Malcolm X
Induction to the Hall of Fame: Celebrate with Action
by Nature Medicine Song Villegas, AA
(Intersectional Liaison w/ Stand In For Nebraska/Restorative Justice Warrior, Reentry/Peer Support Specialist/ Healing Circle Facilitator/ Artist-Writer/Mentor)
So often we are mesmerized by society’s romantic versions of our realities that we lose sight of what is really happening around us. I have scribbled notes and thoughts on this for so long, my heart raced with excitement and anticipation when gifted this opportunity. An opportunity to have an honest conversation. A conversation about celebration, symbolism, and what moving forward truly looks and sounds like.
Nebraska took the initiative to place thought into restoration when it comes to this year’s finalist into the induction of the Nebraska Hall of Fame. Our very own El Hajj Malik El Shabazz, or as many know him, Malcolm X. I was one of many that showed up to put some respect on his name. Respect that the entire world already recognizes. This comes as no surprise though, because putting respect and black man in the same sentence is something Nebraska has always struggled with. In fact, our entire country struggles with this still in 2022.
In celebration, we must not be blinded by the glitter. There were many before us that started this journey that are not with us today. Not only are they not here today, they stood before the voting board to get Malcolm X inducted into the hall of fame not once but twice before this third time being the charm. This third time took us taking their torch and continuing the marathon they started. Showing the importance of our seeds and just how far out they grow.
I continue to reflect on the views and comments made by a particular board member, “Malcolm didn’t claim Nebraska.” I couldn’t help but notice her disgust every time she spoke of Malcolm X. Her facials said everything Nebraska sweeps under the ‘good life’ rug. The truth is, Nebraska didn’t claim Malcolm, hence why we have collectively over the decades been boots to ground to demand the respect he deserves. Also, to tell the truth about the KKK running his family out of their home and off their land. See, while Nebraska keeps their picture-perfect imagery and symbolism, those of us that are surviving this life and that which Malcolm X spoke up against so courageously aren’t sweeping anything but truth to the surface from here on out.
Truth is something we struggle with when it jeopardizes looking less than kind and all the great qualities we like to believe we hold. This being true to us as individuals and as a community and nation. However, that same truth is what is missing in the narrative change, the accountability process and the healing and restoration process. It is bitter sweet that individuals that have yet to own Nebraska’s not so good life history are the same ones in the seats that continue to decide our fate based on the same fears that put us in this fate in the first place. That is another day and another conversation.
They say truth hurts but I want to challenge that and say that truth only hurts when we defy it and manipulate it to cater to a less than honorable narrative. Truth has the power to heal. If hearing the truth about Nebraska, and the chasing out of a family by the KKK doesn’t sit right with you, good because it shouldn’t. That is STILL happening today, just in ways upgraded with the times. In order to do the work that our brother paved the way on, we must first acknowledge the truth of Nebraska’s history. History only repeats itself if we let it. History should also allow us to know better so we can do better.
I sat in Malcolm’s truest words every time I traveled to speak at a hearing to remind myself to stay focused despite the symbolic versions around me. I couldn’t unhear the uneducated and hate wrapped comments by above mentioned board member. I couldn’t help but notice the grotesque look upon her face at every mention of Malcolm X. All I could see is how these same looks are the ones my people and I get on a daily, as though we aren’t all so comfortable upon stolen lands. I traveled with Ms. Schmeeka from the Malcolm X Foundation to a rural town and had yet another experience of a sun down town. We stopped at a gas station and they barely wanted to serve us. They made it clear they were here to make us anything but welcomed or comfortable. I will never forget that long stretch to the interstate in what I call ‘driving the green mile’. I am sure we held our breath the whole way with our warrior instincts on high alert. Yes, right here in the ‘The Good Life’ Nebraska.
This experience really highlighted to me how engulfed we are in symbolism. It took the confetti right out of this experience for me. I noticed the Indigenous flags in the State Capital and we are so proud of that. Yet, I am arm and arm with Niskithe Prayer camp to protect inipi lands while Nebraska sues them and fights to build on sacred lands. Stolen lands. I see statues all over Lincoln that cater to a narrative that is most appealing for the narrator and less for those actually living through this, or having lived through it. In lieu of actually changing the narrative and righting wrongs we are offered flag space and statues. Our missing and murdered women and relatives are unaccounted for and will never see the news arena that Caucasian missing people receive. Our police departments, justice systems, community facilities, and educational systems continue to contribute to a pipeline to prison and the criminalization of being poor or nonwhite. Instead of Nebraska taking the same accountability it requires, we are offered symbolized “change”.
While many shout and dance with glee, I am heavy hearted with these realities and more. I can’t bask in symbolism when I drive by Zachery Bearheels billboard every day. When I wake up and 22 years later, Ernest Jackson is STILL in prison even though it’s been said by our state senators that they know he is innocent. I can’t celebrate when our police departments that are here to protect and serve are killing us. I refuse to celebrate when I and all other women of all ages bodily autonomy is on the legislative table. I refuse to celebrate our genocide. We are not safe. We are not heard. Until that changes it is going to take more than a flag, a photo with a representative, or a statue to convince me.
To truly celebrate our brother El Hajj Malik El Shabazz, Malcolm X we must go beyond scratching the surface & walk the talk. Do you have his integrity within you to do so?
