Bro. Malcolm X Is 100 Years Old Today

Today is the 100th anniversary of the birth of Minister Malcolm X.

It’s important to me to recognize this great African Ancestor in part because of the ways that his example and brilliant mind helped to shape my own. I remember growing up in Black church spaces as a boy where, in mostly unspoken ways, I felt like it was expected that I make my Christian faith the most important part of my identity. Sure - it was fine being Black, but it wasn’t anything to emphasize (except during Black History month of course). This created holes in my self-esteem that affected my development.

However, when I was 12 years old, Spike Lee’s movie, Malcolm X, hit theaters. I remember the feeling of pride that I felt as I watched Denzel Washington on screen playing Brother Malcolm. I loved it!

The movie was my introduction to Malcolm X, but I was hungry to learn more. Shortly after the film was released, I read The Autobiography Of Malcolm X and my reverence for him increased. Brother Malcolm made me feel proud to be Black and actually deepened my devotion to my faith.

Imagine how I felt many years later after starting this food justice organization when I learned that Malcolm X had something to say about LAND too! In his 1963 speech entitled, “Message To The Grassroots, Malcolm X said, “Land is the basis of all independence. Land is the basis of freedom, justice, and equality.” He made it clear that any people that wants to be free, must focus on land.

I agree…

And African American churches collectively have more land (and assets) than any other sector in the Black community.

This land lies fallow while Black people are hungry and malnourished all over the country. Land that could be used to grow food and assets that could be incubator spaces for our collective health sits largely unutilized Monday through Saturday. What a shame!

I believe that Black church land is part of the key that will advance freedom, justice and equality in the African American community and beyond. This is a freedom that we can taste in our lifetime if we but come together.

You don’t have to be Black to see that this is important. You don’t have to be Christian to understand why this matters. No matter your identify, faith or background, I’m inviting you to join forces with The Black Church Food Security Network for such a time as this: donate, volunteer, see our church membership page, subscribe to our newsletter, follow us on social media or apply to be the Board Chair for our national network of more than 250 Black congregations!

Now is the time to act and rededicate ourselves to working to experience just food sovereignty in our lifetime by any means necessary.