FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2026

By  Lofton Emanari 

It was  a rather mild and clear evening of Tuesday, May 19th 2026 when a raucous collective of community social activists,  political partisans, civic pundits, cultural nationalists, rastafarians,  academics, intellectuals, religious clergy, media, business types men & women, youth street groups, arm-chair researchers to even curious everyday citizens all assembled at the Kenwood-Oakland Community Organization’ base of operations on South Cottage Grove near Bronzeville. 

May 19th being the birthdate of Malcolm X - El Hajj Malik El Shabazz was the august occasion and the celebration that night coincided with a grass roots groundswell honoring the slain leader with a long overdue public recognition by way of a municipal tribute. 

That tribute surrounds increasing discussions on the naming of a Chicago street in homage of his memory. Coming out that fateful night were several generations of black folk just about filling the sizable hall of the neighborhood center. 

Facilitated by Ron Carter, publisher & editor of the Chicago Street Journal newspaper in conjunction with the Flaming Crescent Society and its founder Salim Abdul-Khaliq.  Carter admitted, “this is an uphill battle. There are at least 8 Wards along which Cottage Grove runs. And we intend to reach out to our alderpersons and businesses in the districts and Wards that run along Cottage Grove”. 

After an opening interfaith prayer from Salim Abdul-Khaliq the night’s program began with a heartfelt libation conducted by longtime freedom fighter Mansong Kulubally.

Malcolm X (May 19, 1925-February 21, 1965)

What followed was a free-wheeling program of ad hominem opinions and commentaries by notable figures such as the illustrious elder the Rev. Al Sampson (perhaps the final preacher to be ordained by MLK, Jr and one-time close ally of Min. Louis Farrakhan); then there was a brief international perspective by Kamm Howard, undoubtedly one of the foremost high level authorities on Reparations.

Kamau Rashied, of the Black United Front of Northeastern University eloquently spoke as well as the fiery wheelchair bound Mama Evelyn Johnson, stumping for her campaign ‘stop the gun violence’ in the neighborhoods and The Muslim Journal’s impassioned Marq Shaheer, nic-named ‘The Street Imam’ extorted the theme of ‘Do-For-Self' which raised a roar from the attentive throng. 

Interestingly enough  the young Black Panther Davd Pruitt (nee Muhammad), drew some raised eyebrows by offering a controversial alternative to most opinions voiced;. 

Songstress Maggie Brown serenaded the proceedings with one of her father Oscar Brown, Jr’s classic psalms, ‘Brother, Where Are You?’ 

And The Flaming Crescent Society’s Mike Freeman and Tyrone Perry offered directives from the Society’s mandate and purpose. 

In what was perhaps the most engaging speaker was Gary, Indiana’s Kwabena JiJaga Pratt, who told of his 20 year struggle  and achievement getting a main thoroughfare named for Malcolm X. 

The list of speakers' palpable enthusiasm shook the very foundations of the house with stimulating food-for-thought dialogue. 

Also on hand were figures like critical activists like Tio Hardiman, Researcher Randy Evans, The Underground Bookstore owner Yoel and former Death Row political prisoner Zolo Agona Azania.

The night’s festivities ended with words of encouragement from the executive director of KOCO Shannon Bennett.

 “This will be a monumental task and KOCO will be ground zero for this noble effort. For that we are honored and proud. Let us see this to fruition and completion for all of Chicago’s citizens.”

In the prophetic words of Ron Carter, “With the outpouring of support tonight the  naming of Malcolm X Blvd is now a Movement.”

Lofton Emenari, is a long-serving Griot, writer, journalist, broadcaster, jazzologist and has toiled in the vineyards of social justice with a wide range of activities and accomplishments. His self published books are ‘Living While Black-Prose, Poems & Proverbs’ (2021) and ‘Blues for a Black Muslim-My Crisis of Faith’ (2025)

Sed ARTS/ENTERTAINMENT

See BUSINESS

See COMMUNITY/CIVIC

See EDITORIAL/COMMENTARY

See EDUCATION

See GOVERNMENT

See HEALTH/WELLNESS

See HOUSING

See INTERNATIONAL

See JUSTICE/LAW

See SPORTS1

See YOUTH