Soul of a Nation Presents: X/onerated -- The Murder of Malcolm X and 55 Years to Justice

Soul of a Nation Presents: X/onerated -- The Murder of Malcolm X and 55 Years to Justice is an ABC News special that was released to coincide with Black History Month in 2022. The program is part of the Soul of a Nation series, which is devoted to telling stories about Black life in America, addressing issues of race, culture, and social justice through the lens of current events and historical context. This particular episode takes a deep and investigative look at the circumstances surrounding the assassination of Malcolm X, one of the most prominent and controversial figures in the American civil rights movement, and the long journey toward justice for those wrongfully accused of his murder.

On February 21, 1965, Malcolm X was shot and killed while speaking at the Audubon Ballroom in Manhattan. His death sent shockwaves around the world and left an indelible mark on the fight for civil rights and Black empowerment. For over half a century, the circumstances of his assassination were marred by controversy, allegations of conspiracy, and wrongful convictions. In "X/onerated -- The Murder of Malcolm X and 55 Years to Justice", viewers are taken back to those crucial moments and the subsequent events that led to the recent developments in the case.

The show meticulously chronicles the life and death of Malcolm X, providing context to his rise as a prominent figure within the Nation of Islam, his eventual departure from the group, and his assassination. It delves into Malcolm X's transformative years, which saw him becoming one of the most dynamic and influential voices on civil rights, race relations, and the Black experience in America. His powerful and unapologetic speeches echoed a call for liberation, self-determination, and racial pride, which not only earned him supporters but also adversaries within the civil rights movement and the United States' government.

The narrative of "X/onerated -- The Murder of Malcolm X and 55 Years to Justice" extends beyond Malcolm X's life and tragic death to focus on the conviction and eventual exoneration of two men, Muhammad Aziz and Khalil Islam. For decades, these men maintained their innocence but were convicted of murder in 1966, and their lives were irrevocably altered by long prison sentences. The program explores the questionable practices of the investigation, the inconsistencies in the case brought against them, and the lack of evidence that pointed toward their guilt, weaving together interviews with historians, witnesses, family members of the accused, and legal experts.

Throughout the episode, viewers are guided through a comprehensive examination of the evidence and legal efforts that led to the overturning of the convictions of Aziz and Islam in 2021. The narrative is supported by archival footage, dramatic re-enactments, and meticulously researched reporting. Discussions touch upon the role of the FBI and NYPD, which had surveillance programs monitoring Malcolm X under COINTELPRO, and the potential impact those intelligence operations may have had on the case and its aftermath.

At its core, the program doesn't just recount an historical event; it strives to ask vital questions about the criminal justice system, race, and how the United States deals with cases that intersect these complex issues. Public opinion, the media's portrayal of the case, and the civil rights landscape of the 1960s also receive a critical examination, providing a nuanced understanding of the social and political milieu in which these events occurred.

The production of "X/onerated -- The Murder of Malcolm X and 55 Years to Justice" comes on the heels of renewed public interest in the case and the broader examination of wrongful convictions in the United States. It is powerful in both its celebration of Malcolm X's legacy and its empathetic portrayal of Aziz's and Islam's long struggle for justice. As an entry in the Soul of a Nation series, it serves not only as a historical documentary but also as a provocative discourse on contemporary issues surrounding race and the justice system.

The program exemplifies ABC News' commitment to investigative journalism and documentaries that shed light on significant stories within the African American community. It presents a thorough analysis while maintaining accessibility for a broad audience, engaging both those familiar with Malcolm X's history and newcomers alike. "X/onerated -- The Murder of Malcolm X and 55 Years to Justice" stands as a document of injustice, a tribute to the fight for civil rights, and a sobering reminder of the long and often arduous path to truth and reconciliation in America's legal and social fabric.