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

CIVIL RIGHTS PIONEER FRED SHUTTLESWORTH DIES AT 89

(Mobile, AL) October 5--LONG BEFORE THERE WAS "KING", THERE WAS SHUTTLESWORTH! 
I remember meeting and interviewing Mr. Fred Shuttlesworth in Birmingham, Alabama in 1998. My photographer Stephanie Brooks and I were in total awe. He left the City of Mobile as a mechanic and truck driver many years ago for the City of Birmingham.  He would later become an iconic figure during the Civil Rights movement, but wasn't truly appreciated until the latter years. The "lessons learned" and the sacrifices he made during that time made it possible for me and so many others. We're standing on some "giant shoulders" and we have Fred Shuttlesworth to thank for "paving the way".

Civil Rights Pioneer Fred Shuttlesworth   Photo taken By Stephanie Youngblood



Stephanie Youngblood He hugged me. Kissed me on both cheeks and said , "Now THAT'S equality!"