Malcolm X Comes Alive in the Speech "Message to the Grassroots"

On Sunday, March 4 at 2pm noted Bay Area actor/playwright, Michael Lange, who has recreated Malcolm X’s speeches over 800 times nationwide since 1990, will perform Malcolm’s historic speech, “Message to the Grassroots” at the Socialist Action Bookstore. This important 1963 speech conveys the urgent call for political action by Black people in America to fundamentally alter their long legacy of racial oppression.

Lange captivates audiences with his performances, bringing Malcolm’s electrifying presence to life. Every aspect of the Black leader--from his glasses, to his suit, his confident inflection, and his mannerisms--is recreated in careful detail.

Lange has also performed in Jeff Stetson’s award-winning play “The Meeting,” which depicts a fictitious meeting between Malcolm X and Martin Luther King, Jr.

As a playwright Lange wrote Prophet Nat, a musical docu-drama that explores the life of slave prophet Nat Turner, who led the first successful rebellion of slaves in Virginia in 1831. As a storyteller and singer, Michael has penned over 40 songs whose lyrics convey a story of hope at a time when today’s world is at the crossroads between freedom and oppression.

He is also vice-president of Bay Area Repertory Theater, a regional theater company located in Oakland, California.

Before the performance Lange will discuss the political and social impact of Malcolm X’s ideas, past and present, and there will be a question and answer period afterward.

The cost for event is $5-$10, sliding scale. No one will be turned away for lack of funds. This event is wheelchair accessible.

For further information contact: Mark Ostapiak at 415-255-1080 or markostapiak [at] yahoo.com