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{{short description|American attorney (born 1966)}} | |||
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2015}} | |||
{{Infobox person | {{Infobox person | ||
|name=Malik Zulu Shabazz | |name= Malik Zulu Shabazz | ||
|image= |
|image= Malik Zulu Shabazz.png | ||
|caption= |
|caption= Shabazz in 1994 | ||
|birth_name = Paris S. Lewis<ref name="BI"></ref> | |||
|birth_date={{birth |
|birth_date= {{birth date and age|1966|09|07}}<ref name="BI" /> | ||
|birth_place=], |
|birth_place= ], U.S. | ||
|death_date= | |death_date= | ||
|death_place= | |death_place= | ||
|nationality = American | |||
⚫ | |occupation= |
||
|education = ] (B.A., J.D.) | |||
⚫ | }} | ||
⚫ | |occupation= Lawyer, political activist, lecturer}} | ||
{{Black Power sidebar}} | |||
{{Discrimination sidebar}} | |||
'''Malik Zulu Shabazz''' (born '''Paris Lewis''' on September 7, 1966) is an American ]. He has previously served as Chairman of the ], which is labeled as a hate group.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Southern Poverty Law Center |url=https://www.splcenter.org/ |access-date=2022-07-20 |website=Southern Poverty Law Center |language=en}}</ref> {{As of|2013}}, he is the current National President of Black Lawyers for Justice, which he co-founded. | |||
⚫ | Shabazz announced on an October 14, 2013, online radio broadcast that he was stepping down from his leadership position in the New Black Panther Party and that Hashim Nzinga, then national chief of staff, would replace him.<ref>{{cite web|title=New Black Panther Party Announces New Chairman, Same Hateful Message|url=http://blog.adl.org/anti-semitism/new-black-panther-party-announces-new-chairman-same-hateful-message|work=Access ADL|accessdate=October 17, 2013|archive-date=October 17, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131017220610/http://blog.adl.org/anti-semitism/new-black-panther-party-announces-new-chairman-same-hateful-message|url-status=dead}}</ref> He is an occasional guest on television ]s.<ref name=Williams>{{cite web|url=http://tri-statedefenderonline.com/articlelive/articles/3498/1/The-new-Black-Panther-Party/Page1.html|title=The New Black Panther Party|last=Williams|first=Kam|date=January 15, 2009|work=]|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717100409/http://tri-statedefenderonline.com/articlelive/articles/3498/1/The-new-Black-Panther-Party/Page1.html|archivedate=July 17, 2011|accessdate=May 31, 2012}}</ref> | ||
The ] describes Shabazz as "anti-Semitic and racist"<ref name=ADL/> and the ] (SPLC)'s Intelligence Project's ''Intelligence Report'', which monitors what the SPLC considers radical right (United States) ]s and ] in the United States, has included Shabazz in its files<ref name="SPLC 2003"/> since a 2002 Washington, D.C., protest at ] at which Shabazz shouted: "Kill every goddamn Zionist in Israel! Goddamn little babies, goddamn old ladies! Blow up Zionist supermarkets!"<ref name="SPLC 2012">{{cite web|url=https://www.splcenter.org/fighting-hate/extremist-files/individual/malik-zulu-shabazz|title=Malik Zulu Shabaz|publisher=]|accessdate=May 10, 2016}}</ref> | |||
⚫ | |||
==Early life and legal career== | ==Early life and legal career== | ||
Shabazz was born and raised in |
Shabazz was born in 1966 as Paris Lewis and raised in Los Angeles. Shabazz says his father, James Lewis, was a Muslim who was killed when Shabazz was a child. Shabazz was raised by his mother, whom he describes as a successful businesswoman. His grandfather, who introduced him to the ], was also a strong influence.<ref name="Fenner">{{cite web|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/archives/entertainment/1998/09/05/1998-09-05_afrocentric_lawyer_force_beh.html|title=Afrocentric Lawyer Force Behind the Youth March|last=Fenner|first=Austin|date=September 5, 1998|work=]|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101010182205/http://www.nydailynews.com/archives/entertainment/1998/09/05/1998-09-05_afrocentric_lawyer_force_beh.html|archivedate=October 10, 2010|accessdate=May 31, 2012}}</ref><ref name=Plotz>{{cite web|url=http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/articles/6323/the-revolutionarys-war|title=The Revolutionary's War|last=Plotz|first=David|date=April 21, 1995|work=]|accessdate=May 31, 2012}}</ref> | ||
Shabazz graduated from ] and |
Shabazz graduated from ] and ].<ref name="Fenner"/> In 1994, Shabazz was fired from a position with then Washington D.C. Mayor ], who criticized Shabazz for statements "regarding other people's cultural history, religion and race that do not reflect the spirit of my campaign, my personal views or my spirituality."<ref name="SPLC 2012"/> | ||
In |
In 1995, while he was a law student, Shabazz ran his first unsuccessful campaign for a seat on the ].<ref name=Plotz/><ref name="Hentoff">{{Cite web |last=Hentoff |first=Nat |author-link=Nat Hentoff |date=September 29, 1998 |title=Keep Your Eye on Malik Shabazz |url=http://www.villagevoice.com/1998-09-29/news/keep-your-eye-on-malik-shabazz |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100731003333/http://www.villagevoice.com/1998-09-29/news/keep-your-eye-on-malik-shabazz/ |archive-date=July 31, 2010 |access-date=May 31, 2012 |website=]}}</ref> In 1996, Shabazz founded Black Lawyers for Justice.<ref name=ADL>{{cite web|url=http://www.adl.org/learn/ext_us/malik_zulu_shabazz|title=Malik Zulu Shabazz|publisher=]|accessdate=May 31, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120720134512/http://www.adl.org/learn/ext_us/malik_zulu_shabazz/|archive-date=July 20, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 1998, Shabazz was named "Young Lawyer of the Year" by the ], the nation's leading black lawyers' association,<ref name="SPLC 2003"/> and ran, unsuccessfully again, for a seat on the D.C. Council.<ref name="SPLC 2003">{{cite web|url=http://www.splcenter.org/get-informed/intelligence-report/browse-all-issues/2003/fall/40-to-watch?page=0,6|title=40 to Watch|last1=Beirich|first1=Heidi|last2=Potok|first2=Mark|date=Fall 2003|work=]|publisher=]|accessdate=May 31, 2012}}</ref> | ||
==Public attention== | |||
==Controversy== | |||
