(HKR-02-21-25) In a rare and illuminating conversation on Hard Knock Radio, that first aired in 2016, host Davey D sat down with the late Gus Newport, a revered human rights activist and former mayor of Berkeley. While many recognize Newport’s work in politics and social justice, fewer know of his deep personal connection with Malcolm X, a relationship forged in the heart of the struggle for Black liberation. This conversation unearthed powerful insights into Malcolm’s formative years, his political evolution, and the forces that sought to silence him.
Malcolm X’s Early Influences and the Shadow of White Supremacy
Newport began by highlighting Malcolm X’s familial roots in activism, tracing them back to his father, a minister and staunch follower of Marcus Garvey. Malcolm’s father’s alignment with Garveyism placed him in direct opposition to white supremacist forces, ultimately leading to his assassination by the Ku Klux Klan. Tragically, Malcolm’s older brother also fell victim to racist violence, a devastating pattern that shaped Malcolm’s worldview and ignited his lifelong commitment to justice.
Newport emphasized how the media has historically suppressed these aspects of Malcolm’s history, opting instead to paint a narrative of criminality and radicalism rather than one of resilience and righteous defiance. This erasure, Newport contended, is part of a larger systemic effort to control the historical narrative and minimize the impact of Black resistance movements.
First Encounters: Malcolm X and the Rochester Police Brutality Case
Newport recalled his first meeting with Malcolm in 1961, a moment that changed his life. At the time, Newport was deeply involved in civil rights activism in Rochester, New York. After police raided a Nation of Islam mosque and brutally assaulted its members, Malcolm personally reached out to Newport through mutual activist connections. What followed was a two-hour phone call, where Malcolm interrogated Newport about the conditions in Rochester—employment, schools, racial tensions—ultimately making him recognize the insidious realities of systemic racism he had become conditioned to accept.
When Malcolm arrived in Rochester, the FBI was already watching. Newport described Malcolm stepping off the plane, immediately recognizing the federal agents surrounding them, and quipping, “Youngblood, you got the best tapped telephone in America.” This moment underscored how closely law enforcement monitored Malcolm, viewing his activism as a threat to the status quo.
From the Nation to the Organization of Afro-American Unity (OAAU)
Newport discussed Malcolm’s ideological transformation and his eventual departure from the Nation of Islam. Disillusioned by internal corruption and ideological contradictions—particularly Elijah Muhammad’s secret meetings with the Ku Klux Klan—Malcolm sought a new path. In 1964, he founded the Organization of Afro-American Unity (OAAU), dedicated to internationalizing the struggle for Black liberation.
Newport worked closely with Malcolm during this period, witnessing firsthand his efforts to unify the African diaspora and expose U.S. imperialism on the global stage. Malcolm’s travels to Africa and the Middle East, including his pilgrimage to Mecca, further solidified his ideological shift. Newport recounted Malcolm’s revelation that Elijah Muhammad’s teachings had distorted Islam, leading him to seek a more inclusive and politically sophisticated approach to Black liberation.
Harlem’s Underworld and Malcolm’s Street Credibility
Newport also revealed Malcolm’s complex relationships with figures in Harlem’s underworld, particularly legendary gangster Bumpy Johnson. While Malcolm was known for his disciplined, moralistic approach to activism, he maintained respect and alliances with Harlem’s street leaders, recognizing their influence within the Black community. Johnson, who had built a formidable reputation by standing up to the Italian mafia, reportedly admired Malcolm’s commitment and discipline.
Newport recounted how Bumpy and other Harlem figures ensured Malcolm’s safety, illustrating the intricate balance between street politics and revolutionary movements. Malcolm’s ability to engage with all facets of the Black experience—from intellectuals to hustlers—was a testament to his authenticity and deep understanding of Black America’s struggles.
A Budding Alliance with Martin Luther King Jr.
One of the most compelling revelations in the interview was the growing relationship between Malcolm X and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Contrary to mainstream narratives that pit them against each other, Newport detailed how Malcolm and King had begun exchanging ideas and were moving toward a strategic alliance before Malcolm’s assassination.
Newport cited evidence, including FBI wiretaps, that revealed phone conversations between the two leaders. At a pivotal meeting hosted by Sidney Poitier, Ossie Davis, and Ruby Dee, Malcolm expressed his willingness to transition into the civil rights movement, acknowledging the strategic necessity of nonviolent resistance. King, in turn, agreed to support Malcolm’s efforts to bring the United States before the United Nations on charges of human rights violations.
The FBI took note of this potential alliance. Shortly after, J. Edgar Hoover labeled Malcolm “the most dangerous Black man in the world.”
The Government’s Role in Malcolm X’s Assassination
Newport provided chilling details about the state’s orchestration of Malcolm’s assassination. Just days before his murder, Malcolm confided in Newport that he was a “dead man walking.” Surveillance of the OAAU had intensified, and evidence now suggests the NYPD conducted a “dry run” for his assassination, with one of the shooters later identified as an undercover officer.
Adding to the tragedy was the deliberate delay in medical assistance. Newport noted that Malcolm was shot just across the street from New York Presbyterian Hospital, yet it took 45 minutes for emergency responders to intervene. This delay, compounded by the FBI’s infiltration of his inner circle, further points to a coordinated effort to eliminate him.
Lessons for Today’s Generation
As the interview concluded, Newport reflected on the lessons Malcolm’s life holds for contemporary movements. He stressed the importance of historical accuracy, exposing government repression, and challenging the media’s role in shaping public perception.
Newport emphasized that both Malcolm and Martin were ultimately betrayed by elements within their own movements, manipulated by a system designed to co-opt, divide, and neutralize Black leadership. Their assassinations were not just acts of violence but strategic moves to prevent revolutionary unity.
He left listeners with a call to action: “History has to be recorded. We need to expose the tactics used against us so we can challenge them and move forward.”
Final Thoughts
This Hard Knock Radio conversation with Gus Newport provided a rare, behind-the-scenes look at Malcolm X’s life, struggles, and evolution. It underscored the need to challenge official narratives, recognize the interconnectedness of global struggles, and honor the legacies of those who fought for liberation.
In today’s era of political upheaval and renewed resistance, Malcolm’s words remain as relevant as ever: “The future belongs to those who prepare for it today.”
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