Decades since, hidden truths now to be unveiled. Sixty years have passed since the tragic assassination of Malcolm X on February 21, 1965, in the bustling streets of New York City. Attorney Ben Crump, serving as the legal representative for Malcolm X’s bereaved family, is set to conduct a press conference on Friday morning, urging for the declassification of pivotal documents related to the case. Malcolm X, a formidable figure as a spokesperson for the Nation of Islam, famously championed the cause for Black empowerment, exclaiming the imperative for individuals to secure their civil rights “by any means necessary.” Towards the twilight of his life, a schism emerged between him and the organization, as he pivoted towards advocating for racial harmony, drawing the ire of certain factions. The esteemed civil rights activist was just 39 years old when his life was cut short, a victim of a fatal shooting as he readied himself to deliver an impassioned speech at the iconic Audubon Ballroom in Upper Manhattan. Subsequently, three individuals were found guilty of his murder and were meted out life sentences. Mujahid Abdul Halim, known by the aliases Talmadge Hayer and Thomas Hagan, confessed to pulling the trigger in the assassination, absolving the other two suspects – Muhammad Aziz and Khalil Islam – of involvement. In a significant turn of events in 2021, Aziz and Islam were exonerated. Aziz, who had languished in incarceration for two decades, was finally released, albeit Islam had already passed away before his name could be posthumously cleared. Eventually, substantial settlements totaling $36 million were awarded to the men and their families as a form of redress for the wrongful convictions. Last November, a lawsuit was filed by Crump on behalf of Malcolm X’s family, leveling accusations against the New York City Police Department and federal authorities of being complicit in a conspiracy to orchestrate the assassination. The lawsuit contended that despite being aware of the impending threats to Malcolm X’s life, the FBI had failed in their duty to safeguard him, even exacerbating his vulnerability by detaining his security detail mere days prior to the fatal incident. Allegations also maintained that the government had neglected to intervene both in the lead-up to the shooting and at the scene itself, with purported claims of active encouragement of the assassination and subsequent attempts to conceal the truth. Both the NYPD and FBI demurred from providing comments on the ongoing lawsuit, with the New York City Law Department confirming that the case was under review. To honor the memory of the iconic leader and those individuals who continue to espouse his unwavering commitment to social equity, the Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial and Educational Center in Washington Heights is organizing a commemorative event on Friday. Amidst other pressing headlines, concerns have been raised regarding potential budget cuts affecting the health programs for the first responders of 9/11, while acclaimed astrophys