(Intersectional Liaison w/ Stand In For Nebraska/Restorative Justice Warrior, Reentry/Peer Support Specialist/ Healing Circle Facilitator/ Artist-Writer/Mentor)
So often we are mesmerized by society’s romantic versions of our realities that we lose sight of what is really happening around us. I have scribbled notes and thoughts on this for so long, my heart raced with excitement and anticipation when gifted this opportunity. An opportunity to have an honest conversation. A conversation about celebration, symbolism, and what moving forward truly looks and sounds like.
Nebraska took the initiative to place thought into restoration when it comes to this year’s finalist into the induction of the Nebraska Hall of Fame. Our very own El Hajj Malik El Shabazz, or as many know him, Malcolm X. I was one of many that showed up to put some respect on his name. Respect that the entire world already recognizes. This comes as no surprise though, because putting respect and black man in the same sentence is something Nebraska has always struggled with. In fact, our entire country struggles with this still in 2022.
In celebration, we must not be blinded by the glitter. There were many before us that started this journey that are not with us today. Not only are they not here today, they stood before the voting board to get Malcolm X inducted into the hall of fame not once but twice before this third time being the charm. This third time took us taking their torch and continuing the marathon they started. Showing the importance of our seeds and just how far out they grow.
I continue to reflect on the views and comments made by a particular board member, “Malcolm didn’t claim Nebraska.” I couldn’t help but notice her disgust every time she spoke of Malcolm X. Her facials said everything Nebraska sweeps under the ‘good life’ rug. The truth is, Nebraska didn’t claim Malcolm, hence why we have collectively over the decades been boots to ground to demand the respect he deserves. Also, to tell the truth about the KKK running his family out of their home and off their land. See, while Nebraska keeps their picture-perfect imagery and symbolism, those of us that are surviving this life and that which Malcolm X spoke up against so courageously aren’t sweeping anything but truth to the surface from here on out.
Truth is something we struggle with when it jeopardizes looking less than kind and all the great qualities we like to believe we hold. This being true to us as individuals and as a community and nation. However, that same truth is what is missing in the narrative change, the accountability process and the healing and restoration process. It is bitter sweet that individuals that have yet to own Nebraska’s not so good life history are the same ones in the seats that continue to decide our fate based on the same fears that put us in this fate in the first place. That is another day and another conversation.
They say truth hurts but I want to challenge that and say that truth only hurts when we defy it and manipulate it to cater to a less than honorable narrative. Truth has the power to heal. If hearing the truth about Nebraska, and the chasing out of a family by the KKK doesn’t sit right with you, good because it shouldn’t. That is STILL happening today, just in ways upgraded with the times. In order to do the work that our brother paved the way on, we must first acknowledge the truth of Nebraska’s history. History only repeats itself if we let it. History should also allow us to know better so we can do better.
I sat in Malcolm’s truest words every time I traveled to speak at a hearing to remind myself to stay focused despite the symbolic versions around me. I couldn’t unhear the uneducated and hate wrapped comments by above mentioned board member. I couldn’t help but notice the grotesque look upon her face at every mention of Malcolm X. All I could see is how these same looks are the ones my people and I get on a daily, as though we aren’t all so comfortable upon stolen lands. I traveled with Ms. Schmeeka from the Malcolm X Foundation to a rural town and had yet another experience of a sun down town. We stopped at a gas station and they barely wanted to serve us. They made it clear they were here to make us anything but welcomed or comfortable. I will never forget that long stretch to the interstate in what I call ‘driving the green mile’. I am sure we held our breath the whole way with our warrior instincts on high alert. Yes, right here in the ‘The Good Life’ Nebraska.
This experience really highlighted to me how engulfed we are in symbolism. It took the confetti right out of this experience for me. I noticed the Indigenous flags in the State Capital and we are so proud of that. Yet, I am arm and arm with Niskithe Prayer camp to protect inipi lands while Nebraska sues them and fights to build on sacred lands. Stolen lands. I see statues all over Lincoln that cater to a narrative that is most appealing for the narrator and less for those actually living through this, or having lived through it. In lieu of actually changing the narrative and righting wrongs we are offered flag space and statues. Our missing and murdered women and relatives are unaccounted for and will never see the news arena that Caucasian missing people receive. Our police departments, justice systems, community facilities, and educational systems continue to contribute to a pipeline to prison and the criminalization of being poor or nonwhite. Instead of Nebraska taking the same accountability it requires, we are offered symbolized “change”.
While many shout and dance with glee, I am heavy hearted with these realities and more. I can’t bask in symbolism when I drive by Zachery Bearheels billboard every day. When I wake up and 22 years later, Ernest Jackson is STILL in prison even though it’s been said by our state senators that they know he is innocent. I can’t celebrate when our police departments that are here to protect and serve are killing us. I refuse to celebrate when I and all other women of all ages bodily autonomy is on the legislative table. I refuse to celebrate our genocide. We are not safe. We are not heard. Until that changes it is going to take more than a flag, a photo with a representative, or a statue to convince me.
To truly celebrate our brother El Hajj Malik El Shabazz, Malcolm X we must go beyond scratching the surface & walk the talk. Do you have his integrity within you to do so?
