KW: How do you propose to bring peace to Gaza, immediately, and to the Middle East region, long term?

MZS: Recognize Hamas as the democratically elected government of Gaza, which it is. Give them the rights and privileges of an independent nation which is free trade, supplies, rights of defense and internationally protected borders. End the blockade and the stranglehold on Gaza. Turn over the entire West Bank and end all checkpoints and settlements in the West Bank. This will ease the crisis in the short term. However, because of the fact that the basis of the original set up of the state of Israel was based on the illegal removal of the Palestinians, killing them, razing their villages, and making them refugees in their own land… hostility will certainly always exist. The Arab nations are woefully divided and could do much more to bring justice to this process. Ultimately, a better day will come when America practices a fair foreign policy and Arab governments allow more democracy. The Arab governments must also unite, end oppression, get back to Islam and pool their resources, particularly in the areas of military defense.


KW: When I interviewed Bobby Seale about the New Black Panthers, he said that your organization’s “leadership is nothing but government operatives.” He was also upset by your politics, saying that you “spout a bunch of black racist remarks” and that you support Al-Qaeda. Is that true?


MZS: Does it sound like I’m uneducated? Do I sound like I'm a racist? Show me where I have ever supported Al-Qaeda! Bobby Seale‘s problem is that he is uneducated about me and the New Black Panther Party. He is so caught up in discrediting a new generation of Panthers that he refuses to dialogue or become informed and therefore comes off very ignorant and emotional when discussing us. What Bobby Seale also knows from his own history, that calling someone a government operative without any facts whatsoever is a Cointelpro [Counter Intelligence Program] move on his own behalf. So who is doing what here? Despite his libel and slander of the New Black Panther Party, we will generally ignore him because the New Black Panther Party is growing every day and if he misunderstands today, perhaps he will see better tomorrow. We love him the same as we do all the Black Panthers of the Sixties and Seventies. We even offer all of them to come join with us and let’s continue the mission together, elders and new. We have good relations with former Black Panther members all over the country. I am here to tell all former Panthers that by God's permission the New Black Party will become larger, more educated, more skilled and more effective than ever before. We have an impressive and experienced young cadre. We have the benefits of 42 years of successes and failures since 1966. We are connected to black peoples and their issues all over America. Our Black Power Movement will change the face and nature of struggle in America. To be against Malik Zulu Shabazz, the New Black Panther Party and the Black Power Movement is to be against the very liberation struggle itself. Watch and see.

KW: Do The New Black Panthers have a website where people can learn what you stand for and more about the organization?


MZS: Yes, Welcome to the Official Website of The New Black Panther Party for Self Defense and www.blackpowermovement.org. The Black Power Movement is a mass movement we are pioneering amongst a variety of new and established leaders that is developing 20 national and international ministries to serve black people as well as 300 national and worldwide organizing committees. The New Black Panther Party is adding about 6 chapters a month. We expect to be 100 chapters strong by the end of the year in the U.S., Europe and Africa.


KW: The Columbus Short question: Are you happy?


MZS: Yes, I feel good. I am in the prime of my life. My law practice and business life is successful, organizing is going good, and me and my daughter want for nothing. I'm in good shape, and all my time and labor in the movement is paying off. I am happy to be alive right now.


KW: The bookworm Troy Johnson question: What was the last book you read?


MZS: I am re-reading Blueprint for Black Power by Amos Wilson. Also, I’m currently re-reading the Old Testament.


KW: The Tasha Smith question: Are you ever afraid?


MZS: Surprisingly not, even when the FBI has visited me. I am a Muslim and I believe that I am a part of a divine work that is ordained. I was raised by Dr. Khallid Muhammad and Minister Louis Farrakhan. They were not felled by their enemies and, God willing, neither will I. The Lord is my Shepherd and as long as I remain sincere, Allah will prepare a table for me in the midst of my enemies.


KW: The music maven Heather Covington question: What music are you listening to nowadays?


MZS: I like T.I., Common, NY Oil and the rappers in the New Black Panther Party. Jennifer Hudson and Beyonce’ are cool too. Conscious reggae is standard.


KW: Rudy Lewis asks: Who’s at the top of your hero list?


MZS: Dr. Khallid Muhammad, Huey P. Newton, Louis Farrakhan and Kwame Ture and Barack Obama and most importantly, my mother, who has given me superior training.


KW: Is there a question no one ever asks you, that you wish someone would?


MZS: The question that I don’t get asked is' "Do you feel you have been misrepresented?" The answer is “Yes.” I have been misrepresented by certain interest groups as other than what I am, which is an educated man who is a lover and tireless helper of black people. I don't feel that the beauty of what I represent or what I can offer has been allowed to shine. But we are overcoming that today. I’m also just an average working-class man. I live in the inner city, get up and work every day and live the life of the people. I like to have fun, socialize and enjoy family like anybody else.


KW: What inspired you to become a politically-active attorney as opposed to a corporate one?


MZS: The culture and climate of Howard University, which as a undergraduate was very black conscious and rife with pro-nationalist activity. At Howard, I became a student and helper to minister Louis Farrakhan, Dr. Khallid Muhammad, Dr. Leonard Jeffries, Dr. Tony Martin and others. I heard Kwame Ture and worked with the All African Peoples Revolutionary Party. I helped Marion Barry get re-elected Mayor. I read everything black I could get my hands on and was inspired by Huey P. Newton, Elijah Muhammad, Marcus Garvey and Malcolm X. I embraced them all, despite the differences. All of these forces shaped my life. By the time I graduated Howard University Schooled of Law I was already well known in the black community and they have provided me a solid client base ever since. I have been a solo-practitioner from day one, which gives me not only the freedom of movement to fight for the people politically but just as importantly to wage a variety of civil rights struggles against forces of discrimination that harm African people. I'm at my legal peak right now, busy as ever. Now, Black Lawyers For Justice is coming up and will give the legal struggle new definition.


KW: What advice do you have for anyone who wants to follow your footsteps?


MZS: Be active in the student or liberation movement and resist the temptation to give up struggle for personal comfort and ease or because of a particular disappointment.


KW: How do you want to be remembered?


MZS: As an honest and sincere servant to our people and by what I do in the years to come with what I have.

KW: Tell me a little about your family background.

MZS: I was born in Los Angeles, California in 1968. My father was a law student and activist before he passed. My grandfather was a Black Muslim in the Nation of Islam from 1955 until his recent passing. My mother is from the Deep South, Mississippi, so she witnessed Jim Crow personally. She is a successful educator and reformer of our youth. All I am is just a humble product of my family and the movement.


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