During Black History Month, we will be featuring interviews from different personalities. We divided our questions into three parts: Past, Present and Future.
In our second Black History Month interview, we are honored to have Abdul-Malik of Native Deen answering our questions. Check bandmate Joshua Salaam’s interview here.
Past - Malcolm X was a visionary and he had plans to establish a Muslim identity in North America.
1. Do you feel that our contemporary generation has lost the connection to Malcolm’s legacies? Please explain (you may include suggestions and action steps)
During the height civil rights era, youth were at the center of the impetus for change and revolution. Malcolm X grew up in this climate and it directly affected his perspective on life and the great legacy that left. Today, youth have been afforded the opportunities [that] many people in civil rights era never had. However, these legacies of faith, leadership and tolerance that Malcolm X [upheld] are not encouraged in the media that youth are watching day after day. During the time of Malcolm, there were blatant injustices embedded in the culture of America that needed to be eradicated. As youth of today, we need to put a spotlight on the aspects of our culture that [are] negative and do as much as we can to remove them from our lives and the lives of those around us. Malcolm’s legacy was one of change. Societal ills such as the pervasiveness of drug abuse and fornication need to be tackled immediately.
2. On the eve of the 43rd anniversary of Malcolm’s death, why do you feel we still have not been able to establish a fraction of Malcolm’s vision?
Malcolm was about revolution. The Prophet SAW advised us to change any situation with our hands, then with our voice, then at least abhor it in our hearts. The reason that many times our goals have not been accomplished or visions be realized is that we aren’t following those steps that he, Prophet SAW, mentioned are the ways to make change. We may try to outwardly change something, but we may not really believe in the change. Or we may believe in the change in our hearts, but we don’t try to change it with our voice or hands. The Quran mentions many times “Belief and righteous works” - both going hand in hand. Once we establish our belief, we must put our faith into action.
Future - African American Youth
1. The youth are constantly bombarded by insidious and harmful elements in the media. Which role models would you recommend for our youth to seek inspiration and guidance? (Our Beloved Prophet is the default answer but anyone else that is in our generation?)
Artists, athletes and musicians have a tremendous [role] in inspiring and guiding the youth of today. Many famous artists only wish to entertain and not inspire which is one of the causes of many ills in society. Hip hop artists will rap about drug[s], sex and violence in their lyrics for the purpose of entertainment. Even some Muslim rappers fall into the trap of being “popular” and riding the wave of the industry. However, there are a few that craft their art for the benefit of the youth. These can be good [role] models for our youth. Hakeem Olajuwon is a good example of a sports figure who kept to his beliefs and also out-performed other players on the basketball court.
2. For many, African pride is strong during the short month of February. What do you recommend to our readers to instill a consistent awareness of African history, past & present contributions and contemporary issues?
As Muslims, we realize that we are a creation of Allah SWA and we are all equal except for our righteousness. He made us into nations and tribe so that we can get to know one another. But its also important for us as African Americans to be proud of our heritage. If we feel an inferiority complex towards any other group of people or race, we are in essence not accepting Allah’s ultimate knowledge and wisdom. In order to instill this pride, we have to let our family and friends realize the great advancements in science, technology, medicine and other areas by African Americans. There are many youth and immigrants who don’t realize how great the African nation once was. This has to be mentioned and instilled into people – so that there is a genuine respect for each other and we can learn from each other equally as Allah commanded.
Purchase Native Deen’s new album, Not Afraid to Stand Alone, here. Also, check out their MySpace and Facebook pages. Here is a video of their previous single, Small Deeds.
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