The legendary Malcolm X was born in Omaha on May 19th, 1925. The Black Cats are belatedly honoring the 100th birthday of Nebraska's most internationally beloved son. We went back and forth for a few weeks trying to decide on the most appropriate way of honoring Malcolm, who is still commonly misunderstood (even by some of his admirers) six decades after his assassination. We eventually settled on this reading discussion, where we can let Malcolm speak for himself.
Malcolm X founded the Organization of Afro-American Unity (OAAU) in 1964, after leaving the Nation of Islam. The OAAU was modeled after the Organization of African Unity, an alliance that already spanned most of the continent when Malcolm visited Africa in early 1964. We will be reading the "Statement of basic aims and objectives of the Organization of Afro-American Unity" from June 1964. While Malcolm wasn't the sole author of the OAAU's materials, this statement is still an accessible look at the economic, social, and cultural future that Malcolm wanted for Black Americans.
If you haven't attended a Black Cat reading discussion before, here's what to expect: We don't believe in homework! Everyone who attends will be given a paper copy of our reading and something to write on it with. We will do a group reading out loud, but your participation is optional if the thought makes you self-conscious. You are encouraged to write all over the handout: circle key words, underline passages, and write your own notes in the margins. The reading will take 20-30 minutes, and we will spend the rest of our time discussing what we just read.
As always, our events are free and open to the public. The Black Cat House welcomes all ages, and is a drug and alcohol-free venue. To help keep everyone safe and healthy, we ask that all guests wear face masks in our space. We are wheelchair accessible.
Also check out other Arts events in Lincoln, Literary Art events in Lincoln.