Shabazz first came to widespread public attention in 1994, when Unity Nation, a student group he founded at Howard University, invited ], chairman of the ], to speak.<ref>{{cite |
Shabazz first came to widespread public attention in 1994, when Unity Nation, a student group he founded at Howard University, invited ], chairman of the ], to speak.<ref>{{cite book|last=Kitwana|first=Bakari|title=The Hip-Hop Generation: Young Blacks and the Crisis in African-American Culture|year=2002|publisher=Basic Books|location=New York|isbn=978-0-786-72493-2|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zJcdbCzbGacC&pg=PT124}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/washingtonpost/access/72226319.html?dids=72226319:72226319&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Feb+25%2C+1994&author=Brooke+A.+Masters&pub=The+Washington+Post+(pre-1997+Fulltext)&desc=Ex-Farrakhan+Aide+Gets+Mixed+Reaction+On+Howard+Campus|title=Ex-Farrakhan Aide Gets Mixed Reaction on Howard Campus|last=Masters|first=Brooke A.|date=February 25, 1994|newspaper=]|accessdate=May 31, 2012|archive-date=November 7, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107000940/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/washingtonpost/access/72226319.html?dids=72226319:72226319&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Feb+25,+1994&author=Brooke+A.+Masters&pub=The+Washington+Post+(pre-1997+Fulltext)&desc=Ex-Farrakhan+Aide+Gets+Mixed+Reaction+On+Howard+Campus|url-status=dead}}</ref> Introducing the speaker, Shabazz engaged in a ] with the audience:<ref name=Hentoff/> | ||
{{poemquote| | |||
Who is it that caught and killed ]? The Jews! | |||
:"The Jews!" | |||
Who is it that controls the Federal Reserve? The Jews! | |||
⚫ | Who is it that has our entertainers ... and our athletes in a vise grip? The Jews! | ||
:"The Jews!" | |||
⚫ | }} | ||
⚫ | |||
:"The Jews!"<ref name=Hentoff/> | |||
A year later, Shabazz told an interviewer that everything he said was true, with the possible exception of the assertion concerning Nat Turner.<ref name=Plotz/> | A year later, Shabazz told an interviewer that everything he said was true, with the possible exception of the assertion concerning Nat Turner.<ref name=Plotz/> | ||
In 2002, as a spokesman for the Black Panthers, Shabazz played a crucial role in the capture of the ], by encouraging people to get outside and not to live in fear.<ref>{{Citation |title=The Lost Tapes - Dc Sniper {{!}} Smithsonian Channel |date=2018-12-03 |url=https://www.smithsonianchannel.com/episodes/o60vqk/the-lost-tapes-dc-sniper-season-2-ep-5 |access-date=2023-05-31 |language=en}}</ref> | |||
The ] describes Shabazz as "anti-Semitic and racist".<ref name=ADL/> | |||
During a 2002 protest at ] International in Washington, D.C., Shabazz said: "Kill every goddamn Zionist in Israel! Goddamn little babies, goddamn old ladies! Blow up Zionist supermarkets!"<ref name="SPLC 2012">{{cite web |url=http://www.splcenter.org/get-informed/intelligence-files/profiles/malik-zulu-shabazz |title=Malik Zulu Shabaz - Intelligence File|last1=Beirich |first1=Heidi |last2=Potok |first2=Mark |date=Summer 2012 |work=] |publisher=] |accessdate=July 24, 2012}}</ref> | |||
==New Black Panther Party== | ==New Black Panther Party== | ||
Shabazz followed Muhammad's lead and joined the New Black Panther Party about 1997. When |
Shabazz followed Khalid Abdul Muhammad's lead and joined the New Black Panther Party about 1997. When Muhammad, who greatly expanded the organization and rose to its chairmanship, died in early 2001, Shabazz took over as National Chairman.<ref name="SPLC 2003"/> | ||
The principles promoted by Shabazz include: | |||
The principles Shabazz purports to promote include the following: | |||
*]<ref name=Plotz/> | *]<ref name=Plotz/> | ||
*]<ref name=Williams/> | *]<ref name=Williams/> | ||
*Support for ]<ref>{{cite web |
*Support for ]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.finalcall.com/artman/publish/Perspectives_1/One-on-One_An_Interview_with_Malik_Zulu_Shabazz_1858.shtml|title=One-on-One: An Interview with Malik Zulu Shabazz|last=Muhammad|first=Ashahed|date=March 10, 2005|work=]|accessdate=May 31, 2012}}</ref> | ||
*Conspiracy theories about ] in the ]<ref name=ADL/> | *Conspiracy theories about ] in the ]<ref name=ADL/> | ||
*The view that ] the ]<ref name=TEI>{{cite web |
*The view that ] the ]<ref name=TEI>{{cite web|url=http://www.truthinstitute.org/TEI_Discovery9.htm|title=TEI Exclusive Interview with Attorney Malik Zulu Shabazz|last=Muhammad|first=Ashahed M.|publisher=The Truth Establishment Institute|accessdate=May 31, 2012|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120520100316/http://www.truthinstitute.org/TEI_Discovery9.htm|archivedate=May 20, 2012|df=mdy-all}}</ref> | ||
*] |
*]<ref name=TEI/> | ||
==Prevented from entering Canada== | |||
==Revolutionary Roots Tour 2013== | |||
In May 2007, Shabazz was invited by Black Youth Taking Action (BYTA)<ref>{{cite news|title=Groups decry visit by New Black Panther leader|url=https://www.thestar.com/article/213770|newspaper=Toronto Star|date=May 14, 2007}}</ref> to speak at a rally at ] in ], Canada, and to give a lecture to students at ].<ref name=Canadabanned3>{{cite news|url=http://www.theeyeopener.com/article/3379 |title=U.S. activist accused of anti-semitism invited to speak at Ryerson |work=The Eyeopener |first1=Adrian |last1=Morrow |date=August 21, 2007 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080526115236/http://www.theeyeopener.com/article/3379 |archivedate=May 26, 2008 }}</ref> Shabazz arrived at ] as planned but Canada border officials prevented him from entering Canada because of past rhetoric that violated ].<ref name=Canadabanned>{{cite news|url=http://www.canada.com/cityguides/winnipeg/info/story.html?id=252963b7-3a27-4d6d-873c-b62bd9264ecc&k=79019 |title=Black activist barred from entering Canada |publisher=CanWest News Service |first1=Lee |last1=Greenberg |date=May 16, 2007 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090204090117/http://www2.canada.com/cityguides/winnipeg/info/story.html?id=252963b7-3a27-4d6d-873c-b62bd9264ecc&k=79019 |archivedate=February 4, 2009 }}</ref> ] ] expressed concern about Shabazz.