From Sepia magazine, May 1975
Many know and remember Minister Louis Farrakhan as the man who organized the Million Man March in Washington, DC on October 16, 1995. Perhaps the largest gathering of African-American men in any one place, it served as a monumental event for those within the Black community, yet controversial for others who didn’t understand its intention. Minister Farrakhan was “inspired to call the March out of his concern over the negative image of Black men perpetuated by the media and movie industries, which focused on drugs and gang violence.” Present at the gathering were notable figures including Rosa Parks, Maya Angelou and Al Sharpton, promoting unity, accountability and responsibility among Black men and the families that depended on them.
This is a labor of love. I love black people and that’s why I don’t have to use notes. Have you ever seen a man in love refer to his notes when he’s talking to the one he loves? Well, I’m in love with my black brothers and sisters and I don’t need notes because what I say is from my heart, not a notebook.
Not a newcomer, Farrakhan has spent years promoting the upliftment of the Black community in speeches across the country. Originally known as Louis X, he later rose in rank within the Nation, becoming an influential leader in his own right. A dedicated student and follower of the late Elijah Muhammad, his predecessor, he continued to lead those who chose to remain in the Nation of Islam while Warith Deen Mohammed, Elijah Muhammad’s son, transitioned others to Sunni Islam upon his passing. This 1975 Sepia article written by Sterling X Hobbs presents a depiction of Farrakhan as a magnetic personality, before and after joining the Nation, providing a view of the man behind the persona he was known for during the 70’s.
Hameem Habeeb | June 20, 2024
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On December 4th, Louis Farrakhan (then known as Louis X) wrote in Muhammad Speaks, “If any Muslim backs a fool like Malcolm( aka Also to be known forever as OUR BLACK SHINING PRINCE) … he would be a fool himself … Only those who wish to be led to hell, or to their doom, will follow Malcolm. The die is set, and Malcolm shall not escape … Such a man is worthy of death.”
The pedigree of the writer Sterling X Hobbs
Last on this from Black Brothers, Inc.: written by Sterling X Hobbs
When Malcolm and his bodyguards arrived at a Philadelphia radio station for an interview on December 29th, a crew from Temple 12 met them, and fought with Malcolm’s guards in their effort to get at him. A police detective happened to be in the area, and managed to break up the fistfight. The crew sent to attack Malcolm was led by Sterling X. Hobbs, a gangster who was usually called upon when the need for physical force was expected. Hobbs would make headlines a decade later, but for now his importance was tied to Jeremiah Shabazz. He was close to Shabazz and thus the attack on Malcolm suggested that Shabbazz
So, while it is true people like Jeremiah Shabazz and Sterling X. Hobbs would play key roles in the history of Philly’s Black Mafia, and Malcolm X had an important and then troubling time in Philadelphia, there is no evidence the syndicate had any role in the slaying.
Sterling X Hobbs was later charged with murder in a liquor store holdup.
My comments on career of Louis Farrakhan post The Honorable Elijah Muhammad transition in 1975 are included under the article of the Nation of Islam in Sepia magazine.
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