When Malcolm X graced Harlem's streets, ordinary people viewed him as their hero.
To Yuri Kochiyama, an 86-year-old Japanese-American activist, Malcolm's bold dignity, his immeasurable stature freed a people from psychological slavery and reiterated that blackness was indeed worthy of praise.
Kochiyama's recollection of Malcolm is linked to other distinguished memories of the great leader. Narrators' love, passion and truth bring Malcolm's freedom-fighting legacy to light.
Who could ever forget the late actor Ossie Davis' touching eulogy delivered at Malcolm's funeral on February 27, 1965. As Davis eloquently said, "Malcolm was our manhood, our living, black manhood! ...We will know him then for what he was and is - a Prince - our own black shining Prince! - who didn't hesitate to die, because he loved us so."
Legendary civil rights activist, Dorothy Height, also gave a vivid description of Malcolm in her 2003 memoir "Open Wide The Freedom Gates". She wrote, "Malcolm was a very complex person. He cared deeply about his people and the injustices heaped upon them, and he told hard truths in a strong voice. But he was also very gentle and kind. I wish that many who quote him or his teachings knew the man I had the privilege to know."
Height and Davis were blessed with opportunities to be in Malcolm's presence. But, Kochiyama's reflection of Malcolm is the reason I wrote this blog post.
Kochiyama's recollection of Malcolm is linked to other distinguished memories of the great leader. Narrators' love, passion and truth bring Malcolm's freedom-fighting legacy to light.
Who could ever forget the late actor Ossie Davis' touching eulogy delivered at Malcolm's funeral on February 27, 1965. As Davis eloquently said, "Malcolm was our manhood, our living, black manhood! ...We will know him then for what he was and is - a Prince - our own black shining Prince! - who didn't hesitate to die, because he loved us so."
Legendary civil rights activist, Dorothy Height, also gave a vivid description of Malcolm in her 2003 memoir "Open Wide The Freedom Gates". She wrote, "Malcolm was a very complex person. He cared deeply about his people and the injustices heaped upon them, and he told hard truths in a strong voice. But he was also very gentle and kind. I wish that many who quote him or his teachings knew the man I had the privilege to know."
Height and Davis were blessed with opportunities to be in Malcolm's presence. But, Kochiyama's reflection of Malcolm is the reason I wrote this blog post.
Yuri Kochiyama recounted her bond with Malcolm X in a 2004 memoir "Passing It On". Most remember Kochiyama as the woman who graciously held Malcolm's head after he was assassinated at New York's Audubon Ballroom on February 21, 1965.
However, Kochiyama's support of Malcolm extends beyond death.
However, Kochiyama's support of Malcolm extends beyond death.
In chapter six of her memoir, she recalled Malcolm visiting her home in Harlem. The visit was a result of inquiry from three Hiroshima ("atomic bomb survivors") Nagasaki World Peace Study Mission writers. In response to their wanting to meet Malcolm, Kochiyama wrote (more than once), inviting him to a reception at her home. After receiving no response from Malcolm, Kochiyama anticipated no appearance. The day of the reception, there was a knock at Kochiyama's door. It was Malcolm.
Everyone relished being in his presence. As Kochiyama described, he walked about her crowded apartment greeting people and shaking hands. Also, Malcolm expressed his thoughts on international and national issues. He said the U.S. had been hit by an atomic bomb of racism, and Malcolm spoke of the colonization of "almost all of Asia" and Africa.
After Malcolm's appearance at Kochiyama's social gathering, the two remained in contact.
As he traveled abroad, Malcolm wrote Kochiyama brief notes on post cards. It is his fond correspondence with her that makes "Passing It On" a must read.
Kochiyama's reflections of Malcolm X are vivid. In prior editorials and essays after his assassination, she characterized him as a "North Star" that guided all people. During one, she noted, "Though vilified by the establishment and press, Malcolm challenged and exposed the immorality of the power structure; the illusion of the constitution and duplicity of the system; the impiety of the Christian conscience; the hypocrisy of the American dream; the misconceptions of the American way of life; the deviating tactics of the mass news media; and the hatefulness of racism."
Kochiyama has shared her Malcolm X memories countless times, during commemorations and anniversaries, which celebrate the leader's life. When she speaks, Kochiyama's voice reveals the passion, dignity, respect and love she has for Malcolm.
Thus, the moment of her holding a dead Malcolm is historic and illustrates a phenomenal bond.
Everyone relished being in his presence. As Kochiyama described, he walked about her crowded apartment greeting people and shaking hands. Also, Malcolm expressed his thoughts on international and national issues. He said the U.S. had been hit by an atomic bomb of racism, and Malcolm spoke of the colonization of "almost all of Asia" and Africa.
After Malcolm's appearance at Kochiyama's social gathering, the two remained in contact.
As he traveled abroad, Malcolm wrote Kochiyama brief notes on post cards. It is his fond correspondence with her that makes "Passing It On" a must read.
Kochiyama's reflections of Malcolm X are vivid. In prior editorials and essays after his assassination, she characterized him as a "North Star" that guided all people. During one, she noted, "Though vilified by the establishment and press, Malcolm challenged and exposed the immorality of the power structure; the illusion of the constitution and duplicity of the system; the impiety of the Christian conscience; the hypocrisy of the American dream; the misconceptions of the American way of life; the deviating tactics of the mass news media; and the hatefulness of racism."
Kochiyama has shared her Malcolm X memories countless times, during commemorations and anniversaries, which celebrate the leader's life. When she speaks, Kochiyama's voice reveals the passion, dignity, respect and love she has for Malcolm.
Thus, the moment of her holding a dead Malcolm is historic and illustrates a phenomenal bond.
Salaam,
E. Tanille
Listen to Tavis Smiley's interview with Yuri Kochiyama: Yuri Kochiyama: 'Passing It On'
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