<ref name=Canadabanned7>{{cite news|url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/black-panther-leader-refused-entry-into-canada-1.241297|title=Black Panther leader refused entry into Canada|publisher=CTV News|date=May 15, 2007}}</ref> The press reported that Shabazz was denied entry to Canada because of a minor criminal record.<ref name=Canadabanned4>{{cite news|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/black-activist-denied-entry-to-canada-group-says-1.659103|title=Black activist denied entry to Canada, group says|publisher=Canada Broadcasting Corporation (CBC)|author=CBC News|date=May 15, 2007}}</ref> Shabazz flew back to ], and attempted to cross the border by car, but border agents spotted him and again prevented him from entering Canada.<ref name=Canadabanned8>{{cite news|url=http://www.canada.com/national/nationalpost/news/story.html?id=cdfd2ebc-0bf9-45e8-bde8-de2b185cf08d |title=Black Panther stopped at border |first1=Joseph |last1=Brean |work=National Post |date=May 16, 2007 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090204081140/http://www2.canada.com/national/nationalpost/news/story.html?id=cdfd2ebc-0bf9-45e8-bde8-de2b185cf08d |archivedate=February 4, 2009 }}</ref> | |||
“A long overdue family reunion”, is the way Attorney Malik Zulu Shabazz, National Chairman and organizer of the New Black Panther Party( NBPP) describes the historic meetings of his organization, based in the United States, with 30 national chapters and several international bases, and the revolutionary Pan- Afrikanist Congress of Azania( PAC), whose President is Letlapa Mphahlele, with a steady seat in Parliament of Azania, known by the criminal settler name of South Africa in the Western hemisphere and many parts of the world. The PAC has a lengthy history of struggle at various stages of its existence, going all the way back to the great leadership of the Honorable Robert M. Sobukwe. The connection marks the first time that two revolutionary groups joined forces, to begin what is now known as the “Revolutionary Roots Tour.” The main objective of the tour is to connect the African of the Continent with the lost and disjointed African or Black Family of the Diaspora. The circumstances surrounding this historic movement, is a tragic event in time, called the Sharpeville Massacre. The Massacre at Sharpeville occurred in the black township of Sharpeville in South Africa. This is the place where police fired, on the crowd of black Africans killing over 69 of them and wounding some 250 of them. The Demonstration at Sharpeville was one of the first and most violent demonstrations against apartheid in South Africa. Apartheid by definition is a “system of racial discrimination and segregation.” Formalized in 1948, this system produced, the base, for political and economic rule by the white settler population, and severely restricted the political rights of the black African, who are the majority population in Azania (South Africa). The African National Congress (ANC) due to ideological shifts has become the primary opposition to the PAC but not sole opposition to the party. The ANC’s role in “selling out the people” and “failing to deliver to the masses of Black people” has left a sour taste in many of the loyal revolutionary PAC cadre.<ref>{{cite web | title=Revolutionary Roots Tour | work=New Black Panthers Make Ground With Pan Africanist Movements of Azania (South Africa | publisher=NBPP | accessdate=2013-4-4 | url=http://nbppnews.blogspot.com/}}</ref> | |||
==2015 demonstrations in Baltimore== | |||
During the 1960’s through 1990, the African National Congress (ANC) and other mainly black opposition political organizations were banned. The National Party, headed by F.W. DeKlerk, the seventh and last State President of the former Apartheid-era- South Africa cracked down on all black opposition to Apartheid. Leaders of ANC and PAC and other opposing forces were imprisoned, exiled, or killed.<ref>{{cite web | title=Revolutionary Roots Tour | work=New Black Panthers Make Ground With Pan Africanist Movements of Azania (South Africa | publisher=NBPP | accessdate=2013-4-4 | url=http://nbppnews.blogspot.com/}}</ref> | |||
Shabazz helped organize and promote a demonstration in ], Maryland, on April 25, 2015, following the ], a 25-year-old African-American man who died while in the custody of the ]. Addressing the crowd, Shabazz called for them to "Shut it down if you want to! Shut it down!"<ref name=Balmer1>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/26/us/baltimore-crowd-swells-in-protest-of-freddie-grays-death.html|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Scenes of Chaos in Baltimore as Thousands Protest Freddie Gray's Death|first1=Sheryl Gay |last1=Stolberg |first2=Stephen |last2=Babcock|date=April 25, 2015|accessdate=May 4, 2015}}</ref> | |||
Shabazz planned another protest on May 2, 2015. Some in Baltimore who had been involved with the peaceful protests expressed concerns to '']'' about his involvement. Rev. Alvin S. Gwynn Jr., who leads the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance of Baltimore, described Shabazz as an "outside agitator" and another local pastor, Rev. Louis Wilson, said Shabazz does not speak for all African-Americans. Wilson added, "I've talked to people who wish he'd just stay away."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/breaking/bs-md-shabazz-saturday-20150428-story.html|title=Shabazz plans rally for thousands Saturday|first=Jonathan|last=Pitts|date=April 28, 2015|work=The Baltimore Sun|accessdate=May 4, 2015|archive-date=May 5, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150505003650/http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/breaking/bs-md-shabazz-saturday-20150428-story.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> | |||
