Gift Aids Shabazz’s Struggle Time Warner Ceo Gives $10,000 To Burned Widow Of Malcolm X
The head of Time Warner, his own family shaken by the murder of his son, has donated $10,000 to a rehabilitation fund for Betty Shabazz.
The widow of Malcolm X remains hospitalized with life-threatening burns suffered in a fire police say was set by her 12-year-old grandson.
The donation from Time Warner chairman and CEO Gerald Levin was announced Tuesday by the Shabazz family.
Other contributions to The Dr. Betty Shabazz Rehabilitation Fund included $5,000 from Coretta Scott King and 50,000 posters featuring the poetry of poet Maya Angelou, which retail for more than $20 each.
King and Angelou joined Shabazz’s six daughters at a news conference at Jacobi Medical Center, where Shabazz is listed in critical but stable condition from injuries suffered in the June 1 fire.
“We have been advised it is now necessary to prepare for long-term care,” said daughter Ilyasah. Shabazz’s hospital bill will be covered by insurance, but her rehabilitation costs may not.
“These are lean and mean times,” Angelou said. “The rehabilitation of our sister, our mother, our friend and leader will be long, expensive, onerous and difficult.”
Ilyasah Shabazz specifically thanked Levin for his contribution so soon after his own family tragedy.
His son, Jonathan, 31, a popular high school teacher, was found murdered June 2 inside his Manhattan apartment in an apparent robbery. Two young men, including a former student, have been charged in the slaying.
Shabazz, 61, has undergone five surgeries to replace her charred skin with artificial skin. She suffered third-degree burns over 80 percent of her body.
Her grandson Malcolm, who was living with her after a troublesome stint with his mother, was arrested a few hours after the fire.
He reportedly admitted trying to kill Shabazz, although his lawyer plans to move to suppress that confession.
MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: TO HELP Donations can be sent to: The Dr. Betty Shabazz Rehabilitation Fund, Carver Federal Savings Bank, 75 W. 125th St., New York, N.Y. 10027