Happy Birthday, Malcolm X: Erykah Badu, Common and More Honor Him on Twitter
Malcolm X, an iconic Black nationalist and influential figure in hip-hop culture, would've been 93 years old today (May 19). Unfortunately, Malcolm X’s birthday is still not recognized as a national holiday in the U.S., but that didn’t stop rappers, singers and celebrities from honoring the late civil-rights icon on social media.
Artists such as Erykah Badu, Common, Chuck D, Boots Riley, Willie D, Jidenna and others went on Twitter to remember Malcolm X on his birthday. Most of them posted videos of Malcolm X delivering his fiery sermons to his congregation.
Common tweeted a Malcolm X quote that is so relevant today. He tweeted: 'If you're not careful, the newspapers will have you hating the people who are being oppressed, and loving the people who are doing the oppressing' - Malcolm X."
Rapper-turned-filmmaker Boots Riley, whose parents were active in the civil rights movement, posted a black-and-white photo of his father Walter Riley in a meeting with Malcolm X. "Here's a picture I saw for the first time yesterday with my father (Walter Riley, left), Malcolm X, and Floyd Mckissick. Durham, NC 1963," he wrote.
Athlete and activist Colin Kaepernick also gave a birthday salute to Malcolm X. Happy Birthday El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz, your spirit lives on!," he tweeted, referencing Malcolm's name change after he completed the Hajj and repudiating the Nation of Islam.
Happy Birthday, Malcolm X!
Check out the artists' tweets below.
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