I can not help but think that someday his journal maybe of some value, so I suppose I should illustrate the events of today with my firsthand observations. We gathered today at the Audubon Ballroom to hear Brother Malcolm Speak. As I entered to find a good seat noticed the two officers posted by the entrance. I will always wonder why there were only two officers there when such a high profile speaker was to attend. There were NON guards present to ensure Mallow’s safety and I remember thinking “at least someone cares”. The program started just as it always does, with prayers and various event confirmations.
Brother Benjamin Goodman made a delightful opening speech and then introduced Brother Malcolm. Applause erupted as Brother Malcolm walked toward the wooden podium. As the applause died down Brother Malcolm greeted us all and we all responded, anxious to hear the words of this great man. As Brother Malcolm began to speak again, a commotion broke out between two young men only a few rows ahead of me. ‘Get you hands out my pocket’, one of the young men exclaimed. A scuffle followed and I heard Brother Malcolm say “Be cool, Be Calm and then the sound of gunfire rang through the aileron.
I looked toward the stage to see brother Malcolm falling backwards cover in blood. The sound of gunfire and the screams from the spectators all seemed to dissolve around me as watched the symbol of our hope laying upon the floor bleeding. As snapped myself out of this horrid trance. I noticed the guards mercilessly beating a man until the Police came and saved him. I noticed other people still in shock watching as the paramedics took Brother Malcolm out on a gurney and my hope was reignited when heard a woman say ‘He’s alive, He’s still breathing’.
He was taken across the street to Columbia Presbyterian Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. (BELL) The police say Brother Malcolm was shot many times but the shots from a shotgun punctured his chest and aorta. It seems a man by the name of Talladega Hare is being charged with Brother Mallow’s murder, But, I am almost certain there were more people involved. I can only imagine what Sister Betty is feeling right now and the trauma her children endured watching the murder of their father. The hurt, pain, and sadness is almost liable.
The one thing that stays on my mind is a comment Brother Malcolm said before at some point in time, I can’t quite remember when and where, However he said “It is time for martyrs now, and if am to be one, it will be for the cause of the brotherhood, that’s the only thing that can save this country” (Garland, 2000). I can’t help but hope that that is true. Brother Mallow’s has awaken an outrage in me that am trying so hard to contain. The shedding of blood can only be corrected by the shedding of guilty blood and will not stop until a reasonable pound of flesh has been received.