Black History Month is supposed to be a time of honoring and remembering our unsung heroes, from the ones we learned about only briefly in school, to the ones who are making history in more present times. But unfortunately, it’s also a time where we find ourselves frustrated by people who appear to be setting us back rather than propelling us forward.
Young Money artist Nicki Minaj has caused an enormous uproar in the black community for her latest song and video, titled “Lookin’ A__ N____”. The cover for the single is the infamous photo of Malcolm X from Ebony, peering outside his window holding an AK-47. The artwork, which places the N-word near Malcolm X’s head, has inspired Change.org petitions, demanding Nicki Minaj be reprimanded for her blatant disrespect.
Minaj has issued somewhat of an apology on her Instagram page, stating “I am in the video shooting at Lookin A__ N______ and there happened to be an iconic photo of Malcolm X ready to do the same thing for what he believed in!!!! It is in no way to undermine his efforts and legacy. I apologize to the Malcolm X estate if the meaning of the photo was misconstrued.”
Last year, we talked about how Martin Luther King, Jr.’s image was being disrespected by party promoters that were photo-shopping his image onto fliers next to scantily clad women and misrepresenting what he stood for. Then we had Lil’ Wayne, also of Young Money, called out for comparing his sex skills to Emmet Till’s death. The question is when will this stop?
Janks Morton posted a video titled “Malcolm X Responds to Nicki Minaj”, using X’s own words from his speech on May 5, 1962, with photos of Nicki asking questions about her apparent self-hatred, from the color and texture of her hair to her choice of words. The end of the video prompts,
We will no longer tolerate support or allow vile entertainers to degrade the memory of our fallen heroes.
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There is a line that is not too thin that is being crossed by artists and people in general when it comes to creative expression and dishonor to our fallen heroes. Their messages are not aligned with the messages of Malcolm and Martin, yet they continue to use their images for shock value, and it’s not okay. We must let them know we will not allow this continue.