The Pan-Afrikanist Congress (PAC) came to birth in 1959, and from its inception, focused on the treatment of Black people in Africa. A countrywide demonstration was organized by PAC on March 21, 1960, for the abolition of pass laws in Azania. The demonstrations participants were instructed to surrender their passes and invite arrest as the form of legal protest. An estimated 20,000 black protesters gathered by a nearby police station in Sharpeville. In response to the protest approximately 69 blacks were killed and 250 wounded, (some studies suggest more), approximately 50 women and children were among those either hurt or killed. A state of emergency was declared in South Africa and more than 11,000 people were detained. PAC was clearly, a serious threat to the Apartheid regime, and colonial forces of South Africa. The PAC was outlawed and was persecuted at every turn. The PAC’s role and organizational efforts helped focus international attention to the South African apartheid policy. Subsequently, President Nelson Mandela chose Sharpeville as the site at which, on December 10, 1996, he signed into law the country’s new constitution. The PAC rejects any notion that there are strident gains since the release of President Mandela, from prison in the highest seat of the land- The Office of Presidency. The PAC says its mission is to,” liberate the minds and hearts of African people from white domination, and the remnants of all Apartheid forces. Commander Chris Sankara, a PAC loyalist and Azanian Peoples Liberation commander, said (Azania) to this very moment, remains impoverished, uneducated, and unequal in many areas, while at the same time the rich are continuing to get richer… he adds, “these new age oppressive taskmasters continue to brutalize and murder our people, meaning the complexion of the oppressor has only switched from all white faces, to highly placed black faces {with white minds.}”<ref>{{cite web | title=Revolutionary Roots Tour | work=New Black Panthers Make Ground With Pan Africanist Movements of Azania (South Africa | publisher=NBPP | accessdate=2013-4-4 | url=http://nbppnews.blogspot.com/}}</ref> | |||
Commander Sankara played a pivotal role in uniting the two Pan- Afrikanist organizations, the NBPP and PAC. He says he stayed in communication with Attorney Malik Zulu Shabazz for “well over a year”, communicating going back and forth to get the every detail right. Commander Sankara’s, credentials include fighting against invading forces in the early 90’s, via armed struggle and pushing back the criminal settler racist. The Whiteman’s Colonial forces, caved due to extreme losses and unbeknownst to Commander Sankara and the APLA soldiers, who were in exile in Tanzania, the leadership of the PAC and the colonial forces of the Whiteman came to the table implying to PAC members, that both sides called for a ceasefire, which was found to be a total lie and aberration of the truth. The APLA forces in the field and still in combat, were unaware of the apparent “Peace Treaty” until much later, after they arrived back home from being exiled. The Leadership of the PAC announced, that it would “suspended its armed struggle”, and that it would take part in (Azania’s) South Africa's first universal suffrage election on April 27, 1994. The South African General Election of 1994 was an election held to “ begin the end of Apartheid”, and was the first to include, what was known as Universal Adult Suffrage, PAC supporters say, “ the election was a trick to wrest away power from the masses of African people” . Conducted by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), the Peace treaty also called for ” the use” of the Azanian People’s Liberation Army, ( APLA). In the 1960s, APLA lead commander Potlako Leballo modeled the APLA on the basis of other indigenous liberation armies, Templeton Ntantala was his deputy. The APLA, then known as Poqo, in 1976, APLA received 500 recruits and carried out missions to defend the people of Azania. The APLA forces adapted the battle cry of "one settler, one bullet” and in the early 90’s became well known for its willingness to fight the colonial forces at all cost. The mainstream progress of negotiations at the Convention for a Democratic South Africa, revealed itself to be a military tactic that by 1994, gained PAC a seat in Parliament but forced APLA to be absorbed into the new South African National Defense Force (SANDF).<ref>{{cite web | title=Revolutionary Roots Tour | work=New Black Panthers Make Ground With Pan Africanist Movements of Azania (South Africa | publisher=NBPP | accessdate=2013-4-4 | url=http://nbppnews.blogspot.com/}}</ref> | |||
Those loyal to the principles of Robert M. Sobukwe refused to accept the agreement and do not view it as valid, whether in the SANDF or not. APLA forces, joined an estimated 10,000-member, multi-party national peacekeeping force within the government, in essence co-opting the struggle of liberation to a position of weakness rather than the position due to the ultimate choice of former PAC Party President Clarence Makwetu. President Makwetu expressed he made this change because his organizations, “commitment to peace and free and fair elections." A re-newed vision” and “directional change” was the lifeblood needed to Commander Sankara, as he has personally seen and felt the effects of the Post- Apartheid era first hand. This became the backbone to the entire tour and the motivation of the trip, which spanned a total of 8 townships and provinces of Johannesburg, South Africa all the way to Zimbabwe to meet with leading officials, from the Zimbabwe African National Union – Patriotic Front (Zanu- PF party) led by the Pan- Afrikanist firebrand, President Robert Mugabe. The 9 person delegation from the United States(U.S.) consisted of high ranking New Black Panther Party Officials, All- African People’s Revolutionary Party (GC) represented by Bob Brown, organizer with the Student Non violent Coordinating Committee(SNCC) and Kwame Ture’ (formerly Stokely Carmichael), Pastor Ted Sutton, a Baltimore, Maryland based youth pastor, founder of, “ The Ministers of Defense” a mentorship program that teaches about self respect, decency, and curbing Black violence among so-called gangs and finally a beautiful, bold, Black woman, from the Honorable Elijah Muhammad’s, Nation of Islam under the direction of Minister Louis Farrakhan in Phoenix, Arizona, named Sister Khameelah Shabazz who has studied with the Muslims Girls Training Classes(MGT) since 1975. The schedule was jam packed, and