Today marks the 81st birthday of Malcolm X.

More than 41 years after his tragic death, we are still feeling the pain of his absence. Despite the endless string of so-called leaders who followed him, none have matched his level of service, commitment, sacrifice, vision, and discipline. Malcolm’s willingness and ability, particularly during the latter part of his short life, to recognize the significance of global human rights struggles helped to expand and improve the focus of our local struggles. His growing recognition and public critiques of American capitalism helped us to understand the complexities of racial oppression and neo-colonialism. Also, Malcolm’s personal development from street hustler to hero, as documented in his classic autobiography, has been a blueprint of possibility for generations of young black men.

Today, we honor his memory and legacy. May the ancestors be pleased with him.