Muslim leader and human rights leader Malcolm X was an unwavering advocate for Black empowerment throughout his adult life. His posthumous autobiography, written by Alex Haley, and published after X’s assassination in 1965, was used as the basis for director Spike Lee’s 1992 film “Malcolm X” starring Denzel Washington.
Since the early 90s, the annual “Malcolm X Festival” in Atlanta’s West End Park has sought to honor the civil rights icon around the time of his birthday, which was May 19.
This year the 32nd annual festival takes place May 20-21 from 12 pm- 8 pm. In this interview, “City Lights” host Lois Reitez speaks with Watani Tyehimba, founder of the Malcolm X Festival, about the event.
“It’s a grassroots festival, we’re not sponsored by anyone, the community comes out they enjoy participating with each other, sharing in the experience, just basically having a great time,” says Tyehimba.
The 32nd annual festival is May 20 and 21 at West End Park and more information is available here.
