“Oh, Malcom…You incredible child. You builder of nations. You hopeful song. When the time comes for them to call you crazy, you show them what sturdy looks like. You find your way back home, Malcom. You always stay close to the source within. The most gruesome death is one of the mind and they will try to take it from you, convince you that it is already gone but not my baby, not my brilliant child. Something tells me that you will live on until the end of time. Visit me there. I love you.” – Oh, Malcom, You Hopeful Song, a tribute to Louise Little, mother of Malcom X mother from Jewel Rodgers, a Black Poet based in Malcom’s birthplace, Omaha, NE.
The story of Malcolm X, born Malcolm Little, is one of complexity, intensity, triumph, trials, rebirths, and redirections, like most of us. However, Malcom’s song sings a melodic note that never ceases. Although the changing of Malcom’s last name from Little to X was a decision he made for religious beliefs, it is the epitome of the impact he had in totality as a physical being here on earth and still today – an insurmountable amount that we continue to uplift.
In the summer of 2022, 12-year-old Charles Dennis III of Detroit was granted the opportunity of a lifetime: to play young Malcolm X in Detroit Opera’s production of “X: The Life and Times of Malcolm X.” As the film debut circled its way around this November, Michigan Chronicle had an opportunity to catch up with him a year later. During the preparation of the show, the cast traveled to Malcolm X’s birthplace of Omaha, NE; Dennis felt something come over him, something that words seemingly can’t explain – a euphoric feel, an awakening, that he, too, embodies power. At 12 years old, Malcolm could not have seen the everlasting impact he would soon have throughout this world; he had no idea his name would surpass his physical time here, a reality that now, 13-year-old Dennis, settles in knowing that he, too, is a part of that continuing legacy all whilst treading his way in creating his very own.
“My first role was actually young Malcolm X in this production,” said Dennis. Being a competitive dancer, Dennis had been well equipped, embodying the statement, when opportunities knock, be ready to open the door. “That’s how I got introduced to the production. I was at a dance competition, and there was a scout there, and they got in touch with my dance studio owner to ask if I would be interested in auditioning for young Malcolm.”
Charles’s journey in the performing arts began at just seven years old as a competitive dancer with Rhythm N Jump Dance Academy in St. Clair Shores, MI. Throughout his career, he has earned numerous awards and scholarships in local and regional dance competitions.
Charles’s academic achievements are equally impressive, as he continues to excel as an honor student at Jefferson Middle School. His success is a testament to the support of his community, including his two older sisters, parents, grandparents, church family, and his love jones for dance. “If you learn about Malcolm X in school it’s always Martin vs. Malcom where Malcom was more of the radical and Martin was more peaceful, he gets a bad rep because of the stances he took but his story really is a beautiful story. He truly is an unsung hero,” said Crystal Dennis, mother of Charles, as she explained the feeling of seeing her son portrayed as young Malcolm. “Just to sit and watch these opera singers sing and tell the story of this man was – amazing. But to see the impact that Charles has had on the original production and to grow and do something different is very meaningful.” Despite the lesser popularity of contemporary dance and opera within Detroit’s Black community, Charles’s journey powerfully demonstrates the arts’ capacity to convey stories and preserve memories. His work in bringing figures like Malcolm X to life on the stage serves as a testament to the enduring impact of the arts in connecting new generations with significant historical legacies.
“I didn’t know much about him in the beginning but as I started to really dive deep into his life story especially in his younger years, it sparked something in me that made it necessary to not just act as young Malcom but to really portray this character, and to be able to do so through song and dance, it grounds me more and more,” shared Dennis.
Reflecting on Malcolm X’s life, known to many as Detroit Red, he has etched a profound legacy in the annals of history with his transformative journey and significant achievements in the civil rights movement. His life, marked by a remarkable evolution from his early days in Detroit to becoming a global symbol of Black empowerment, resonates with people from all walks of life. Malcolm X’s eloquent advocacy and bold stance against racial injustice have not only shaped the course of civil rights in America but have also inspired countless individuals to strive for equality and justice. His accomplishments, which extend far beyond his famous moniker, continue to inspire and challenge us to confront systemic racism and fight for a more equitable world. Malcolm X’s journey from Detroit Red to an iconic figure in the struggle for human rights serves as a powerful reminder of the potential for change within us all, cementing his place as a timeless source of inspiration and courage.
