By Any Means Necessary, Local Groups Celebrate the Legacy of Malcolm X with Annual Event
“The future belongs to those who prepare for it today.” ~ Malcolm X
Local group, Friends of Malcolm X ROC is continuing the legacy of Malcolm X - minister and leader in the civil rights movement and supporter of Black nationalism- with the second Annual Malcolm X Weekend event.
The event takes place Friday, May 19 and Saturday, May 20, 2023 at 803 West Avenue, Rochester, NY 14611.
The Friends of Malcolm ROC, include local groups Community Justice Initiative (CJI), the Greater Rochester NY Black Agenda Group, Mission of H.O.P.E., Nation of Islam and Build Educate Rise and Restore (B.E.R.R.).
The groups say Malcolm X’s legacy is one that should be celebrated. Friends of Malcolm X Roc is a group of individuals dedicated to uplifting the Legacy of Malcolm X here in Rochester, NY.
The theme for this year’s event is Nation-Building, the "empowering all facets of black life. Education, Economics, Politics, Purpose, Spirituality, Civics and more," says CJI member Craig Carson.
Malcolm X was born Malcolm Little in 1925, in Omaha, Nebraska. In 1964, he made a pilgrimage to Mecca and changed his name to el-Hajj Malik el-Shabazz. On February 21, 1965, Malcolm was assassinated by three gunmen at an Organization of Afro-American Unity rally in the Audubon Ballroom in New York City, according to history.com.
“The Legacy of Malcolm is powerful and must be celebrated as it gives life and purpose to black communities throughout the world. Celebrating him (Malcolm X) recognizes the best in who we are as Black and AFRIKAN people,” says the group. "All problems we experience can be dealt with through Malcolm's beliefs and actions."
This year will be a two day celebration with three events.
The first day, May 19 is a day of Scholarism from 6 p.m. - 9 p.m., which "will highlight the historical perspective on Malcolm X." It will feature a panel discussion surrounding the three eras of Malcolm.
Day two will be the Malcolm X Marketplace, which Carson says puts into practice Malcolm's belief of Cooperative Economics. Organizers say he believed it was "a crucial part of building a nation". The marketplace will host a wide range of vendors from clothing, art, books, gifts and much more.
On the second day from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., participants can learn about firearms from Rochester African-American Firearms Association and the Law Office of Craig D. Carson. There is also the Malcolm Art Xpressions, that will highlight performative art including rappers, poets, singers, storytellers and more from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Event organizers are seeking about 40 vendors for the Malcolm X Family Festival on Saturday, May 20, from 11:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. The vendor fee is $20 for youth vendors, $35 for adult vendors, and $65 for Food vendors. Those interested in being a vendor can register by sending an email about your business and pictures of products.
Those interested in vending or any additional information, can contact malcolmxfestivalroc@gmail.com or by calling (585)355-7884.
