The Black Student Union hosted an event at the Cesar Chavez Student Center to commemorate the life and achievements of black liberation activist Malcolm X. Members of the Nation of Islam and the All-African People’s Revolutionary Party joined the BSU celebration of Malcolm X and his legacy on May 7 on SF State’s Malcolm X Plaza.

“We’re here to clear up misconceptions a lot of people don’t know about Malcolm; they know one narrow view: that he was a racist,” said Coby Obiesie, 20, majoring in accounting and black studies. “Malcolm X spoke for the liberation of all human beings.”

Through Malcolm X’s speeches and words, speakers at the celebration connected his actions and philosophies to the liberation struggle of black, Palestinian, Latino, Chicano and Native American people.

According to Aimee Barnes, program development officer of the Richard Oakes Multicultural Center, the Student Center has hosted the celebration of Malcolm X for 14 years. This year was a little different because the students and their organizations were more involved in organizing the event and providing the student voice that needs to be there, Barnes said.

Following the opening celebration, SF State alumni held an open forum panel discussion to discuss Malcolm X’s legacy and philosophy, and to reiterate their side of what happened to the original mural that was supposed to be placed in 1994 where the current one hangs in the Malcolm X Plaza.

“The mural that was done for SF State in 1994 caused a controversy amongst those who seek to limit expression, particularly that of the oppressed,” said Senay Referone, the artist of the original mural.

The event was also held to celebrate the formal naming of the plaza and the mural that adorns the Student Center along with the Cesar Chavez mural.

“This school prides itself in promoting social justice issues. We want to make sure we commemorate key figures so that the torch continues to burn for future generations,” said Sam Brown, chair of the community relations committee for the Student Center.

Due to a production error in the print version of [X]press, a photo caption stated "The Black Student Union event commemorated the lie and achievements of Malcolm X. It should have read "The life and achievements of Malcolm X." [X]press regrets the error.