In December 1964, a year after the end of colonialism in Kenya, civil rights activist Malcolm X spoke in Harlem, the heart of Black America. His message was inspired by Mau Mau fighters in Kenya.

In the meeting, Malcolm extolled the virtues of the African freedom struggle with a rendition of 'Oginga Odinga of Kenya' performed by Freedom Singers, a musical group that sang "freedom songs" to encourage the Black American movement.

In the speech, fiery Malcolm X said it was time for America to have its own version of the Mau Mau. "In my opinion, not only in Mississippi and Alabama, but right here in New York City, you and I can best learn how to get real freedom by studying how (Jomo) Kenyatta brought it to his people in Kenya and how Odinga helped him, and the excellent job that was done by the Mau Mau. In Mississippi we need a Mau Mau. In Alabama we need a Mau Mau. In Georgia we need a Mau Mau. Right here in Harlem, New York City, we need a Mau Mau," he said.