The Malcolm-X discussion forum welcomes discussions of topics directly related to the writings, speeches, taped recordings, photographs, movies, documentaries and the numerous books and articles written about Malcolm-X.

The purposes of the Malcolm X discussion forum are:

1. To identify, examine and separate the myths from his actual philosophical beliefs and values.

2. To develop a clearer understanding of Malcolm-X works.

3. To discuss the theoretical actions of "what Malcolm X would say and/or  do" about the current state of affairs facing people of colour, specifically Black people, in America. 
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   This "hypothetical" projection should be based on documented sources to support your analysis, ideas, theories and suggestions. However, there is room for saying, "what you think" and to pose questions on all aspects of this discussion.

4. To serve as a resource to its members, by continually identifying the thousands of resources, materials, organizations and Internet sites revolving around the life and memory of El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz -- Malcolm-X.
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Malcolm-X has come to symbolize power, solidarity and self-empowerment, within the Black community.  As we enter this new millennium, it becomes more compelling to understand the agents of change, which have shaped the thoughts of Black people, or people who classify themselves as Black, their rhetorical base and their collective actions, within the confines of Western culture.  "X" has come to signify one man's words and ideals.

It is important that Malcolm X's concepts and ideas of group empowerment, rebellion against injustice and the ultimate refusal to assimilate, not be overshadowed by commercial exploitation and other romantic notions of Malcolm-X.

Appropriate topics for discussion in the Malcolm X forum:

The Malcolm X discussion forum has a very broad subscriber base.  We have young people, students, admirers, organizers, scholars and those generally interested in the life, philosophy and collective actions of Malcolm-X.  

Pride of place will be given to contributions to the Malcolm X discussion forum that foster a better understanding of Malcolm X's:

• Objectives and underlying philosophy;

• Commitment to humanitarianism,

• Perseverance for freedom, justice, peace, brotherhood, and the union of mankind;

• Staunch belief in Islam,

• Social and political sensitivity,

• Unequaled insights into human nature and race relations.

There are many other areas to consider.  Where this discussion leads will be shaped by the collective group.  As long as the discussion is Malcolm X related, it is appropriate.

A Suggested Reading List

This discussion forum also invites those who may want to share and discuss the view of Malcolm X as a "militant troublemaker," making a minimal contribution to the overall society. It is the Moderator's belief that all views of Malcolm X should be openly heard, analyzed and discussed.

1. Never refer to El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz as simply "Malcolm." The only respectful and acceptable way to reference him is as: El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz or Malcolm-X.
    
2. Be respectful of those who may oppose Malcolm X's views. Deep and strong feelings still surround the assassination of Malcolm X. Let us be sure we understand the source of the problem(s); be it government inspired, personal or organizational.
    
3. Introduce yourself when signing onto the list. A short introduction is always a good icebreaker. Reference your experience and exposure to Malcolm X and Malcolm X related materials.
    
4. Try to avoid lofty language.  I want to be able to read the posts without looking up every other word.
    
5. Do not post conference, employment or event announcements, unless they are directly related to Malcolm X.
    
6. Please, do not post commercials
    
7. No jokes.  Period.  Unless directly related to Malcolm X.  Malcolm X loved humor, but if you need a break, joke on another list.
    
8. No personal attacks -- Take it "outside" and keep it off the list.
    
9. Only send e-mail in standard ASCII text formatting.  Do not use HTML code embedding

1. NEVER send files or attachments to a discussion list, especially Malcolm X.  Files and attachments should only be sent to people you have made prior arrangements with to send and/or receive files/attachments.  Even then, you should only save those files/attachments to a floppy disk or a zip disk designated explicitly for downloads and files/attachments.
    
2. Avoid the viruses and worms by not sending files, attachments and HTML to our forum.  Even your best on-line friends can infect your system.  Use antiviral scanning software on the floppy disk or zip disk BEFORE opening the file.  Only send e-mail in standard ASCII and not use HTML code embedding.
    
3. If you want your posting read by the broadest number of people, please refrain from sending ANY e-mail to the Malcolm X forum using HTML code embedding.   The MAJORITY of people using e-mail simply can not read HTML code embedding.
    
   When one configures their browser (or e-mail client) to send HTML code, the message is no longer conforming to the standard/international e-mail protocols. This immediately reduces the number of places that will accept your message (e.g. gateways, Newsgroups and BBS) and people who will read and reply to their message.  Most people (especially me) will usually delete it before attempting to wade through the visible codes.
    
   E-mail is a TEXT based medium/format.  HTML formatted messages take up unnecessary archive disk space and in most all cases can not be read by FTP, Gopher and Lynx readers.
    
4. We are communicating on an international basis, please set your browser to plain ASCII.  This can be found under the options menu in both Netscape and Microsoft's Internet Explorer.
    
5. If your mail program supports fancy formatting (bold, italic and so on) in the mail messages it generates, DO NOT use those feature on the Malcolm X forum.  In general, any time you send a fancy formatted message, make sure that the recipient(s) has a mail program that can display such messages.  At this time, most Internet mail programs, especially the international programs, do not support anything other than PLAIN TEXT in messages, although this will change over time (three (3) years).

Things to remember:

Many people on this list may have differing opinions from your own. That is O.K.

1. Try to be helpful with your comments.
    
2. Treat people as you want to be treated.  Don't be afraid to go "off-line" and have a private's conversation/arguments with those that you may not agree with.  Bring the important facts/outcomes back to the list (minus the personal attacks).
    
3. Please sign your messages with your real name.
    
4. All posts are archived and accessible to the entire world via the World Wide Web.  When you write something it become a matter of permanent history of the Internet.
    

Welcome to the discussions of the life, philosophy and influences of Malcolm-X.
 

F. Leon Wilson
Malcolm X Discussion Forum Moderator

614-338-8383  Voice
614-231-9592  FAX

e-mail: emailFLeon
e-mail: Malcolm X-Request@LISTSERV.ICORS.ORG
  

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