Remembering Malcolm X 50 Years After His Assassination

A Look Back at the Charasmatic and Controversial Leader

CBS NEWS |  February 21, 2014

New York, New York--"By any means necessary!" Four words that put a huge divide among a people during one of the most turbulent times in American history, the Civil Rights Movement.

For so long as a child growing up in the late 70's, I was intrigued by the two messages for equality that were anything but equal.  Martin Luther King Jr's message of non violence, while Malcolm X who also wanted to see the injustices eliminated sought "equality "by any means necessary!"

Two foot soldiers in the war for "civil rights," but with two different approaches.   One leading a nation of "black and white standing in solidarity.  The other leading a "nation of Islam" standing in defiance.

50 years after Malcolm's assassination and MLK's historic walk across the Emund Pettus Bridge, I have truly discovered there was room for both.  Press play and watch Malcom X's daughter Attallah Shabazzz as she clarifies and defines her father's place in history as a charismatic, but controversial leader.


CLICK HERE TO SEE CBS CORRESPONDENT VLADIMIR DUTHIERS' REPORT
REMEMBERING MALCOLM X