O.R. TAMBO or Oliver Tambo Airport, named after a former President of the ANC was the first port of entry into this monumental occasion. From the moment the New Black Panthers and delegation stepped off the plane (piloted and stewarded by Black Africans) into the airport they were greeted and received, with the cheers and applause and embraces of love from our brothers and sisters of the PAC. Family who has waited 400 long years to greet each other now had the chance. The mood was electric as banners of PAC streamed the airport and voices yelling “Welcome Home.” Nothing but love, and the 9 member delegation took time to breathe all this in, but there was no time to waste. The first stop was PAC headquarters to meet with key leadership and time was ticking. The Delegation rushed off into a caravan of cars and trained members of the APLA forces took the lead in ensuring the safety of the NBPP delegation, and its membership, meanwhile, the NBPP was equally watchful of its leadership and delegation as the threats against this united front were flying from all around. Members of opposing White parties threatened to do harm, it was clear the criminal settler racist, were vehemently, concerned with the apparent overthrow of the old slave Apartheid ways. As the NBPP delegation and PAC commanders pulled into headquarters, the African’s were everywhere, stunned at the arrival of their long lost brothers and sister, who are now dressed in Black Battle fatigues, berets, and patches that read, “Freedom or Death.” Panthers said “hey brother, we missed you” as they got out and walked into the marble tower offices of the PAC headquarters. The office was packed from wall to wall with membership of the PAC, both high ranking and rank and file, all excited to see their African Revolutionary family, whose ancestors left as slaves but have now returned, as warriors for African people. Attorney Malik Zulu Shabazz received standing ovation as he championed the cause of Pan- Africanism and talked about the importance of the serious days ahead. He reminded the audience sternly, “The same rabid dogs that bite you, bite us too, we are one!” It was this attitude that set the tone or the entire tour. The commemoration of Sharpeville (March 21st) is considered a National Holiday in Azania, and it is one that has continued for several years, however the commemoration has not happened without a fight. Segments of the ANC have taken the militant and tragic tone away from the event and now instead of the focus being the massacre at Sharpeville, it has now been reduced to something President Mandela calls “Human Rights Day”, says PAC organizer Lehlohonolo Shale – Branch Chairman of Pimville/ Klipspruit.” Comrade Shale calls this a “tragic departure from the original concept of the commemoration.” PAC leadership under the voice of Commander Chris Sankara laugh at this attempt to re-write this tragedy of Azania, and continue to hold their own commemoration independent or the ANC and even some of their own PAC reformist leadership.<ref>{{cite web | title=Revolutionary Roots Tour | work=New Black Panthers Make Ground With Pan Africanist Movements of Azania (South Africa | publisher=NBPP | accessdate=2013-4-4 | url=http://nbppnews.blogspot.com/}}</ref> | |||
Chris Sankara and others like him are hard-line fundamental Pan- Afrikanist revolutionaries; they refuse to allow the mainstream politics of this new ANC leadership or watered down figures within the highest ranks of the PAC to dilute what was started by their venerable founder Robert Sobukwe. They hold their own commemoration every year, and make sure that there is massive support from the staunch PAC members and the downtrodden Blackman and woman of Azania, who want freedom coupled with their land. Thousands pour into the streets shouting “Izwe- Lethu” meaning “the land is ours.” Attorney Shabazz and delegation, walked to the very spots where members of the Sharpeville Massacre were slain. Attorney Shabazz was shocked, as the ages of the murdered became younger and younger. He hugged, embraced, shook hands, and kissed the hands of the mothers, who lost sons, uncles, fathers, brothers, husbands, companions and the like. The delegation could not believe its eyes, as they read the names of those who lost their lives, just for standing up to a brutal color struck regime and those who knew that the pass laws were/ are unjust. At the same time the ANC hosted its own Human rights day, and as they took the stage PAC and the NBPP took to a high stage, with a waterfall behind them to address a massive crowd, which had formed. Attorney Shabazz who stands around 6’ 7’ inches tall was at an advantage, as he was able to be seen from far away, with no microphone, no megaphone or anything, he yelled “Izwe- Lethu” and the massive crowd of thousands, yelled in return “I- Africa” meaning “Africa is our Land.” With their attention the National Chairman of the New Black Panther Party, and founder of the U.S. based Black Lawyers for Justice (legal organization) went to work and began to talk about the foundational aims of PAC, the position of the NBPP, and a United States of Africa. As he spoke more people came in from the streets, singing revolutionary Azanian songs, and instead of stopping them, Attorney Malik Zulu Shabazz encouraged them to sing louder and in his words, “come on with that!” The Atty. Shabazz said, “You give me life with that.”, “Even though I don’t know all the words, because the Whiteman stole our language, your soul and your spirit gives me life.” Atty. Shabazz told the audience this was, “his first time in Africa, but not his last.” The crowd erupted with applause and cheers of “Black Power.” As the Delegation made its way through the thousands of spirited Africans, they made their way to the streets, only to be greeted by even more members of PAC and the community in mass. The Delegation and the commemorators ran in the streets with fist pumping and hearts beating as they made their way to the awaiting PAC Rally “under the tent.” The purpose was to bring all the PAC loyalist and top brass together and that’s exactly what it did. The tent rally featured top members of the PAC and