I find, in being black, a thing of beauty: a joy; a strength; a secret cup of gladness.
Ossie DavisRead
Here - at this final hour, Harlem has come to bid farewell to one of its brightest hopes - extinguished now, and gone from us forever.... Many will ask what Harlem finds to honor in this stormy, controversial and bold young captain - and we will smile. ...We will answer and say unto them, ‘Did you ever talk to Brother Malcolm? Did you ever really listen to him? ...For if you did you would know him. And if you knew him you would know why we must honor him.'
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects on the profound impact and legacy of Malcolm X, emphasizing the importance of understanding and listening to him.
In this tribute to Malcolm X, Ossie Davis captures the essence of the respect and admiration the Harlem community held for him. Despite his controversial life, Davis suggests that the true honor bestowed upon Malcolm comes from truly engaging with his thoughts, values, and struggles. The call to listen and understand emphasizes the depth of his character and the significance of his contributions to social justice.
Themes
Malcolm XHarlemLegacyHonorListening
In practice
Example use cases
A speaker at a memorial service honoring a social justice activist.
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