Happy Birthday Malcolm X!

Some of you might believe that a post on Malcolm X might be out of place on The Udjat. After all, this blog seeks to restore the moral compass in contemporary society by the study and application of the Ancient Egyptian ideal, Ma'at. What does Malcolm X have to do with this, right? Actually, Brother Malcolm is the prototype of all of spiritual seekers, particularly those of African descent.

Malcolm X was born on May 19, 1925 as Malcolm Little. His father was a fiery Baptist Minister and an acolyte of the Honorable Marcus Mosiah Garvey. White racists would eventually murder his father, probably feeling his preaching might rile his Black parishioners. Unfortunately this act would send Malcolm's family into a tailspin, eventually leading to frequent foster care placements for all of the children and psychiatric institutionalization for his mother.

Malcolm X’s life prior to joining the Nation of Islam has been well-chronicled: inadequate education, menial jobs, and incarceration. His potential was stolen by the same factors which still plague the African community in the United States—and all over the world. Malcolm's life as one of this nation's most insightful Black Nationalist Leaders has also been oft-recounted. Malcolm's biting analysis, bravery in the face of powerful forces, and rhetorical prowess has made his speeches long sought after more than 40 years after his killing. I think his life very closely mirrors the trials of Heru (see May 17th post for more).

Much less explored was Malcolm’s ability to critique the world around him which led to a unique ability to be publically introspective. He was always willing to alter his beliefs and actions based on the rigorous analysis of new information. I'd like to believe that if he had the benefit of all of archeological and historical data on the ethnicity of the Ancient Egyptians and also the origins of the three major religions; he might have eventually considered himself an adherent to Kemetic spirituality. He might have even called it the "true religion of Black mankind". Happy Birthday, Malcolm X; you are still our Black Shining Prince.