veteran freedom fighters of the Azanian struggle. With PAC banner in hand; everyone marched to the Sharpeville cemetery, where the fallen warriors were laid to rest. Delegates we’re told to pick up pebbles and place them on the gravesites of those who lost their lives at the hands of the Apartheid regimes. Attorney Malik Shabazz and delegation walked past each of the graves, over 69 in all, and laid pebbles on the headstones. The youngest to be killed was just 13 years old. From there Attorney Shabazz and delegation walked the streets of Sharpeville singing revolutionary songs, and came upon an impromptu African dance/ drum session, by the PAC youth group called the Classic Youth dance Corps. They performed their hearts out dancing in traditional African attire. They were happy to see the NBPP and delegation, and agreed that wherever Attorney Malik Zulu Shabazz and his delegation go in Africa, they want to go also. All who participated where overtaken, by the magnitude of all that gathering. The next day the delegation made its way to Kliptown, a small Ghetto of Azania where some of the roughest parts and examples of the post Apartheid era politics remain. Poverty and need of Blacks run high in this area, as Attorney Shabazz and delegation walked this neighborhood they saw tin houses, impure water, health conditions and looks of despair.<ref>{{cite web | title=Revolutionary Roots Tour | work=New Black Panthers Make Ground With Pan Africanist Movements of Azania (South Africa | publisher=NBPP | accessdate=2013-4-4 | url=http://nbppnews.blogspot.com/}}</ref> | |||
Residents told the delegation that “Politicians only come to see about us for election times.” In essence they squeeze the votes out of the people with false promises of improvement only to deceive after the election process is over. The NBPP and delegation stopped by homes in Kliptown along with roadside businesses to give away Rand (South African Currency) worth thousands of dollars in U.S. money, not for fame or fortune- NO, this was done just to pick the people’s spirits up and give them the inspiration they need to keep pressing on. From there the delegation walked into a small section of the town that housed a center called the Soweto Kliptown Youth orphanage or (SKY). This recreational center serves as a home for black African orphans, some who have no mother or father, or may have lost both. Immediately the entire delegation gravitated to the children who although poor and parentless, had “some of the greatest spirits he had ever seen” Atty. Shabazz recalls. The orphanage was directed by a young spiritual Blackman named Bob affectionately called “Bo Bo” by the youth. What was next no one could prepare Atty. Malik Shabazz or the delegation for. Brother Bob had the children perform; a musical they created called “The More You Give, The More You Have.” It was worthy of a slot on Broadway, based upon their lives and being able to persevere by being good to others. These children although impoverished danced and sang their hearts out, so much so, Atty.Shabazz and his delegation we’re up on their feet dancing and singing as well, as the request of some of the performers who wanted them to dance right along with them. Attorney Shabazz and delegation we’re so moved, they donated the Rand value of 3,000 dollars in U.S. value to the orphanage and have promised with the permission of the director to adopt the orphanage and financially support it by any means necessary.<ref>{{cite web | title=Revolutionary Roots Tour | work=New Black Panthers Make Ground With Pan Africanist Movements of Azania (South Africa | publisher=NBPP | accessdate=2013-4-4 | url=http://nbppnews.blogspot.com/}}</ref> | |||
As the delegation travel throughout Azania, Attorney Shabazz reminded the delegation, “we are the People’s servants”, and our people all over the world need service.” Every member of the Delegation pledged, to do more about the conditions of our people in Africa, and to do much more for Black people the United States. Another Glaring highlight of the trip was Zimbabwe, as the National Chairman chartered a plane and made his way to the Pan- Afrikanist nation, which is now currently fighting off U.S. sanctions and economic stranglehold, Atty. Shabazz met with key cabinet members including: secretary of publicity and information comrade Gumbo, Director of External Relations comrade Jonga, Secretary of woman’s Affairs Comrade Oppah comrade Mariaere, director of transportation, Secretary General Dr. Mutassa and Zanu- PF of Azania official Linda Gondo. Atty. Shabazz and delegation were hosted by comrade Chen Chetumengwende, an advisor to President Mugabe and Pan- African organizer. They all were instructed to come representing President Mugabe also, to hear what Atty. Malik Shabazz and the delegation had to say. It was a meeting of the minds as Atty. Shabazz laid out a solid case of solidarity, unity, and comraderie. Atty. Shabazz called for an end to U.S. Sanctions against Zimbabwe, and spoke of the work that the New Black Panther Party and his legal group, Black Lawyers For justice we’re willing to do in the United States. He also pledged to help expose the west to the real aims and objectives of the Presidency of Mr. Mugabe, and make Americans aware of President Mugabe, ZANU-PF the great good that they are doing and have done for Zimbabwe and oppressed Black people. ZANU- PF was so overjoyed, that their comrade and brother from the New Black Panther Party, would pledge such solidarity under tough times and economic hardship that they demanded he have a meeting with the President himself. Atty. Shabazz was elated, and was asked to stay another day- which he did. The next day the two Parties reconvened, and Atty. Shabazz was scheduled to meet with President Robert Mugabe, even receiving word that Mr. Mugabe was asking about him and his Party, however, due to upcoming elections and serious party matters at hand, his meeting with key leaders ran over and President Mugabe unfortunately had to postpone the meeting and attend the Bricks (Brazil, Russia, India, China & South Africa) conference. Atty. Shabazz made it clear, “we strongly endorse President Robert Mugabe in the upcoming elections”, “to support this effort we will hold a major webcast within the next 60 days via our website (newblackpanther.com) and other allied sites.” The Chairman also unveiled actual facts on opportunities, for Black people in the West to mine producing diamonds and gold, to work independently for self, as he learned during the course of his visit to Zimbabwe. Atty. Shabazz views the entire trip as a success and says, “this provides a strong beachhead for Pan African relations in Zimbabwe and worldwide.” He added, “We have also established the NBPP in Azania and Zimbabwe.” Atty. Shabazz and the delegation are eternally thankful to have the opportunity to visit their mother country, and although some never get the chance, or find the means to make such an audacious move, Atty. Shabazz says, “this was the first time for some of us in Azania (South Africa), but it won’t be our last.”