Brother Malcolm

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Dear Malcolm,

Where do I begin this? My son picked you as the “Person of the Century” for a class assignment. His report reminded me that you died on February 21, 1965.

If you hadn't died, you might have reached 100 today.

Most of us don’t live past 100, but anything is possible in the pockets of my imagination. They killed you because you threatened their egos and systems.

Your words had teeth to bite injustices and cripple racism. The courage you embodied in your speeches and actions inspired books, films, songs, and movements.

I have a picture of you in my office at work. The picture reminds me to embrace intellectual and physical struggles for causes bigger than myself. Your image encourages me to strive for improvement as a husband, father, and scholar activist.

Let’s consider a miracle. We reverse time, and you are alive today. What would you say about the state of Black America?

We’ve achieved a few things since 1965. The Voting Rights Act was passed, the academic discipline of Black Studies developed, and for eight years, the United States had a Black president. We’ve witnessed some progress, but more remains to be fulfilled.

Equity gaps persist across the racial divides in the US. Whether we discuss financial, educational, judicial, or social matters, the fight for opportunities and liberation continues.

In the White House, a manifestation of systemic and individual racism dwells and dictates. Our federal government works diligently to dismantle diversity initiatives while ignoring men with checkered pasts involving sexual relationships with children. The Department of Justice is compromised by political interests to protect pedophilic politicians.

Recent developments suggest the government may reverse its prior stances on diversity, but it’s also midterm election season.

Brother Malcolm, El-hajj Malik El-Shabazz, your life ended because you challenged the status quo. They prosecuted, imprisoned, and released suspects of your murder. The coalition among the FBI, a faction within the Nation of Islam, and local police was explored, but nothing substantial emerged to lead to additional arrests or conclusions.

Everyone involved in your homicide remains a mystery.

Betty and your daughters continued your legacy after you passed. They became authors, activists, and stewards of your work. Your daughter, Quibilah, named her son after you, but he died in 2013 after a troublesome life.

Five of your daughters remain on this side. They speak and write with the same fire you once possessed.

Before your death, you shifted your political stance from Black nationalism to human rights. Mecca exposed you to the diversity within Islam, and Allah helped you see the connection between oppression in the Black community and others from vulnerable populations.

I am hopeful that my children will champion global causes and allow God to guide their actions. From beyond the grave, your life’s story offers young people an example of courageous leadership. Because my son chose you as the “Person of the Century” for his assignment, I gave him a copy of your autobiography as told to Alex Haley.

Earlier this week, we watched Spike Lee's 1992 film depiction of your life. We split the film into two parts over two days and discussed key scenes. My son said, “That’s aura,” when the actor who played you, Denzel Washington, redirected a group of protestors by pointing his index finger.

Spike didn’t want to leave anything out in your life. The 3+ hour movie is not perfect, but it offers another generation exposure to your life’s work.

Tomorrow, on February 21, 2026, I will remember how they shot 21 bullets into your body. Leadership requires sacrifice. Some, like you, had to lose their lives so others could witness glimpses of freedom.

Baba Jesse Jackson joined you in the Ancestral realm this week. Like you, he taught us that, “We are somebody.” You and Jesse are gone, but we will not forget you.

It’s marathon season. I will run 21 miles in your honor tomorrow. You taught me that discipline, pain, and sacrifice accompany the role of a leader.

Rest in Power, Love, and Peace,

Vernon

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