CONGRESSWOMAN MAXINE WATERS CELEBRATES THE BIRTHDAY OF MALCOLM X IN LEIMERT PARK
WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-43), Ranking Member of the Committee on Financial Services, released the following statement in response to the 33rd Annual Malcolm X Celebration and Festival in Leimert Park, and the 100th Birthday Anniversary Celebration of Malcolm X.
Congresswoman Maxine Waters spoke at the 33rd Annual Malcolm X Celebration and Festival. “I am so elated to celebrate the life and legacy of Malcolm X, in the heart of a community so entrenched in the fight for equality, human rights, and justice”, said Congresswoman Waters.
Each year, The Foundation for Arts, Mentorship, Leadership, and Innovation (FAMLI, Inc.), led by Torrence Brannon-Reese, Founder/CEO, hosts a spectacular, community-wide celebration at Leimert Park “Black Arts” Village, on the in honor of the birthday of Malcolm X (May 19, 1925). The first “Malcolm X Festival” in Los Angeles was held on May 19, 1993, and this year, the festival marks Malcolm X’s 100th birthday. Over the years, this event has offered an eclectic mix of live musical performances, poetry, spoken word, fashion designs, African art and literature, film screenings, children’s activities, a variety of ethnic dishes, and an abundance of intellectual discussions and civil discourse designed to ensure that the grand legacy of the iconic leader, Omowale, El Hajj Malik El-Shabazz, “Malcolm X”, remains alive and well in the consciousness of those who ascribe to his teachings, have been inspired by his life story, and who value his contributions to the cause of Human Rights.
This year’s theme is “Human Rights, By Any Means Necessary”. “It is especially fitting that on the 100th birthday anniversary of Malcolm X, we are reminded how we’ve championed the struggles of our past and why we must renew our commitment to continue fighting for freedom and equality in every part of our nation and society”.