Community Reflects on the Legacy and Lessons of Malcolm X Through Film Screening and Panel Discussion

Queens, NY — This past weekend, the office of Senator James Sanders Jr. proudly hosted a powerful and thought-provoking series of events honoring the life and legacy of Malcolm X.
On Friday evening, the community gathered for a screening of the acclaimed documentary Who Killed Malcolm X?, which drew a full house and sparked passionate discussion. In a special appearance, Dr. Baba Zak Kondo, a key figure featured in the film, shared personal reflections and decades of research into the life and tragic death of Malcolm X. Dr. Kondo, who has followed Malcolm’s teachings since the age of twelve, guided the audience through the political tensions and missteps that led to Malcolm’s assassination. “Malcolm was not a myth, he was real in every sense of the word,” said Dr. Kondo. “He was a man of vision, discipline, and endless potential. Had he lived longer, there is no doubt he would have helped lead Black Americans to even greater heights of liberation and unity.”
Then, on Sunday, a powerful panel discussion took place featuring internationally renowned Malcolm X scholar Dr. William Sales Jr. and leading Black studies professor Dr. Abdul Alkalimat. The dialogue explored Malcolm’s global outlook, political development, and the broader racial and economic systems he challenged. Together, the panelists painted a vivid picture of Malcolm X’s enduring influence and the intellectual strength of Black America.
Dr. Sales emphasized that “the more educated Black people become, the more those in power feel the need to tighten the leash,” highlighting how knowledge and self-awareness among marginalized communities often provoke pushback from entrenched systems of control.
Senator James Sanders Jr., who has long considered himself a student of Malcolm X’s teachings, offered a powerful reflection:
“Too often, people only focus on Malcolm X’s death, on the moment he was taken from us. But Malcolm’s life was far more powerful than his assassination. He evolved, he grew, and he challenged an entire system with courage and clarity. That’s why events like this are so critical: to make sure we never lose sight of one of our greatest leaders while he was alive, what he stood for, and what he still has to teach us.”
Senator Sanders’ office extends deep gratitude to all who attended and participated in these events, helping to ensure Malcolm X’s legacy lives on—not as a distant myth, but as a real, radical force that still inspires and informs us today.

For more information please reach out to Joshua Green at Jgreen@nysenate.gov or call 718-523-3069