Zainab, the granddaughter of the prophet Muhammad (AS).  He returned to teach Islam and the love of the Ahlul Bayt Prophet’s Household (AS).  Malcolm would also speak out against injustice wherever he encountered it in the world as he courageously pursued his grandfather’s mission of peace and freedom for all.

Malcolm was a passionate advocate for ending violence in communities of the Diaspora and a staunch opponent of the U.S. prison industrial complex.  He routinely visited world-renown activists incarcerated since the 1960’s and commanded the respect of world luminaries such as United States activist and human rights strategist, Yuri Kochiyama; the late Islamic scholar, Shaykh Amri, of Medina; and the Ulama Scholars at the Hawza Ilmiya Zainabiyah Islamic Seminary in Damascus, Syria. 

Malcolm became a student and a teacher amongst his peers as well as a son within his community of elders. He lived and worked among people wherever called upon around the globe.  He was fluent in English, French, Spanish and Arabic. Malcolm’s international travel destinations included Saudi Arabia, Qatar, France, Holland, Canada, Syria and the UAE.  He also crisscrossed the United States in response to endless requests for his appearance as guest lecturer on college and university campuses, as well as at junior and senior high schools and neighborhood community centers. 

Malcolm also committed himself to aid in the building of several Masjids and educational centers throughout the United States. He consistently emphasized the need for qualitative changes in the overall American education system. His vision was to ensure adequate educational opportunities for all, regardless of race, ethnicity or socioeconomic status.  Malcolm was collaborating with educators at the University of California Berkley toward that end. 

Wherever there was a need, Malcolm endeavored to meet it. He was traveling in Mexico on May 9, 2013, in response to a call to aid the plight of African-Mexican construction workers.  To honor him, his life, his service and his sacrifice—and to honor all of the men of his family heritage who set the standard for him—we must continue the quest for peace, equality and freedom for all. Together in the struggle, we can ensure the victory.

Malcolm was predeceased by his grandparents, Hajj Malik Shabazz (Malcolm X) and Dr. Betty Shabazz. He is survived by his daughter, Ilyasah Saudi Shabazz; mother, Qubilah-Bahiyah Shabazz; aunts: Attallah, Ilyasah, Gamilah, Malikah & Malaak; cousins Malik Shabazz-Pizarro and children and Julie Pleasant and children; great uncles (maternal) Shelmon Sandlin Jr. (wife Patricia), Rev Stanley Sandlin (wife Janette); great aunt (paternal) Hilda Little; cousins  Shelmon Sandlin, III, Parris Sandlin (wife Darlene), Patrick Sandlin, Candace Sandlin, Tiffany Sandlin, Stanley Sandlin, Jr.; and paternal cousins, Steven Jones (Quran, Kahaile, Bobbi, Steven Jr., Shalisha Franklin, Klorissa, Kari Johnson, Deborah Jones (Elphonse “Drummer” Brown, LeAsah Brown, Shahara Brown, Shawn Durr (Malcolm Durr and Dontae Durr).

Young Malcolm has joined the pantheon of the African Holy Ghosts, and will continue his great work alongside his Grandfather and Grandmother, and all those who have likewise dedicated and sacrificed their lives so that we could continue to move forward.  Please do not let his sacrifice be in vain or go unrewarded.

Stay Blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson