Gurtej Singh Bhamra, Grade 11
UWCEA Moshi
Gurtej: Today ITV news welcomes civil rights leader, minister, and black nationalist Malcolm X. As-salamu Alaykum Mr. X,
Malcolm X: Wa-Alaikum-Salaam
Gurtej: What impact do you think you have had on the black man in America?
Malcolm X: Well, I am co-founder of the Organization of African American Unity (OAAU), a pan-African group that anyone can belong to whose mission is to preserve the rights of the black man in America. The OAAU has provided a platform and support where millions of black people can build a community that is not dependent on the white man, and that has also led to an uprising against the many injustices brought upon the black man today.
Gurtej: Yes certainly, and I think your fiery speeches have inspired millions of people, not just those who are black, but those of all colors, to stand up against racial injustice.
Malcolm X: Yes, no matter if you're black, white, brown, yellow, or anything else, I will be willing to work with you as long as you are genuinely trying to improve this miserable state this world is in, “by any means necessary”
Gurtej: By any means necessary?
Malcolm X: By any means necessary.
Gurtej: Could you please explain what you mean by that?
Malcolm X: If all others' means have been exhausted it is but rightful to fight back. If the sheep is tired of the wolf attacking him, and the sheep says I am going to do whatever I can to keep that wolf off my back, is the wolf the violent one, or is the sheep the violent one? This is simply a matter of defending oneself.
Gurtej: You have been to several African countries. I myself am born in Tanzania, and I am sure those listening would like to know how you found the East African nation.
Malcolm X: I visited Tanzania in October of 1964 during my trip to Africa. I stayed in Dar es Salaam and witnessed its pristine nature, modern development, and its vision for the future. Tanzania is a great ally to the racial struggle throughout the world. I also had the pleasure to meet president Nyerere, a very, very shrewd, intelligent, and disarming man, one worthy of leading his people.
Gurtej: Indeed, I am sure the Tanzanian viewers will be glad to hear that. I think you owe us another visit soon. My next question to you is regarding the fact that despite only attending school up to the 8th grade, you are regarded as one of the most intellectual people of the 20th century. When asked “what is your alma mater” you gave the one-word answer: “books”. How important is reading in your life?
Malcolm X: When I was in prison, the one thing that transformed me from a drug dealer, pimp, and petty thief was reading. From the moment I left the prison, in every spare moment I had I would read. Be it philosophers like Kant and Spinoza, greats like Shakespeare, or activists like Marcus Garvey, I read it all. Though I was imprisoned, I never felt so truly free in my life.
Gurtej: Yes, on the other hand, what are your most used apps on your phone?
Malcolm X: I think it would probably be the kindle, haha! I try to soak up as much news as I can through various outlets, and after that, it would be the phone and messaging apps I use the most.
Gurtej: Sure. In 1992, Spike Lee directed a movie based on your autobiography, with Denzel Washington acting as you. What did you think of the film?
Malcolm X: Why it was truly an honor and a privilege. Denzel played me so well; at times, I felt I was truly watching myself. Certainly, he nailed my novice Arabic accent.
I was happy to see the movie released. If it can expose any truth to the racism that has plagued America that it has truly succeeded, and from what I’m hearing, it's a true hit.
All of the credit is due to Allah. Only the mistakes have been mine.
Gurtej: Thank you, Mr. X. It is evident that you are a man of great conviction and our conversation has encouraged me even further to speak up for myself and not waver in my own beliefs. So, I thank you for providing your service and sharing your views with us today.
Malcolm X: My pleasure, thank you.
Malcolm X: Wa-Alaikum-Salaam
Gurtej: What impact do you think you have had on the black man in America?
Malcolm X: Well, I am co-founder of the Organization of African American Unity (OAAU), a pan-African group that anyone can belong to whose mission is to preserve the rights of the black man in America. The OAAU has provided a platform and support where millions of black people can build a community that is not dependent on the white man, and that has also led to an uprising against the many injustices brought upon the black man today.
Gurtej: Yes certainly, and I think your fiery speeches have inspired millions of people, not just those who are black, but those of all colors, to stand up against racial injustice.
Malcolm X: Yes, no matter if you're black, white, brown, yellow, or anything else, I will be willing to work with you as long as you are genuinely trying to improve this miserable state this world is in, “by any means necessary”
Gurtej: By any means necessary?
Malcolm X: By any means necessary.
Gurtej: Could you please explain what you mean by that?
Malcolm X: If all others' means have been exhausted it is but rightful to fight back. If the sheep is tired of the wolf attacking him, and the sheep says I am going to do whatever I can to keep that wolf off my back, is the wolf the violent one, or is the sheep the violent one? This is simply a matter of defending oneself.
Gurtej: You have been to several African countries. I myself am born in Tanzania, and I am sure those listening would like to know how you found the East African nation.
Malcolm X: I visited Tanzania in October of 1964 during my trip to Africa. I stayed in Dar es Salaam and witnessed its pristine nature, modern development, and its vision for the future. Tanzania is a great ally to the racial struggle throughout the world. I also had the pleasure to meet president Nyerere, a very, very shrewd, intelligent, and disarming man, one worthy of leading his people.
Gurtej: Indeed, I am sure the Tanzanian viewers will be glad to hear that. I think you owe us another visit soon. My next question to you is regarding the fact that despite only attending school up to the 8th grade, you are regarded as one of the most intellectual people of the 20th century. When asked “what is your alma mater” you gave the one-word answer: “books”. How important is reading in your life?
Malcolm X: When I was in prison, the one thing that transformed me from a drug dealer, pimp, and petty thief was reading. From the moment I left the prison, in every spare moment I had I would read. Be it philosophers like Kant and Spinoza, greats like Shakespeare, or activists like Marcus Garvey, I read it all. Though I was imprisoned, I never felt so truly free in my life.
Gurtej: Yes, on the other hand, what are your most used apps on your phone?
Malcolm X: I think it would probably be the kindle, haha! I try to soak up as much news as I can through various outlets, and after that, it would be the phone and messaging apps I use the most.
Gurtej: Sure. In 1992, Spike Lee directed a movie based on your autobiography, with Denzel Washington acting as you. What did you think of the film?
Malcolm X: Why it was truly an honor and a privilege. Denzel played me so well; at times, I felt I was truly watching myself. Certainly, he nailed my novice Arabic accent.
I was happy to see the movie released. If it can expose any truth to the racism that has plagued America that it has truly succeeded, and from what I’m hearing, it's a true hit.
All of the credit is due to Allah. Only the mistakes have been mine.
Gurtej: Thank you, Mr. X. It is evident that you are a man of great conviction and our conversation has encouraged me even further to speak up for myself and not waver in my own beliefs. So, I thank you for providing your service and sharing your views with us today.
Malcolm X: My pleasure, thank you.
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