She Talked Too Long

When I expressed that I felt Ms. Shabazz's remarks were too long. Many people were offended by my statement. Needless to say they were Black, and mostly Muslim. Attalah Shabazz spoke at length about the legacy of her mother and father. Mostly that of her mother, being that she was so young when her father died. In some ways her life, resembled that of the King children. She took her time at the podium, to make that comparison. That would have been fine, had it not been a homegoing service for Coretta Scott King. Maybe she just got caught up in the moment. Since everyone else seemed to be speaking out of turn. Why not her; she thought. Not only did she speak out of context. She stayed at the podium too long. She said so much, I think she practiced her speech ahead of time. She had to time it, she read from a prepared speech.

After researching this issue further. I developed a soft spot for Attallah. Any young child would have an affection for their father. If their relationship with him, was a good one while he was there. She was old enough to remember seeing her father being shot down in cold blood. There are six Shabazz daughters, Attallah, Qubilah, Ilyasah, Gamilah, and twins Malikah and Malaak . Four of them watched their fathers brutal death. Betty Shabazz was pregnant with the twins, when Malcolm X was killed. I can imagine the Shabazz children feel as though they have been robbed. Their father died for a cause as well. Unfortunately for his wife and children, it was a different one.

If you're not sure about your spot,maybe you should change your position. I have noticed Black Muslims try and attach themselves to Christian causes. The Civil Rights Movement, was built on Christian principles. Malcolm may have left the Nation of Islam, but he didn't enter the kingdom. At least he didn't say so publicly. If he did, he didn't tell his family. As far as Martin Luther King and a Malcolm X relationship. They may have taken pictures together, and spoke to each other on occasion. That doesn't translate, to a having each others back though. Based on what I see. Both wives followed in their Husband's beliefs. One widow was provided a very good living. The other lived a life that seemed riddled with trouble. Much like their husbands when they were alive. Ms. Shabazz can talk all day long, it doesn't change the past.