File #: Res 0127-2004    Version: * Name: Declaring May 19th, 2004 as Malcolm X Day
Type: Resolution Status: Filed
Committee: Committee on Cultural Affairs, Libraries and International Intergroup Relations
On agenda: 2/26/2004
Enactment date: Law number:
Title: Resolution declaring May 19, 2004 as Malcolm X Day and recognizing the courage and activism of one of New York’s greatest heroes, El Hajj Malik El Shabazz.
Sponsors: Charles Barron, Maria Baez, Yvette D. Clarke, Leroy G. Comrie, Jr., Bill De Blasio, Helen D. Foster, Robert Jackson, Margarita Lopez, Miguel Martinez, Bill Perkins, Christine C. Quinn, Joel Rivera, James Sanders, Jr., Larry B. Seabrook, Kendall Stewart, Tracy L. Boyland, Hiram Monserrate
Council Member Sponsors: 17

Res. No. 127

Resolution declaring May 19, 2004 as Malcolm X Day and recognizing the courage and activism of one of New York’s greatest heroes, El Hajj Malik El Shabazz.

 

By Council Members Barron, Baez, Clarke, Comrie, DeBlasio, Foster, Jackson, Lopez, Martinez, Perkins, Quinn, Rivera, Sanders, Seabrook, Stewart, Boyland and Monserrate

 

Whereas, El Hajj Malik El Shabazz, otherwise known as Malcolm X, stands as one of New York’s greatest heroes and is a symbol of racial pride and moral principle for people of all races, religion and ethnic backgrounds; and

Whereas, Malcolm X was born in Omaha, Nebraska, son of Baptist preacher Earl Little and his wife Louise and overcame much adversity throughout his life; and 

Whereas, Malcolm X’s father was murdered for his political and social activism, resulting in his mother’s nervous breakdown, his ensuing placement in foster homes and reform schools and his eventual involvement in crime and arrest at the age of 20 for burglary; and

Whereas, The story of the rebirth of Malcolm X began when he used this time in prison to reflect upon his life and study the teachings of the Islamic faith; and

Whereas, Upon his release from prison, Malcolm became active in the Nation of Islam and rapidly became one of the country’s foremost leaders in the quest for equality and justice for African Americans; and

Whereas, Malcolm X’s views and understanding of the Islamic faith evolved over time, reaching its pinnacle during his 1964 trip to Mecca in Saudi Arabia when he became an orthodox Sunni Muslim, realizing that peoples of all colors are children of God; and

Whereas, Malcolm X took this new understanding back with him to the United States, where he became a champion for human rights, organizing and encouraging blacks to vote, promoting participation in the political system and calling for people of all colors and creeds to work together to end racial discrimination; and

Whereas, The story of Malcolm X’s life has left its mark on New York City and America, inspiring all people to work together and continue the struggle for justice and equality throughout the world; and

Whereas, Malcolm X proved to be a true fighter for the self determination of the oppressed, inspiring people of all creeds and colors to work towards a vision of a better world; and

Whereas, Based on his contributions to our country, it is important that New Yorkers reflect on his life and legacy; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York declares May 19, 2004 as Malcolm X Day and recognizes the courage and activism of one of New York’s greatest heroes, El Hajj Malik El Shabazz.