Malcolm and the Struggle for International Liberation, from 65 to Black Lives Matter

February 21, 2015, marks 50 years since the assassination of Brother Malcolm X (El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz). Brother Malcolm is one of the most influential figures in our nation’s history and his legacy as a powerful voice and passionate advocate for justice endures to this day. His words and actions continue to inspire generations across the globe in their own struggles against oppression. On this 50th anniversary, we are reminded of the activist and revolutionary Fred Hampton when he said, “You can kill a revolutionary, but you can never kill the revolution.” We want to not only remember Malcolm, but reflect on his teachings and his activism in light of the events in Ferguson, the struggle for black liberation, and discuss how the black lives matter movement can move forward.

In order to do this, the St. Louis Branch for the Socialist Alternative and Muslims for Ferguson have organized a panel discussion featuring scholars and activists who will share some insight into the intersections between Malcolm’s intellectual thought and activism and the Black Lives Matter movement. Currently, the panel features:

Dr. Stefan Bradley is currently director of the African American Studies Program and an associate professor in the Department of History and at Saint Louis University. Bradley received his Ph.D. in 20th Century US History with an Emphasis on the Black Experience from the University of Missouri-Columbia; an M.A. in the same from Washington State University; and, a B.A. in History from Gonzaga University. An educator at heart, Bradley’s life ambition is to personally teach/mentor/inspire the young people who change the world for the better.

Muhammed Malik is a movement leader originally from Miami, Florida. Co-Founder of “Muslims for Ferguson,” he has worked within various movements, for over 10 years, organizing for racial and economic justice.

Ashton Rome is an organizer with the Socialist Alternative branch in St. Louis. He has been actively involved in the #BlackLivesMatter movement and is organizing for the liberation of all people!

Dr. Sarah A. Lacy will serve as a moderator. She is an assistant professor of biological anthropology at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. Though her research interests are in the origins of health inequality, she is personally committed to reshaping the political landscape of the St Louis region through social and economic justice.

The panel is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 21st at Blank Space (2847 Cherokee St).