Historic WBAI Radio Moment: Malcolm X Challenges Police Brutality Against the Nation of Islam

(Photos: Wikimedia Commons) Malcolm X emerged as a formidable advocate for Black emancipation throughout American history. His powerful voice addressed myriad crucial issues, notably the ongoing challenge of institutional racial violence as we near the fifth anniversary of George Floyd’s murder. On what would be his centennial birthday, we highlight a poignant interview during which Malcolm denounces police brutality following the shooting of seven unarmed Nation of Islam members in Los Angeles. Conducted in 1962 by Dick Elman on WBAI 99.5 Radio, Malcolm shares harrowing details of the incident, demonstrating the dire need for accountability against law enforcement misconduct. His insistence on federal investigation reveals a profound understanding of systemic injustice, underscoring that such violent acts tarnish the fabric of American society.