Ilyasah Shabazz, daughter of Malcolm X, one of the symbols of the fight against racism in the US, said that many young people saw her father as a role model and that the legacy of the legendary leader was still important.
Malcolm X’s daughter Ilyasah Shabazz, who is in Turkey as part of the project “Figures Inspiring the Youth”, spoke about Malcolm X and his impact on Islam in America during a conference organized at our İzmir Regional Directorate. Noting that Malcolm X was the most loved Muslim American in history, Shabazz indicated that her father served for Allah wholeheartedly, saying:
"He was vibrant, merciful and sincere. He was an icon but he was also a fellow human being. He was a humanist. He was a man who was devoted to the welfare of human beings. He believed that all human beings should be respected as such. His desire was only to serve others. He continued to make efforts in the path to freedom."
Underlining that Malcolm X fought against racism in the US when he was young, Shabazz said, "Oppression is something that restrains the development of both the oppressor and the oppressed. Racism prevented the US from reaching its potential. Malcolm X had the vision of renovating the world through peace. The greatest gift he gave us was that incredible lesson of faith. He believed in Allah with all his life. He served for him unconditionally.”
Shabazz replied the questions of the audience following her address.
One of the participants asked, "It’s been 55 years since the passing of Malcolm X. Is his legacy still important today?"Shabaz replied as follows: "His legacy is still important. Many young people find their role model in Malcolm.”
One of the participants asked, "Why haven’t we still managed to solve some issues in the fight against racism?” and Shabazz replied, “We are divided. We need to see what we can achieve when we are together. We cannot do it alone. We need to look at the things that divide us as well as the common humanitarian values. We need to look at the unity of the God. “
Shabazz was presented with a plaque and a bunch of flowers at the end of the conference.
