Malcolm X Daughter Speaks on the 'African Holocaust'
Daughter of Malcolm X and civil rights activist Ilyasah Shabazz recognized Juneteenth in New York City with a speech raising awareness of the African Holocaust.
"Most times, people don't want to talk about it. One is often restless or termed a racist just for having compassion for the African experience, for speaking truth to the trans-Atlantic and Arab slave trades, for speaking truth to the significant omission of our history," Shabazz said. "We don't want to sit down and listen to these things, or to discuss them. But we have to."
Shabazz spoke at a 17th century African burial ground in commemoration of June 19, the day slaves in Texas first found out about their freedom.
Shabazz urged listeners to always remember the history of the slaves and to continue the legacy of freedom. "As we share in a discussion of civil rights, we must reflect on their sacrifices and contributions of their lives," Shabazz said. "The struggle is not over. The struggle continues."
However, Shabazz included that Black history does not begin with slavery but comes from centuries of ruling great empires.
Juneteenth is recognized as a state holiday in 43 states, and cities all across America commemorate the day in some way.
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(Photo: PNP/WENN)