PERSPECTIVE ON MALCOLM X : Consider the Branches on the Tree : As the director takes his bow, spouting “me, I, me,” think of the foreparents who’ve paved his way.

So much of the public and media are under the impression that the making of “X” is a new, two-year-old venture that its present director had to battle alone, tooth and nail, on behalf of the integrity of 35 million black Americans. Wrong! Things aren’t as they seem. I was always told that “knowledge” is freedom. Indeed so. In this case, I’m rendered quiet so as not to ruffle feathers. In time, the truths will unfold themselves.

The components in the making of “Malcolm X,” the film, are all as significant as the branches on a family tree. As far back as 1967, when Marvin Worth (who had been a teen-age associate of my father’s and since, a dear friend to me) read the “Autobiography of Malcolm X,” he approached my mother, Dr. Betty Shabazz, and my godfather, writer Alex Haley, about purchasing the rights to make a film. Almost simultaneously, the acclaimed author James Baldwin was brought on board and spent nearly two years writing a manuscript that Arnold Perl developed into a screenplay. During this time, Marvin Worth, along with my mother and Warner Bros., produced the “Malcolm X” documentary, which has been seen nationally for more than 20 years.

I came on board the film project informally 11 years ago, at which time I met prospective directors and writers. Worth’s continuity and tenacity, in spite of the fact that few were interested in touching a “taboo” subject (including black Americans) is commendable. It was certainly a labor of love for a select few. I, myself, was quite excited by the collaboration of director Norman Jewison and writer Charles Fuller. I found them both to be genuine, sincere and ethical. Their sense of integrity won me. Then, lo and behold, came the sudden career campaign of the present director without any consultation of the project’s partners and rights-holders, long in existence. Like a family tree. As a new, young green leaf was stemming from the branches, welcomed, but resistant to protocol and respect. Is being black enough to qualify? How about character?

Accolades have been given without any acknowledgment to the initiator of the script, of which more than 50% still exists in the final cut. Can we, as people of color, hold anyone else accountable for not representing us favorably or even making notice of our contributions if we fall negligent of the responsibility in passing the torch or connecting the dots of history?

As a child, I have vivid recollections of James Baldwin’s visits to our Westchester County, N.Y., home. Even then, I knew of his contributions to the list of American literary geniuses.

I take no applause away from the director, for he is deserving of all of his ceremonies and awards. My request is simply that as he takes his bow--spouting “me, I, me”--to give thanks to the foreparents who’ve paved the way, his way. Also, to acknowledge the presence and continuity of the existing branches.

Contrary to popular belief, I’ve had the fortune of recognizing support and faith within Hollywood’s executive community. Namely, Warner Bros. In spite of the year-long studio-bashing (undue), they weathered a battle of character assassinations without hitting back. I commend them.

If, indeed, the industry is an unscrupulous entity as implied by the director, if he doesn’t respect or value its place, why need or depend on its money? Then slander it because of procedures different from one’s own. Consider the branches on the tree.

Overall, I’m elated by the rebirth or awakening of my father’s life as well as many others on that long list. What in our society today permits the trend that makes Malcolm X accessible? Will we let go when the trend ceases or moves on anew? Entitle yourself to know. Whether it begins with an “X” cap or a library card. We need to have a broader sense of human contributors.

The balance of responsibility is to be shared by all those who expect or insist on being beneficiaries of America. Not a restitution from one to another. Is there a dollar amount high enough? In the exchange, you’re only bought out. Once again. What is most important is a “chance,” an opportunity, which is more substantial than a payoff.

Learn your worth, so that you never settle for less.