Malcom  X filmavond

The Malcolm X movie night was organized by ASAH and the Iqra (the Islamic student association). The two target groups of both student associations were personified in Malcolm X. A movie night committee was formed with representatives of ASAH and Iqra. This committee had the task of organizing the movie night. The cooperation went smoothly as the result also shows.

During the movie night on January 28, 2009, the in 1972 Oscar-nominated documentary Malcolm X was shown. Images of the speeches of Malcolm X and his television performances were masterfully put together in this film, allowing the viewer to become familiar with his thoughts. The general picture that many people have of Malcolm X is that he preached violence. This in contrast to Martin Luther King, the most famous person from the civil rights movement. The documentary gives a more nuanced picture of Malxolm X.

He has entered history as the "revolutionary, radical leader of black Muslims in America”.  In life he was an important and strong personality, who raise himself up as a voice for the oppressed black men and women. For a long time he was a follower of Islam as it was then preached by his spiritual father, Elijah Muhammad. Under that Islam the white man was 'the devil'.

The movement of Elijah Muhammad, the Nation of Islam grew out to a large and respected organization with Malcolm X as a national spokesperson. The media accused Malcolm and the Black Muslims he represented , of sowing hatred and divisiveness.

After a break with the Black Muslims, Malcolm goes on a pilgrimage to Mecca in 1964 on advice of the Sunni Muslim professor Dr. Shawarbi. It is a journey that put a lasting impression on Malcolm. He discovers that Islam is a religion of people with very different ethnic backgrounds and draws this conclusion in his picture of society as a whole.

On February 21, 1965 at the age of 39 years, Malcolm X is shot to death. After nearly a half hour of listening to fiery speeches, the audience was taken to the mourning period after his death. There was a great applause for a great man at the end of the film.

The film has inspired the audience and provided a fruitful discussion session afterwards. This discussion was led by Issac Weldensei, links were established between African-Americans and Muslims, past and present and the link between the life of Malcolm X and present day realities. Today, Malcolm X remains a great inspiration to the oppressed around the world where his ideas still live on.

Lilian Ejiofor

PR-Officer 2008-2009