Malcolm X

“A man who stands for nothing
Will fall for anything,”¹
Said El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz,
The man known as Malcolm X.

He was a minister, activist, leader 
And so much more than mere roles.
He was a passionate person- 
Fighting for his people’s souls.

It’s his vague title heard often:
‘A popular figure of the civil rights movement’-
Though criticized for controversy,
For resolute advocacy and identity’s improvement.

His is an unfinished story, biased by time,
A tree’s growth cut abruptly short.
He rose through struggles and the sentence of crime,
Through 12 years, giving betrayed support. 

Malcolm X found his own voice in 1964,²
Separating from The Nation Of Islam.
He found his true faith overseas in Hajj, 
A true Muslim, to the world newly saying Salam (‘peace’).

“Now I think with my own mind, sir!”¹
Upon seeing humanity’s brotherhood abroad.
People of all races “displaying a spirit of unity”- 
Praying together to the same God. 

Returning with optimism for peace, 
With a new name and the message of his own.
But assassinated for his epiphany,
Before his transformation’s truths could be widely known. 

A 39-year old inspiration,²
To the cause, his life submit.
He was a man who stood for something
And he fell standing up for it.

⁽¹⁾  https://www.malcolmx.com/quotes/
⁽²⁾  https://malcolmxlegacy.com/pages/about-malcolm