Today is May 19, 2012 and it's Malcolm X birthday! Malcolm X was a Muslim, activist, father,husband and a man of great influence and power. Whether you agree with his politics or not Malcolm X has had an undeniable influence upon the planet we live on and the way things are scene, shared and understood the world over .
What is often overlooked, or more so not talked about as much is Malcolm X effect on fashion. He was a well dressed man and as time carried on and people wanted to keep his legacy alive one way this was done was by wearing the ever popular horn rimmed plastic and wire framed glasses. These glasses above anything else are one of the most recognizable items worn my Malcolm X. At the time of his growth to fame of sorts this type of frame was popular if not typical of most males then, but now has transformed to much more of a fashion statement in the 21st century. This is for good reason they are classic and will ALWAYS be in style.
In the 90′s when Spike Lee release the Malcolm X film starring Denzel Washington he inspired a trend of "X" being em blazed on everything from hats, jackets, shirts, medallions and buttons.
Of course Malcolm X is beyond fashion and might not even like the way fashion has idolized him and yet his ideals still fall silent on the ears of many. However even the recreation of a photo of him in the window with a rifle is, to me, is an action done out of RESPECT!
This was done by KRS ONE, who is one of the GREATEST and more recently BILAL too a musical great.
All of these actions whether done via fashion, music, or posting quotes is about EDUCATION. And if that is the way that someone begins to learn about MALCOLM X, thru fashion or music, I think he would be good with that.
"Education is our passport to the future; for tomorrow belongs to those that prepare for it today." – Malcolm X
Happy Birthday MALCOLM X!!!
