Nearly 60 years after Malcolm X was shot and killed while speaking at the Audubon Ballroom in New York City, there are still more questions than answers about the circumstances of the civil rights leader’s death, which has been the subject of controversy, conspiracy theories, and well-founded skepticism alike. In this episode, we explore some of these narratives and uncover the power of visual documentation in revealing truths about injustices. We also examine the parallels between the enduring legacy (and demise) of Malcolm X and widely beloved rapper and community activist, Nipsey Hussle, setting the tone for the next season of the Second Draft Project where we hope to answer some of the questions that cast a long shadow over his death. Be sure to join us on our quest for truth!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Parallels in the life and death of Malcolm X and Nipsey Hussle.
• Questions that still remain nearly 60 years after Malcolm X’s death.
• The wrongful death lawsuit his family filed against US government agencies and the NYPD.
• Smartphones as instruments of social change: the importance of Black Witnessing.
• How Black leaders that inspire self-sustainability in the Black community are seen as a threat.
• Insight into the assassination of Nipsey Hussle in 2019.
• What to expect from the next season of the Second Draft Project!

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Who Killed Malcolm X?

Ben Crump

Cultural Moves: African Americans and the Politics of Representation

The Autobiography of Malcolm X

Dr. Allissa V. Richardson

Dr. Allissa V. Richardson on LinkedIn

Dr. Allissa V. Richardson on X

Jameela Hammond

Jameela Hammond on LinkedIn

Second Draft Project

In March 2019, widely beloved rapper and community activist Nipsey Hussle was gunned down in the parking lot of his store, The Marathon Clothing in South Central Los Angeles. In this episode of the Second Draft Project, Shaniek Brown and Maya Broomfield explore Nipsey’s enduring influence in his community and take a look at how it intersects with Malcolm X's to identify how Malcolm X impacted Black leadership on the West Coast. Tuning in, you’ll learn about the similarities that both men shared when it came to their upbringing, their portrayal in the media, the common causes they dedicated their lives to, and ultimately, their legacy.

Key Points From This Episode:

• The circumstances surrounding Nipsey’s childhood and his enduring love for music.
• Some of the similarities between Nipsey and Malcolm X’s backgrounds.
• How a trip to his father’s home country of Eritrea changed the trajectory of Nipsey’s life.
• Various reflections on how the Nation of Islam shaped activism in Los Angeles.
• Ways that the media painted both Nipsey and Malcolm X in a negative light.
• The common unity that they each dedicated their lives to.
• Public effects of both men and how they posed a threat to systematic racism.
• The Marathon Continues: how Nipsey Hussle’s legacy is being preserved.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Nipsey Hussle

The Marathon

Neighborhood Nip Foundation

‘Killing of Nipsey Hussle in South L.A. likely has some ties to gangs, source says; LAPD seeks suspect’

Patrisse Cullors

Black Lives Matter

Brandi Kane on X

Samiel Asghedom (Blacc Sam)

Second Draft Project

Shaniek Brown on LinkedIn

Maya Broomfield

Maya Broomfield on LinkedIn

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