To honor what would have been Malcolm X’s 100th birthday, BET News has released an original short film that is as bold and uncompromising as the man himself. Narrated by Brian McIntosh, the piece is a visually arresting, emotionally resonant tribute that captures the essence of Malcolm X’s power, presence, and enduring influence.

Using a compelling mix of archival footage and iconic imagery, the short doesn’t attempt to sanitize or soften Malcolm’s legacy—it leans into it. We see the man in motion and in reflection. We hear the words that made governments uncomfortable and gave voice to a generation of Black people who were tired of asking politely. This isn’t just a history lesson—it’s a cultural reckoning.

From his early days as Malcolm Little to his transformation into El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz, the short chronicles the evolution of a man who refused to be boxed in by white supremacy or the expectations of respectability politics. It highlights his radical honesty, his commitment to Black pride and self-determination, and his role in shaping the global conversation around human rights. Malcolm wasn’t just fighting for civil rights in America—he was challenging colonialism, capitalism, and complacency worldwide.

The visual style of the short is raw but deliberate—black-and-white footage intercut with bursts of color, textured overlays that give the feeling of a movement still being printed and processed. It’s a celebration, yes, but also a call to action. Malcolm X’s 100th birthday is not just a moment to reflect on what he said, but to ask ourselves what we’re doing with the blueprint he left behind.