Malcolm X and SNCC

[Charles Brown]

I want to go on record
as a Black LBOer who posted
in support of Malcolm X as
a role model for Black rebels
transforming into revolutionaries.
Malcolm covered a long
political trek from self-described
criminal ( See _Autobio of Malcolm
X_) to progressive and
almost socialist leader and
spokesperson for millions.
If five gangster rappers could
follow a similar arc, this be
have a lot of impact on
the struggle.

Charles Brown

All Power to the People


>>> <Apsken at aol.com> 01/05 8:36 AM >>>

     Art McGee wrote: "This is self-evident to most Black people, and it's
fascinating to me watching 'white' intellectuals try to debate the obvious, or
make claims as to what they thought Malcolm was about, or whose 'friend' he
was.

     "In the end, the only people with the real say are those who he had the
most influence over, Black people, and they frankly don't care anymore what
most 'white' Leftists have to say."

    KL: From whom would you prefer white activists should draw lessons? If you
don't care, why is it fascinating to watch? Why waste time reading and posting
to this list?

    Art: "You can put out a resounding resolution from every 'white' Left and
Socialist organization saying 'Malcolm Did Shameful Things!', and all the
Black people would send back a response that said 'Fuck You!'."

     KL: In the LBO debate, the main attacks on Malcolm X, and accusations of
shame, have come from one who proclaims himself to be a Black intellectual;
the support for Malcolm, from some who are white. That is the reverse of what
you described. How do you account for that odd result?

     For what it may be worth, my personal guess is that people participate in
these exchanges for one of two reasons. Those who build careers based on
scholarship dedicated to discrediting the left and soothing liberals monitor
this forum for grist. Those who advocate the revolutionary overthrow of
capitalism hope to broaden their understanding, and increase their bonds with
others who share that aim. (The sad exception are those habituated to
permanent Left Opposition postures. For them, potshots take precedence over
progress any day.)

 
Ken Lawrence