X: Malik el-Shabazz (2024)

I always loved Malcom (Malik el-Shabazz) even more so when my grandfather would tell me stories about my great grandmother Carrie and Great Grandmother Betty Little his cousin. It made me feel connected, committed, and obligated to serve and commit to fighting for Justice for Black People. I’d read about him, MLK, Nat Turner, Sojourner Truth, Harriet Tubman, Charles Drew, Ruby Bridges, Jackie Robinson, Benjamin O. Davis Jr. And Sr. Thurgood Marshall and others and hope to one day accomplish a small part in the fight like them. I waited to paint this.. I’ve wanted to for years now but I couldn’t figure out how I wanted to represent him on canvas. I initially sketched the famous image of him holding the rifle in the window.. but that didn’t feel right … then my mom found this image and I remembered why I loved this photo.. not only stylistically did it remind me of my grandfathers, it also portrayed a grace, brilliance, and strength that was also present in Malcolm’s work. I call it..X: