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Newsletter FOUNDATION SUPPORTS MALCOLM SHABAZZ Through the efforts of author Terrie Williams, head of the non-profit organization The Stay Strong Foundation, businesswoman Ruth Clark, and a “village” of community leaders, Malcolm Shabazz, the grandson of Malcolm X, was released today from the Orange County jail in Goshen, NY. Williams and Clark (Malcolm’s godmother), who recently announced the establishment of the Malcolm Shabazz Legal Defense Fund, administered through the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, praised boxing promoter Butch Lewis, who donated the $25,000 bond—Malcolm is now out on bail during the pendancy of the case. Said Williams, “Our heartfelt appreciation goes out to Butch and so many others who have come together in support of Malcolm. I know Malcolm has a bright future ahead of him, and we’re so happy we have been able to bring him home.” Rick Jones, lead counsel for Malcolm, said, "It is a tremendous accomplishment to have secured Malcolm's release from jail. We do, however, have a long way to go and will need the continued support of all those concerned to see him safely and permanently home." Home for Malcolm, Williams pointed out, will be the Manhattan home of Clark and her fiance, Gil McGriff, an adjunct lecturer and employment specialist at New York City Technical College. “Malcolm has endured a lifetime of challenges,” said Clark. “But we never gave up on this gifted and promising young man, and we look forward to helping him realize all his dreams and goals.” Those brought together by Williams who have joined in the support effort include: attorneys Jones and Thomas Giovanni of the Neighborhood Defender Service of Harlem; NAACP Legal Defense Fund Associate Director-Counsel Ted Shaw and attorney Miriam Gohara; Susan L. Taylor of Essence Communications Partners; Lt. Eric Adams, head of 100 Blacks in Law Enforcement; Xavier Artis, co-founder of The Stay Strong Foundation and CEO of Players Govern Players, a lifestyle marketing firm and partner of The Terrie Williams Agency; renowned attorney Johnnie L. Cochran; and writer Khephra Burns. Still others who have contributed to the cause include: Judge Greg Mathis; Gil Noble; Frank Mercado of The Heritage Networks; Saundra Parks, owner of Daily Blossom, Vashta Dunlap, VP of Bad Boy Entertainment; Priscilla Clarke of NEB Entertainment; Lloyd Williams of Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce; clothing public relations executive John Green; Russell Simmons of Phat Farm; public relations coordinator Tiffany Ellzy of Pelle Pelle Fashions; writer Joe Cooney; Burgess Harrison, Khalilah Abdul-Baqi, Damali Smith and Berka Ngong, staff members of The Terrie Williams Agency. Williams also noted that several players from the NBA as well as countless members of the community have also pledged their support. She even mentioned a NYC taxi driver who overheard Williams on her cell phone talking about Malcolm. The driver contributed the $10 cab fare to the Defense Fund. Williams said that those in the “village” have already donated countless resources, time and energy on Malcolm’s behalf, but that he will need ongoing support with social services, legal and living expenses. “We know there’s so much more to do,” said Williams. “I know Malcolm will make a difference in this world—if he is given the chance. Malcolm bears a heavy burden with the legacy of his grandfather—we need to help him shoulder that responsibility, and ensure him an opportunity to make his own mark in this world. “We strongly believe there are no other people’s children,” continued Williams. “It’s one of our mottos at The Stay Strong Foundation. That is why we have made this pledge to Malcolm and his family—that we will do whatever is necessary to ensure that he is able to realize his dreams. He’s a born leader, intelligent and perceptive. And he can help lead a generation of his peers as he gets his life in order.” Added Williams, “There are so many success stories of people who—when given the chance—have turned their lives around—Judge Greg Mathis, Charles Dutton, even Malcolm X himself. It is incomprehensible to me that anyone would think Malcolm’s young life is over at 17. His life’s journey is just beginning, and we need to be there to guide him on his path to success.” The Stay Strong Foundation, launched in 2001 in conjunction with the release of Williams’s latest book, Stay Strong: Simple Life Lessons for Teens (Scholastic, Inc.), is a non-profit 501c(3) organization designed to educate, empower and inspire America’s youth through nationwide special events, as well as internship, mentoring and shadowing programs. Foundation board members include Susan L Taylor, Johnnie L. Cochran, Xavier Artis, actor Avery Brooks, attorney Rita Ewing and actress Kellie Williams. Donations can be made payable to The NAACP Legal Defense Fund, with the memo line specifying The Malcolm Shabazz Legal Defense Fund. The NAACP LDF is a non-profit 501c(3) organization, making your contribution tax deductible. Mail to: The Stay Strong Foundation, 382 Central Park West, New York, NY 10025. Let's Talk! | Press Room | Contact Us Privacy Statement |