Since the release of Malcolm X: A Life of Reinvention, a fierce debate has erupted between Black scholars and activists over the latest treatment of the life of the iconic figure. Complicating matters is the sudden death of the book’s author, historian Dr. Manning Marable, on the eve of the release of the biography. The book has sparked a sometimes emotional debate that has played out on blogs and Internet chats, and has once again brought attention to a man whose legacy is still debated almost five decades after his assassination.

Sensing the need to have a public airing of the varying points of view on the manner and substance of Manning Marable’s scholarship, the Institute of the Black World 21st Century (IBW) is sponsoring a special forum this Saturday in New York City. The event is titled A Public Conversation: The Meaning of Manning Marable’s Biography of Malcolm X and will be held at 2:00 pm in the historic Mother A.M.E. Zion Church at 146 W. 137th Street in Harlem. Dr. Ron Daniels, president of IBW and a NorthStar News Contributor, will serve as moderator. Panelists for the event include award winning author and journalist Herb Boyd, Monifa Bandele of the Malcolm X Grassroots Movement, Imam Talib Abdur-Rashid of the Mosque of Islamic Brotherhood, Professor James Small and Viola Plummer of the December 12th Movement. In addition one of the daughters of Malcolm X, Ilyasah Shabazz, and a nephew, Rodnel Collins, have been invited to participate.

Dr. Daniels noted, “Malcolm X is a highly revered leader in the Black World. Anytime anything is said or written that would appear to cloud his legacy it is bound to incite passionate reactions in our community. That is why it is imperative that we have a public conversation about Dr. Marable’s book.”

The forum is free and open to the public. For information call (718) 429-1415 or visit the website of the IBW at www.ibw21.org.