Yet, as is the case with many iconic figures in history, Malcolm X’s narrative was not only defined by significant hardships but also originated from them. His life story is one of intricate complexity, weaving together personal struggles and profound insights that shaped his journey and legacy. Malcolm X’s life story is marked by a relentless struggle against racism, starting from the very beginning. Born on May 19, 1925, in Omaha, Nebraska, he was the fourth of eight children to Louise, a homemaker, and Earl Little, a preacher and fervent activist. Earl’s dedication to the Universal Negro Improvement Association and his admiration for Black nationalist leader Marcus Garvey put the family in the crosshairs of white supremacy.
The Little family, led by civil rights activist Earl Little, faced relentless persecution from white supremacist groups like the Ku Klux Klan and the Black Legion. In past interviews, Malcolm X vividly recalled his mother’s story of the Klan harassing her during her pregnancy with him. This terror didn’t abate with Malcolm’s birth; at just four years old, he experienced the Klan’s viciousness firsthand when they shattered his family’s windows. In an attempt to find safety, the Littles moved to Milwaukee in 1926 and then to Lansing, Michigan, in 1928. However, Lansing proved even more hostile, as a racist mob set their home on fire in 1929, with local emergency services refusing to help.
This harrowing chapter in Malcolm’s early life was compounded by tragedy in 1931 when his father was found dead under suspicious circumstances, believed by the family to be a lynching by white supremacists, a claim the police dismissed as an accident. This not only denied them justice but also rendered Earl’s life insurance void, plunging the family into financial ruin. The cumulative effect of these traumas was devastating. Louise Little, overwhelmed by grief and stress, was institutionalized in 1937, leaving Malcolm and his siblings in foster care. These experiences of intense racial violence and loss deeply influenced Malcolm X’s perspective and activism, highlighting the systemic racism faced by African Americans.
Portraying Malcolm X, a figure emblematic of resilience and strength in the face of racial adversity, marks a pivotal moment in young Charles Dennis III’s emerging career. This achievement is not merely an artistic milestone; it resonates deeply with his personal journey as a young Black boy navigating his own path in a world still grappling with issues of race and identity. “I felt a connection while portraying him maybe not through my own experiences, but I have friends who are without parents too and have been taken in by their grandparents and family members,” Dennis said. “So, I have perspective when it comes to not having parents and having to navigate life at a young age without them. I feel for young Malcom but that has honestly made me feel even more connected to my friends without their people.”
For Charles, stepping into the shoes of young Malcolm—who witnessed and endured immense hardship and heartache from a tender age—transcends acting. It’s an immersive experience that connects him to the historical struggles and triumphs of Black individuals. As he embodies Malcolm X’s early life, Charles is not only recounting a story from the past; he is echoing the voices of many young Black boys who continue to face challenges in their lives. This role offers him a profound insight into the resilience required to overcome adversity, a lesson that will undoubtedly shape his understanding of his own identity and the world around him.
This portrayal, therefore, becomes more than just a role; it’s a powerful conduit through which Charles can explore and relate to the broader narrative of Black experiences. In performing as young Malcolm, Charles is not only paying homage to a legendary figure but also connecting with the collective experiences of Black boys and men who have faced, and continue to confront, systemic challenges. This experience will forever be etched in Charles’s mind and heart, serving as a constant reminder of the strength and determination that define the Black community. It’s a poignant reminder that his journey in the arts is intertwined with a larger purpose: to represent and give voice to stories that resonate with and inspire young Black individuals everywhere. With plans to thrive in New York’s Broadway, this early achievement in Charles’s career is more than an accolade; it’s a profound responsibility and an honor, one that will undoubtedly guide and influence his future endeavors in the performing arts.
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