On my desk sits a picture of myself and the late Dr. Betty Shabazz. She also was known as Mrs. Malcolm X. I met her back in the early 90's. She came to my community to talk about Spike Lee's film, Malcolm X. Her speech was very insightful.
She talked about raising six kids by herself. Dr. Shabazz went back to school and earned her master's degree. The whole time she was distrusting of people because of her husband's assasination. She lost faith in mankind.
Dr. Shabazz couldn't believe how many people hated her spouse. She often heard comments like: "You're such a nice lady. Why did you marry him?" People never really understood her husband. Society viewed him as a "hate monger". People forget that Malcolm changed his ways. He saw the meaning behind true Islam and recognized that was "preached" to him was wrong. He made many trips overseas and discovered the truth for himself.
Unfortunately, it was too little too late. I think about her pain. I contemplate her struggles as a single parent. When I have a bad day, I turn and look at her photo. With everything she was put through and endured, Dr. Shabazz defied all odds. I think about her strength and realize I have no right to complain.
Posted By: Marsha Jones
Friday, December 18th 2009 at 10:04AM
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