<ref>{{cite web | title=Revolutionary Roots Tour | work=New Black Panthers Make Ground With Pan Africanist Movements of Azania (South Africa | publisher=NBPP | accessdate=2013-4-4 | url=http://nbppnews.blogspot.com/}}</ref> | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
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==Further reading== | ==Further reading== | ||
*{{cite news |
*{{cite news|title=The Student Warrior|last=Trescott|first=Jacqueline|date=April 6, 1994|newspaper=]}} | ||
==External links== | ==External links== | ||
*{{cite web |
*{{cite web|url=http://www.adl.org/learn/ext_us/malik_zulu_shabazz/words.asp?LEARN_Cat=Extremism&LEARN_SubCat=Extremism_in_America&xpicked=2&item=shabazz|title=Malik Zulu Shabazz: In His Own Words|publisher=]|access-date=April 28, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100412222711/http://www.adl.org/learn/ext_us/malik_zulu_shabazz/words.asp?LEARN_Cat=Extremism&LEARN_SubCat=Extremism_in_America&xpicked=2&item=shabazz|archive-date=April 12, 2010|url-status=dead}} | ||
*{{cite web |url=http://shabazzspeaks.org |title=Malik Zulu Shabazz |publisher=Truth Conscious Speakers Bureau }} | |||
*{{cite web |url=http://www.truthinstitute.org/bios/Malik_Zulu_Shabazz.htm |title=Malik Zulu Shabazz |publisher=The Truth Establishment Institute Speakers' Bureau }} | |||
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| NAME = Shabazz, Malik Zulu | |||
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| SHORT DESCRIPTION = American lawyer | |||
| DATE OF BIRTH = 1968 | |||
| PLACE OF BIRTH = ], ] | |||
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Latest revision as of 04:34, 19 December 2024
American attorney (born 1966)
Malik Zulu Shabazz | |
---|---|
Shabazz in 1994 | |
Born | Paris S. Lewis (1966-09-07) September 7, 1966 (age 58) Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
Nationality | American |
Education | Howard University (B.A., J.D.) |
Occupation(s) | Lawyer, political activist, lecturer |
Malik Zulu Shabazz (born Paris Lewis on September 7, 1966) is an American attorney. He has previously served as Chairman of the New Black Panther Party, which is labeled as a hate group. As of 2013, he is the current National President of Black Lawyers for Justice, which he co-founded.
Shabazz announced on an October 14, 2013, online radio broadcast that he was stepping down from his leadership position in the New Black Panther Party and that Hashim Nzinga, then national chief of staff, would replace him. He is an occasional guest on television talk shows.
The Anti-Defamation League describes Shabazz as "anti-Semitic and racist" and the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC)'s Intelligence Project's Intelligence Report, which monitors what the SPLC considers radical right (United States) hate groups and extremists in the United States, has included Shabazz in its files since a 2002 Washington, D.C., protest at B'nai B'rith International at which Shabazz shouted: "Kill every goddamn Zionist in Israel! Goddamn little babies, goddamn old ladies! Blow up Zionist supermarkets!"
Early life and legal career
Shabazz was born in 1966 as Paris Lewis and raised in Los Angeles. Shabazz says his father, James Lewis, was a Muslim who was killed when Shabazz was a child. Shabazz was raised by his mother, whom he describes as a successful businesswoman. His grandfather, who introduced him to the Nation of Islam, was also a strong influence.
Shabazz graduated from Howard University and Howard University School of Law. In 1994, Shabazz was fired from a position with then Washington D.C. Mayor Marion Barry, who criticized Shabazz for statements "regarding other people's cultural history, religion and race that do not reflect the spirit of my campaign, my personal views or my spirituality."
In 1995, while he was a law student, Shabazz ran his first unsuccessful campaign for a seat on the Council of the District of Columbia. In 1996, Shabazz founded Black Lawyers for Justice. In 1998, Shabazz was named "Young Lawyer of the Year" by the National Bar Association, the nation's leading black lawyers' association, and ran, unsuccessfully again, for a seat on the D.C. Council.
Public attention
Shabazz first came to widespread public attention in 1994, when Unity Nation, a student group he founded at Howard University, invited Khalid Abdul Muhammad, chairman of the New Black Panther Party, to speak. Introducing the speaker, Shabazz engaged in a call and response with the audience:
Who is it that caught and killed Nat Turner? The Jews!
Who is it that controls the Federal Reserve? The Jews!
Who is it that has our entertainers ... and our athletes in a vise grip? The Jews!
A year later, Shabazz told an interviewer that everything he said was true, with the possible exception of the assertion concerning Nat Turner.
In 2002, as a spokesman for the Black Panthers, Shabazz played a crucial role in the capture of the D.C. Snipers, by encouraging people to get outside and not to live in fear.
New Black Panther Party
Shabazz followed Khalid Abdul Muhammad's lead and joined the New Black Panther Party about 1997. When Muhammad, who greatly expanded the organization and rose to its chairmanship, died in early 2001, Shabazz took over as National Chairman.
