Malcolm X: A Gift and Curse For Black People

CLEVELAND - Malcolm X was one of the most controversial, polarizing figures of the 20th century. He was also endlessly complex, stunningly fascinating and enigmatic beyond belief.

I speak the truth.

Malcolm, a one-time high-profile member of the Nation of Islam was assassinated 44 years ago today in Manhattan's Audubon Ballroom. His death sparked a multitude of conspiracy theories, but his life inspired a litany of books, plays and films, most notably Spike Lee's 1992 epic starring the great Denzel Washington.

As celebrated as Malcolm was amongst Blacks for his radical views on race, he was detested by Whites (and some in the Nation of Islam) even more. While it is true that a segment of the black population found fault with his views back then, he has been hailed as an inspiring, seminal figure during the past 20 years. In 1989, militant rap group Public Enemy celebrated him endlessly during their "Fight the Power" era as if he were the perfect role-model for Blacks.

He wasn't.

Malcolm was a man who often spoke disparagingly of White people. In many ways, he was the precursor to the Reverend Jeremiah Wright, even sparking public outrage with a shocking comment about President Kennedy's assassination a week after it took place. He encouraged Blacks to rise up by essentially pushing down the white man. These divisive views were even more glaring when compared to the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 

King was all about equality and peace. He wanted Whites and Blacks to have the same rights and occupy the same space in harmony. In his final years, King repudiated the burgeoning Black Power Movement largely because it furthered the divide already in place between the different races. Malcolm X not only condoned Black Power, he encouraged it. Now I'm no idiot, I fully understand any Black person's hostility towards Whites during the 1960's, but the way he unleashed his vitriol was counterproductive to any advance we as a people could have ever made. If we followed Malcolm's beliefs, we could never embrace or support President Barack Obama, who is a product of interracial love.

I'm just saying.

In spite of it all, Malcolm X was an intelligent and profound thinker. He just seemed a bit misguided and immature, things that may have turned around had he lived longer. He still deserves to be recognized as influential and key to the evolution of Black people in America.

But he was no MLK.

54 Candles For Denzel

CLEVELAND - Academy-Award winning film actor Denzel Washington has played a wide array of characters with stunning precision in his long tenure in front of the camera.

Now, he plays something he never has: A 54-year old legend.

That's right. The iconic actor and underrated director celebrates yet another birthday today and while he may be getting older, his ability and brilliance remain timeless. His coming-out-party may have been 1987's Glory, his tour-de-force may have been 1992's Malcolm X and his Oscar winning performance in 2001's Training Day may have been historic, but I am more impressed with his overall body of work and longevity. His acting is so scintillating that it seems as if no one could ever eclipse it.

Talent and accomplishments aside, I really admire him as a person. During many interviews, I have discovered that he is a humble and philanthropic man who cares deeply about his wife and children in particular and all people in general. There is never a trace of arrogance in him, nor is he the least bit pretentious.

Go figure, the greatest actor of the past 20 years is at his best when he's not acting. Happy Birthday Mr. Washington.