Curator's Notes:

Malcolm X/El Hajj Malik El Shabazz was a household name in my home, but it was not until combing through the archive that I got a better sense of how significant he was to Umi's development as a Black woman, as a Muslim, and as an activist. In her own narration, her conversion story starts with Malcolm and even her search for a life partner was shaped by his example. And of course, as displayed here, there are numerous books, tapes, and videos about him in her library. In this, Umi is far from singular. From individuals like Umi, artists like The Last Poets, and all of hip hop to movement organizations (too many to name), and independent media organizations like Sapelo Square; the impact of El-Hajj Malik El Shabazz/Malcolm X on the world is profound.