Malcolm X’s daughter turns to Middle East to fund film on father

theGRIO REPORT - Ilyasah Shabazz, African-American leader, civil rights activist and daughter of Malcolm X is planning to produce a documentary on the life and legacy of her father...

Luther Vandross was outed as gay after his death.

Ilyasah Shabazz, African-American leader, civil rights activist and daughter of Malcolm X is planning to produce a documentary on the life and legacy of her father.

She is turning to the Middle Eastern nation of Qatar for the $6 million in funding the project requires.

Speaking to The Peninsula, Shabazz explained why she chose to look for support internationally, and specifically the Qatar Foundation.

“My father had traveled across the Middle East and influenced many people in the region. For the documentary, we will interview people in the Arab world who met him personally and cherish memories about his life and legacy,” said Shabazz. “We and Qatar Foundation share similar goals and values in education and youth empowerment.”

Shabazz is also involved in youth empowerment program The WAKE-UP Tour as a motivational speaker.

In 2002, she wrote Growing Up X: A Memoir by the Daughter of Malcolm X. 

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