Cultural critic and scribe Touré feels that it is time for the entire country to acknowledge the great sacrifices of Malcolm X by honoring him with a national holiday. The Time contributor acknowleges that many may be unable to see past Malcolm's early activism, but challenges readers to note that "his mind journeyed throughout his life, he held firm to his principles but was also strong enough to re-evaluate his beliefs and change when he deemed change is right" and reminds readers that the late leader "ended his life rejecting anti-whiteness and nationalism in favor of a bold multiculturalism" and interfaith world-view.
Politicians and activists began a call for a holiday celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King not long after the Civil Rights leader had been assasinated in 1968. Despite the amount of love and support King recieved from people of all races, MLK Day wasn't signed into law until 1983 and 2000 marked the first year in which all 50 states participated. King was far less polarizing than Malcolm X, so it's hard to imagine that the controversy over this celebration would be anything but significant.
Is this cause even worth taking up in a country that refuses to allow even a Black President to talk about race without accusing him of "pulling the race card"? Is America progressive enough to honor a Black leader like Malcolm X?
