Malcolm X legend comes alive in speech

Challenging the rain, about 70 students and faculty members descended on the Paul Robeson Cultural Center last night for the 8th Annual Malcolm X Lecture.

William Sales, head of African American Studies at Seton Hall University, spoke for about an hour regarding Malcolm X's ideologies, influence and role of his ideas in contemporary American society. Sales wanted to relay a historical context for Malcolm's relationship to the civil rights movement along with his role in the black nationalist movement.

"Malcolm is one of the most significant figures of the 20th century," Sales said.

He went on to explain Malcolm's relevance as an influential individual. Malcolm, Sales said, was a model of self-emancipation and social liberation. He was also a role model for black youth and an iconic figure in the resurgence of the black nationalist movement, Sales said.

In response to audience questions about the repeal of affirmative action and the oppressive political structure of the United States, Sales responded with a quote from Frederick Douglas: "Power concedes nothing without demand. It never has, it never will."

The injustices that Malcolm fought so adamantly against still confront us today, Sales said.

"In some sense, in terms of social change, we haven't gotten beyond 1965," Sales said. "It's time to resurrect the black radical movement."

The future leaders of the black nationalist movement will come from the most oppressed segment of society, black urban youth, Sales said. Although many of today's black youth lack a detailed knowledge of Malcolm X, their search for an escape from oppression is similar to Malcolm's, he said

"Could this generation be as daring as Malcolm? As daring as King?" Sales inquired.

Students had mixed reactions to Sales' lecture.

"Overall, I think it was good but he didn't go into depth enough. A lot of what he said, I already know," said Irene Forest (freshman-nursing).