As an outspoken Black man, Muslim faith minister, and human rights activist during the height of legalized segregation in the United States, it’s unsurprising that Malcolm X’s beliefs ruffled many feathers. His advocacy for Black empowerment and community strengthening led to a broader movement and an enlightening period for many Americans, and his highly recognizable image ensures in popular culture today, from music to fashion to art. In this episode of the Second Draft Project, Zoe Trask and Jen Byers are on the ground at Leimert Park Farmers Market in Los Angeles to find out how Malcolm X's legacy lives on, particularly in the world of revolutionary apparel. Tuning in, you’ll hear from shop owners, designers, and even Malcolm X’s kin about the role that fashion plays in activism, the history that accompanies the likeness of notable freedom fighters, and how radical politics continues to shape trends today.

Key Points From This Episode:

• Vox pops from Leimert Park in Los Angeles: how Malcolm X’s legacy lives on.
• What Queen Aminah has to teach us about the role of fashion in Black activism.
• How style is a direct manifestation of Adam X’s beliefs.
• Whether revolutionary clothing honors the legacy of Malcolm X or waters it down.
• Profit versus social justice: how fast fashion exploits the image of Malcolm X.
• Army fatigues, keffiyehs, wearing all-black, and other forms of activist fashion.
• The importance of historical context during this resurgence of revolutionary style.
• What Malcolm X’s daughter, Ilyasah Shabazz, tells us about the timelessness of truth.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Queen Aminah

Queen Aminah on Instagram

Adam X

Original Manufacturing Inc.

Community Alliance for Family Farmers

Cordell Walcott

Sole Folks

Ilyasah Shabazz

Second Draft Project

Zoe Trask on LinkedIn

Jen Byers on LinkedIn