Fathers Hold Vigil For Burn Victim

More than 100 people gathered on Father’s Day to pray for the widow of Malcolm X outside the burn unit where she is in critical condition.

The crowd of about 150 consisted largely of fathers, said the Rev. Al Sharpton, who had organized the vigil for Betty Shabazz.

“The idea was that on Father’s Day, since Malcolm X was assassinated, we wanted men from the community to come and stand in his place,” Sharpton said.

Sharpton said the crowd also prayed for Shabazz’s 12-year-old grandson, Malcolm, who is accused of setting the June 1 fire that left her with third-degree burns over 80 percent of her body. Shabazz, 61, has undergone five operations.