An Event To Remember

L-R Ilyasah Shabazz, Pastor Denise Suttles and Fremont Area Community Foundation Board Chair Lori Tubbergen Clark -Photo by Lola Harmon- Ramsey

Idlewild welcomes Growing Up X Author

By Dale Twing
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The Idlewild Event Center was packed Thursday  night to discuss the book, Growing Up X with author Ilyasah Shabazz, who is a nationally known speaker, author and activist.  The event, sponsored by Fremont Area Community Foundation and Lake County Community Foundation, was attended by more than 110 guests.

There was way too much to describe the fullness of the discussion, so these are only a few highlights. She describes how her mother Dr. Betty Shabazz dealt with the horrible assassination of her husband in front of her and how she raised six daughters on her own after this traumatic event, the oldest being six. Not only did she love and provide for them, she made sure they had self-worth and did everything she could to give them a complete rounded education.

Ilyasah emphasized that her father was committed to try and expose and eradicate all injustice, not just the prejudice that people of color endured. She emphasized the need for an understanding and commitment to be open and willing to see and help with the needs around us. This includes a true commitment to a sense of community and civility to those around us, and to be an example for change.

There was also a good discussion of how connected her famous father and family are to Michigan and the Woodland Park and Bitely area, with many cousins still here and working hard to build community. 

​Ms. Shabazz's message of self determination was well received, and she spent an extra hour visiting with attendees and signing books.  She will return to Idlewild on Friday to spend time speaking with children about her other book, Malcolm Little.  

Over 100 guests turned out to listen to Ms. Shabazz- Photo by Dale Twing