Kevin Sandoval
May 14, 2023
Detroit Red to El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz
The picture above shows Malcolm X kneeling down in prayer in front of the Muhammed
Ali Mosque in Cairo, Egypt. The picture was captured in August/September of 1964 after
Malcolm X’s pilgrimage to Mecca. During the time the photo was taken Malcolm X was traveling
to different Muslim countries. While he had several engagements and meetings lined up, he
also took the trip to broaden his perspective on racial injustice and deepen his faith. This trip
was extremely significant as it symbolized his personal and spiritual evolution. He aimed for this
trip to broaden his perspective and knowledge of racial injustice and human rights activism.
Apart from his personal evolution it is vital to note that there were several important historical
events happening during this time. For example, back in the United States racial tensions were
at an all time high as the Civil Rights Movement was taking place. Additionally, tensions
between the Soviet Union and the U.S. were also high as the Cold War continued. Lastly, lots of
countries, such as Kenya and Nigeria, were gaining their independence from colonial powers,
further changing the global climate.
The image is powerful as it displays the complexities of Malcolm X as an ever evolving
human. Politically, this image emphasizes Malcolm’s X commitment to achieve peace, human
rights, and racial justice. The background of the photo clearly shows Malcolm X in front of a
Mosque in Cairo. This displays how he knew the fight for civil rights spanned far beyond the
United States. He strived to connect countries in solidarity. Culturally, the picture being in front
of the Mosque shows Malcolm X’s commitment to the development and exploration of his faith.
As previously stated, he had evolved a lot from his Detroit Red and Satan origins. His embrace
for his faith allowed his messaging to be a lot more inclusive. Spiritually the picture emphasizes
his commitment to prayer and his own ideology shift; from any means necessary to a peaceful
fight.
As previously mentioned Malcolm X attempted to unite people in order to achieve peace.
He understood that even though they were geographically separated, they faced common
issues. In his autobiography, Malcolm X states, “many of our problems are identical with those
faced by oppressed people all over the world.” Malcolm X knew that the world was full of
oppressed people- “Everywhere I go, I’m not representing Harlem or the Negro community. I’m
representing oppressed people everywhere.” For this reason, he aimed to activate communities
in order to create solidarity. Malcolm X writes, “I made the people who I knew were watching
understand that our problem wasn’t a Negro problem, or an American problem, but a human
problem. A problem for humanity.” Malcolm X was not content with limiting his fight in the United
States. He understood that there are oppressed people all over the world and that if we all
united for our common interest- we would be unstoppable.
When we compare this to his criminal beginnings we can see his immense growth as a
person. The image shows him kneeling in prayer- an insanely vulnerable position, yet he is at
peace and through this action he is fighting. This image allows others to unite with him and fight
in a non-violent way. His evolution transcended many of his beliefs. For example, he used to be
extremely critical of schools and education. In the beginning, he believed it was a form of
assimilation. However, as he deepened his knowledge he thought of education as a weapon for
minorities. It was a way to progress and break generational chains. Malcolm X states, “without,
education you’re not going anywhere in this world.” Similarly, he writes “ Education is our
passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today.” Throughout
his life Malcolm X never stopped learning. It was during the trip where the picture was taking
that he was looking to expand his knowledge. The photo holds immense value as we are
looking at a man in the midst of his personal evolution, paradigm shifts in ideologies, and search
for global engagement. We are looking at his search to be more inclusive and an
interconnectedness of several global social issues.
In conclusion, this photo truly embodies the phrase a picture is worth a thousand words.
Although silent and kneeled this photo screams. Without speaking Malcolm X is spreading a
powerful message of evolution and peaceful protest. It exhibits the complexities of a human and
how layered we are. Malcolm Little evolved and transformed into El-Haj Malik El-Shabazz. His
transformation and growth of his faith didn’t limit his reach, if anything it made his reach and
efforts more expansive. Although the image appears solemn, it represents hope as it shows a
man can fight without being violent.