Producer Tommy Shares Son’s Malcolm X Tribute

The Heartfelt Post

Last week, music producer Tommy Oliver (@producertommy) surprised followers by marking Malcolm X’s birthday with a deeply personal flashback. In an Instagram caption, he wrote, “When I found out it was Malcolm X’s birthday this week, I just had to find this throwback of my handsome son and a photo of him in his glasses 👓.” The clip, originally filmed in 2020, features six-year-old Brooks recalling a powerful quote from the iconic civil rights leader.

A Lesson In Leadership

The throwback video shows Brooks sitting attentively in a pod led by educator Charisse Sims, a mother of six known for her culturally rooted teaching methods. According to Tommy’s caption, “My friend Charisse is a fantastic teacher but importantly she rooted the children in their culture and introduced them to our leaders and icons. Brooks still recites this quote to this day 🖤.” The quote in question—“By any means necessary”—has become a staple in Brooks’s home recitations, illustrating how early exposure to history can shape youthful attitudes.

Behind The Scenes

Tommy Oliver gave a special shout-out to photographer Tommy White (@producertommy) for capturing both the photo and video. The image accompanying the Instagram post shows Brooks in round spectacles, holding a small book as he confidently delivers the quote. Behind him, a classroom chart hints at the supportive environment Sims created for her students.

Charisse Sims: Educator And Icon

Charisse Sims has cultivated a reputation for embedding cultural pride into her curriculum. A self-described “mama of six,” she organizes reading circles, history days, and leader spotlights. In a separate Instagram post from March 2022, Sims explained, “We celebrate our pioneers so our children learn both where they come from and where they can go.” Her approach clearly resonated with Brooks, whose memory of the Malcolm X session remains vivid two years later.

Tommy’s Family Focus

This isn’t the first time Tommy Oliver has employed his Instagram feed to spotlight family milestones. On Mother’s Day 2023, he posted a heartfelt tribute to his wife, Codie Oliver (@codieco), thanking her for “being the backbone of our crew.” Another post celebrated his own birthday at Sequoia National Park, where he and Codie introduced their boys to nature trails. Through these posts, followers see a producer who balances a demanding music career with active parenting.

A Broader Conversation

Malcolm X’s legacy continues to spark dialogue on race, history, and empowerment. By sharing Brooks’s recitation, Tommy Oliver invited his audience to reflect on the importance of teaching young generations about civil rights pioneers. Comments poured in with parents noting they’d ask their own children to learn quotes or read biographies in response.

Looking Ahead

As Tommy’s post gained traction, educators and parents alike praised the model of combining pop-culture reach with meaningful history lessons. For Tommy, it’s a reminder that social media can transcend entertainment when used to amplify cultural education. His tribute video stands as a small but powerful gesture on Malcolm X’s birthday—and a testament to the impact of early, intentional teaching.

From the studio to the classroom, Tommy Oliver’s latest post underscores the dual roles many public figures play today: creator and caregiver, entertainer and educator, parent and cultural ambassador. As Brooks continues to recite Malcolm X’s words, it’s clear that a simple school exercise can evolve into a lasting tribute on a global platform.

Reporter

Sakshi

 

Sakshi holds a bachelor’s degree in Science and a master’s in Bioinformatics from Panjab University, India. Her passion for writing engaging articles has led her to pursue a career in content writing since 2020. Sakshi has written in various niches, including health and wellness, fintech, blockchain, and lifestyle.

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