14. The Speeches of Malcolm X at Harvard

In this episode Black History Educator Brittany Wilkins discusses Malcolm X speech  The African Revolution and it’s impact on the American Negro at Harvard University on December 16, 1964.

Transcript

"I believe in the brotherhood of man, all men, but I don't believe in brotherhood with anybody who doesn't want brotherhood with me. I believe in treating people right, but I'm not going to waste my time trying to treat somebody right who doesn't know how to return the treatment."

You are tuned into episode 14 of The Coin: Black History on the Other Side. In today's show we discuss the influential leadership of Malcolm X. On this day December 16, 1964 the human rights activist gave his third and final speech at Harvard University Law School Forum While there have been many books that have educated us on Malcolm X ‘s life journey. The Speeches of Malcolm X written by Archie Epps provides us in depth analysis on his message. What made Minister Malcolm X a great orator is not what he said, but the way he said it in painting a picture on the struggle for freedom for the African American race of where we are today, using imagery, metaphors, and poetic rhetoric, and news media. His vision brought to fruition a hope that one day African-Americans would not only attain civil rights but human rights as well.

At the Harvard Law School Forum he spoke on the topic The African Revolution and Its Impact on the American Negro. The context of his message was centered around this point When we let ourselves be influenced by images created by others, you will find often times that the one who creates those images can use those use those images to  mislead you & misuse you. 

During the 60's era many were under the  belief that Afro Americans couldn't identify with Africa before 1959. This was due to the fact that the image of Africa was created for us. As Africans were in no position to create & project their own image of themselves. 

European colonialism created the image of Africa as a jungle, wild place, people were painted as naked savage cannibals. Afro Americans refused to identify with Africa. In hating Africa the Africans were essentially hating themselves or ourselves.  Mr. X stated “You cannot hate the roots of a tree and not hate the tree itself. “

Minister Malcolm made it a point to emphasize that Afro Americans attitude cannot be disconnected from the attitude of the African. We are One with the same mind and heart. The only thing that separates us is the Atlantic ocean and 400+ years of oppression. It when our people receive a new image of Africa they are automatically united through image of themselves. 

There are more in depth layers to this speech. This particular portion of the speech resonated with me the most as it is the core theme of this podcast and why I do what I do is change the culture by re-shaping the narrative of how Afro Americans have been portrayed in the history books, documentaries, and media about who we are as a race. 

Malcom X legacy has stood the test of time. I believe what made him influential leader in the 60's until today that his message was timeless. This speech is a relevant today as it was back in the 60's. 

How many of us Afro Americans today identify with Africa? How many of us know our history before the slave trade? In this generation how has the media shaped our perception of Africa? 

I will never forget when I was in junior high we had a substitute teacher born and raised in Africa who had relocated to the United States to become an educator. Professor Oder introduced himself to the class and mentioned he was from Africa. I remember raising my hand asking professor Oder if they had a cars in Africa? He chuckled and then replied of course we do. Before coming to know thyself and my history I was under the impression Africa was a continent of tribal people with no modernization.  During a conversation with my father I was discussing returning home to Africa. He said why do you want to go to Africa? Africa is poor. He then went on to reference what he seen about Africa in the news. Our perception of who we are cannot become jaded by what we see in the news. 

Malcolm message through his speech at Harvard was to promote a sense of racial pride and love within one’s own culture not influenced by external factors. In reading this book I learned that Malcolm X parents were members of the UNIA(United Negro Improvement Association)founded by Marcus Garvey.  For those listening who are unfamiliar with Marcus Garvey, please tune into Episode 12 Marcus Garvey and the Vision of Africa. Becoming a student of history you begin to learn and observe how  leaders from generation to generation are influenced  by each other’s vision. You cannot hate the roots of a tree without hating the tree itself. This quote draws similar parallels to Marcus Garvey on people without knowledge of their history is like a tree without roots. The whole African revolution and redemption preached by Malcolm in his speech was the lifelong mission of Marcus Garvey in fighting for liberation at home and abroad. 

While many may view December 16 as just another date and Malcolm giving another speech. This speech was significant 

1. He was building the racial esteem and cultural pride of the black race that Africa is much more than a poverty stricken underdeveloped country full of savages. 
2. He leading us to come together and not be divided by narratives and motives that have been used for 400 plus years to separate from our homeland. Becoming consciously aware of what is portrayed about us and why.
3. He awaken the minds to boarded the scope of our plight from civil rights to human rights. We can all be equal and have a seat at the table, but still not be valued as a human being. 

I encourage all of you listening today to read the speeches of Malcolm X at Harvard University as what I shared today is only a snippet.  The book was more than just about his life but his message and the method behind his message.  In closing today’s show I leave you with this quote by Les Brown Never alone someone’s opinion or narrative about you become your reality. To know thy self ,one must seek the truth for themselves. It begins within.