CAIR-Chicago Celebrates Malcolm X Day

At CAIR-Chicago, Malcolm X’s legacy continues to inspire the founding principles of our daily work as we celebrate May 19, his birthday.

Malcolm X, or El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz remains one of the most influential voices in the fight for Black Liberation and human dignity. He fought for liberation worldwide, and has been since dubbed a hero who fought on the frontlines of the civil rights movement of the 1960’s.

Today his words still ring true as the Black American community and many other racial/ethnic minorities face a new rise of white supremacy, prompted by hateful rhetoric from government officials at all levels including President Donald Trump, Congressman Randy Fine, and local Chicago officials such as Alderman Raymond Lopez, all of whom frequently fear monger and spread both anti-Muslim and anti-Black sentiment. In addition to the mainstream media narratives of Muslims and Black people that Malcolm was known to critique heavily throughout his life.

Malcolm X’s life reminds us that justice is not given. It is fought for, defended, and sustained through everyday struggle, sacrifice, and perseverance.
At CAIR-Chicago, we remain committed to carrying forward his legacy by defending civil liberties, empowering communities, and challenging injustice wherever it arises.