Cleanliness.
Modesty.
Grace.
These are the ways I would describe the aesthetics of Malcolm X. The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) is quoted as saying if, “You are on your way to meet your brothers, wear handsome garb and make right your riding so you appear distinct among people as a fleck [on a beautiful face].” I never had the honor of meeting Brother Malcolm, but if I had the chance, I surely would have wanted to look my best.
I have seen Malcolm X photographed in every corner of this earth, meeting brothers and sisters in Egypt, Syria, Sudan, Nigeria, Ghana, Indonesia, the UK, the US, and in every photograph, you see the reflection of the words spoken by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Even in his final hour, he glowed with cleanliness, modesty, and grace as our own Black, shining prince.
No one wore a tailored suit and skinny tie quite like Brother Malcolm. No one wore a pair of browline framed glasses quite like Brother Malcolm. No one was quite like Brother Malcolm. Brother Malcolm was the man I wanted to be, before I fully understood what it meant to be a man.
I studied his words.
I studied his politics.
I studied his aesthetics.
I studied his way of life.
The legacy of Malcolm X lives inside of me. From the way I make prayer, to the way I parent my children—He is there. Brother Malcolm is with me in the classroom when I teach, and in the streets as I reach out to work with the people. He is there. This collection is beautifully connected to the legacy of Malcolm X. It is the byproduct of folks within the Muslim community coming together with Qubilah Shabazz, daughter of Malcolm X. So yes, even as I wear the clothes from this collaboration—Brother Malcolm is there.
- Dr. Ameer Hasan Loggins