The principles Shabazz purports to promote include the following:
- Black nationalism
- Black Power
- Support for reparations for slavery
- Conspiracy theories about Jewish involvement in the September 11 attacks
- The view that Jews dominated the Atlantic slave trade
- Anti-Zionism
Prevented from entering Canada
In May 2007, Shabazz was invited by Black Youth Taking Action (BYTA) to speak at a rally at Queen's Park in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and to give a lecture to students at Ryerson University. Shabazz arrived at Toronto Pearson International Airport as planned but Canada border officials prevented him from entering Canada because of past rhetoric that violated Canadian hate laws. Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty expressed concern about Shabazz. The press reported that Shabazz was denied entry to Canada because of a minor criminal record. Shabazz flew back to Buffalo, New York, and attempted to cross the border by car, but border agents spotted him and again prevented him from entering Canada.
2015 demonstrations in Baltimore
Shabazz helped organize and promote a demonstration in Baltimore, Maryland, on April 25, 2015, following the death of Freddie Gray, a 25-year-old African-American man who died while in the custody of the Baltimore Police Department. Addressing the crowd, Shabazz called for them to "Shut it down if you want to! Shut it down!"
Shabazz planned another protest on May 2, 2015. Some in Baltimore who had been involved with the peaceful protests expressed concerns to The Baltimore Sun about his involvement. Rev. Alvin S. Gwynn Jr., who leads the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance of Baltimore, described Shabazz as an "outside agitator" and another local pastor, Rev. Louis Wilson, said Shabazz does not speak for all African-Americans. Wilson added, "I've talked to people who wish he'd just stay away."
References
- ^ California Birth Index
- "Southern Poverty Law Center". Southern Poverty Law Center. Retrieved July 20, 2022.
- "New Black Panther Party Announces New Chairman, Same Hateful Message". Access ADL. Archived from the original on October 17, 2013. Retrieved October 17, 2013.
- ^ Williams, Kam (January 15, 2009). "The New Black Panther Party". Memphis Tri-State Defender. Archived from the original on July 17, 2011. Retrieved May 31, 2012.
- ^ "Malik Zulu Shabazz". Anti-Defamation League. Archived from the original on July 20, 2012. Retrieved May 31, 2012.
- ^ Beirich, Heidi; Potok, Mark (Fall 2003). "40 to Watch". Intelligence Report. Southern Poverty Law Center. Retrieved May 31, 2012.
- ^ "Malik Zulu Shabaz". Southern Poverty Law Center. Retrieved May 10, 2016.
- ^ Fenner, Austin (September 5, 1998). "Afrocentric Lawyer Force Behind the Youth March". Daily News. Archived from the original on October 10, 2010. Retrieved May 31, 2012.
- ^ Plotz, David (April 21, 1995). "The Revolutionary's War". Washington City Paper. Retrieved May 31, 2012.
- ^ Hentoff, Nat (September 29, 1998). "Keep Your Eye on Malik Shabazz". The Village Voice. Archived from the original on July 31, 2010. Retrieved May 31, 2012.
- Kitwana, Bakari (2002). The Hip-Hop Generation: Young Blacks and the Crisis in African-American Culture. New York: Basic Books. ISBN 978-0-786-72493-2.
- Masters, Brooke A. (February 25, 1994). "Ex-Farrakhan Aide Gets Mixed Reaction on Howard Campus". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on November 7, 2012. Retrieved May 31, 2012.
- The Lost Tapes - Dc Sniper | Smithsonian Channel, December 3, 2018, retrieved May 31, 2023
- Muhammad, Ashahed (March 10, 2005). "One-on-One: An Interview with Malik Zulu Shabazz". The Final Call. Retrieved May 31, 2012.
- ^ Muhammad, Ashahed M. "TEI Exclusive Interview with Attorney Malik Zulu Shabazz". The Truth Establishment Institute. Archived from the original on May 20, 2012. Retrieved May 31, 2012.
- "Groups decry visit by New Black Panther leader". Toronto Star. May 14, 2007.
- Morrow, Adrian (August 21, 2007). "U.S. activist accused of anti-semitism invited to speak at Ryerson". The Eyeopener. Archived from the original on May 26, 2008.
- Greenberg, Lee (May 16, 2007). "Black activist barred from entering Canada". CanWest News Service. Archived from the original on February 4, 2009.
- "Black Panther leader refused entry into Canada". CTV News. May 15, 2007.
- CBC News (May 15, 2007). "Black activist denied entry to Canada, group says". Canada Broadcasting Corporation (CBC).
- Brean, Joseph (May 16, 2007). "Black Panther stopped at border". National Post. Archived from the original on February 4, 2009.
- Stolberg, Sheryl Gay; Babcock, Stephen (April 25, 2015). "Scenes of Chaos in Baltimore as Thousands Protest Freddie Gray's Death". The New York Times. Retrieved May 4, 2015.
- Pitts, Jonathan (April 28, 2015). "Shabazz plans rally for thousands Saturday". The Baltimore Sun. Archived from the original on May 5, 2015. Retrieved May 4, 2015.
Further reading
- Trescott, Jacqueline (April 6, 1994). "The Student Warrior". The Washington Post.
External links
- "Malik Zulu Shabazz: In His Own Words". Anti-Defamation League. Archived from the original on April 12, 2010. Retrieved April 28, 2010.
- 1966 births
- Living people
- 20th-century African-American lawyers
- African and Black nationalists
- Howard University alumni
- Howard University School of Law alumni
- 9/11 conspiracy theorists
- Lawyers from Los Angeles
- American conspiracy theorists
- American reparationists
- American anti-Zionists
- 20th-century African-American politicians
- 20th-century Washington, D.C., politicians