[Pan African Celebrations]
This is a good month to celebrate El Hajj Malik El Shabazz Malcolm X and Sonny Abubadika Carson.
During the month of May, African people on the continent and in the Diaspora celebrate African Liberation Month. Black nationalist and Pan African leadership are honored for their tremendous contribution to our our struggle for self-determination.
In the United States, Malcolm X and Carson represent this loving, selfless commitment to the freedom of African people. These honorable men will be commemorated on the anniversary of their births May 19th and May 20th respectively.
On Sunday, May 19th the 25th annual Black Power – Shut Em’ Down march and rally will be held in Harlem. The march will assemble on the corner of 125th St and Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd in front of the Adam Clayton Powell Jr State Office Building at 12 PM.
“This year is critical for Africans in the United States and throughout the world,” says organizer, Omowale Clay of the December 12th Movement. “First, it is the 50th Anniversary of the founding of the Organization of African Unity/African Union. We must remember the important role Malcolm X played in taking our freedom struggle into the international arena and establishing political links with our brothers and sisters in Africa fighting for their liberation.
“For Africans in the United States the issue of self-determination and Pan Africanism must be put on top of our agenda. The collapse of U.S. economy and the deteriorating conditions in our communities in health, jobs, education, and housing, demand a conscious move toward self reliance now more than ever. The Black Power March is an example of Black peoples strength and control of politics and economics in our community. Every year for the past 25 years on May 19th we have demanded a ‘Commercial Moment of Silence’ and all stores on 125th St are shut down from 1pm to 4pm in honor of our national hero, Malcolm X.”
On Monday, May 20th the African Brotherhood for Self Determination – an outgrowth of the Black Men’s Movement founded by Sonny Abubadika Carson 27 years ago, will honor the legacy of Sonny Carson and Malcolm X. The African Brotherhood will hold a Cultural Celebration at Sistas’ Place at 456 Nostrand Ave in Brooklyn at 7 PM.
“Black people have a history of resisting racism and exploitation of our community since we were kidnapped and brought to this land over 400 years ago,” says spokesman Vernon Verdree. “Two leaders from our struggle, Malcolm X and Sonny Abubadika Carson have shown how Black men must stand up and represent our nation. We must understand that everything that happens inside of our communities must be controlled by Black people; this is the only way we can ever be free. Malcolm and Sonny practiced this on the local, national, and international level. We must look back and learn from our heroic freedom fighters. Conscious, committed, and disciplined Black men must fight for our Black nation – from hood to hood.”
The African Brotherhood for Self Determination’s Celebration will feature music by R&B sensation Blue Salim, culture, politics, reflections and refreshments.
For more information call (718) 398-1766.
