El-Hajj Malik el-Shabazz (Malcolm X) Speaks on Celebrities and Separation at UC Berkeley (1963)
"I just told you a little while ago these 'leaders' that they called leaders. this
included (laughs) Lena Horne, this included Dick Gregory and this included comedians, comics, trumpet players, baseball players. Show me in the white community where a comedian is a 'white leader.' Show me in the white community where a singer is a 'white leader. Or a dancer or a trumpet player is a 'white leader', these aren't leaders. These are puppets and clowns that have been set up over the white community and- over the Black community by the white community and have been made celebrities and usually say exactly what they know that the white man wants to hear."
Educator, civil rights advocate and wife of the honorable Malcolm X, Betty Shabazz grew up in Detroit, Michigan and attended the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama and years later moved to New York City, where she became a nurse.
It was in New York that she met Malcolm X in 1956. Their love was instant, as Betty became the wife of a man who challenged the government that had been historically unjust to African Americans, still to this day.
The couple brought six beautiful girls into the world (Malikah Shabazz, llyasah Shabazz, Gamilah Shabazz, Attallah Shabazz, Malaak Shabazz, and Qubilah Shabazz), as both Betty and Malcom gave of themselves to the movement, while raising a family.
After the horrific assassination of Brother Malcolm X in 1965, Betty Shabazz persevered through all of the adversity, because of her possessed faith in God, respect for self, an awareness of history, most especially Africa’s contribution to world history; and a perspective that never permitted her to say, “No, I can’t do this,” as an answer.
She pursued a higher education, and went to work at Medgar Evers College in Brooklyn, New York where she then accepted a position as an associate professor of health sciences.
Betty Shabazz refused to live her life as a victim. And as a result, she soared. All the while, giving of herself to any and every one she met. She was an incredibly courageous woman who would become a great social leader and champion of social justice in her own right.
After 14 years of tireless work and community support, Detroit is celebrating a major victory! The city’s first Black-led and community-owned grocery store, the Detroit People’s Food Co-op (DPFC), is opening its doors on May 1st, 2024. This marks a historic moment in Detroit’s fight for food justice and economic empowerment.
“This is the result of a diverse community coming together to create a solution for everyone in Detroit,” said Lanay Gilbert-Williams, president of the DPFC board. “There’s no other business in the city with over 2,500 owners from across the city and state.”
More Than Just a Grocery Store
The DPFC is more than just a place to buy groceries. It’s a beacon of hope and a symbol of Detroit’s resilience. Built on cooperative principles, the store offers affordable, locally sourced, and culturally relevant food options to residents. It also aims to stimulate economic growth within the North End neighborhood and beyond.
The DPFC is located inside the Detroit Food Commons, which will officially open its doors on May 18th. This new center is a testament to the collective power of community and taking control of the food system. Anyone 21 or older living in Michigan can become a member-owner, although membership isn’t required to shop.
Fresh, Local, and Inclusive
Situated in Detroit’s North End, the DPFC offers a wide selection of products, including fresh produce sourced directly from local farmers whenever possible.
“We’re excited to welcome our community into a welcoming and inclusive environment centered on fresh, locally grown produce from Detroit’s own farmers,” said Akil Talley, DPFC’s general manager. “We’re confident we have the best prepared foods department in Michigan, and we can’t wait to open our doors!”
A Hub for Education and Empowerment
The second floor of the Detroit Food Commons, managed by the Detroit Black Community Food Sovereignty Network, will serve as a center for educational workshops, community events, and health and wellness initiatives. It will also feature four commercial kitchens and a rentable hall.
The DPFC is part of a larger movement for Black food sovereignty and economic empowerment in Detroit. They partner with local businesses, urban farms, and community organizations to build a more resilient and sustainable food system that benefits everyone in the city.
Join the Celebration!
“On opening day, I want everyone in Detroit to walk through our doors and feel like this is their store,” said Talley.
The DPFC opens for business on May 1st, 2024, at 11:00 AM. Regular hours are 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily.
The grand opening celebration and ribbon cutting for the Detroit Food Commons will be held on Saturday, May 18th, 2024, starting at 11:00 AM. The entire community is invited to celebrate this new era for Black food sovereignty in Detroit