Mural tributes, academic lectures, and community events honor Malcolm X on his 100th birthday
By Daniel Greenblatt, Cultural Affairs Reporter
May 19, 2025, marks the 100th anniversary of Malcolm X’s birth, igniting commemorative events across the United States that pay tribute to one of the most influential figures in American history. From Harlem to Los Angeles, communities, institutions, and activists are reflecting on his transformative legacy in the realms of civil rights, Black empowerment, and human dignity.
Born Malcolm Little in Omaha, Nebraska, in 1925, Malcolm X rose to prominence as a fierce advocate for African American self-determination and an unflinching critic of systemic racism. His legacy continues to shape conversations around justice, equity, and identity.
A Century Later: A Nation Reflects
Celebrations in Major Cities
Across the country, cities are marking the centennial with a series of civic and cultural celebrations:
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New York City, where Malcolm X spent significant years of his life, is hosting a week-long program in Harlem featuring public lectures, spoken word performances, and street renamings.
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Detroit, where he once lived and organized as a Nation of Islam minister, is unveiling a new exhibit at the Charles H. Wright Museum titled “Malcolm X: Voice of the People.”
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Los Angeles is showcasing a series of community-led film screenings and roundtables, including rare archival footage of his speeches and interviews.
“These events are not just tributes; they’re calls to action,” said Dr. Amina Reynolds, a historian at Howard University. “Malcolm X’s centennial reminds us that the struggle for justice he championed is ongoing.”
Education Meets Commemoration
Curricular Spotlight on Malcolm X
Schools and universities nationwide are launching educational initiatives tailored around Malcolm X’s life, speeches, and ideological evolution:
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The New York City Department of Education rolled out a curriculum titled “X and the American Experience,” introducing students to Malcolm X’s autobiography, his critiques of systemic oppression, and his shift from Black nationalism to global human rights advocacy.
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At Spelman College, students are participating in a semester-long seminar analyzing Malcolm X’s international travels and the global dimensions of his thought.
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Public libraries in dozens of cities are offering free copies of “The Autobiography of Malcolm X” and hosting intergenerational book clubs.
“Malcolm X taught us to question the narrative,” said LaToya Fields, an educator in Chicago. “This centennial is an opportunity to help students engage with his legacy beyond soundbites.”
The Enduring Legacy
From 1965 to 2025: A Timeline of Influence
Malcolm X was assassinated on February 21, 1965, at the Audubon Ballroom in Manhattan. But far from silencing him, his death cemented his role as a martyr for justice.
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In the 1970s, his message inspired the rise of the Black Power movement and groups like the Black Panther Party.
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The 1980s and 1990s saw a resurgence of interest through music, especially hip-hop, where artists like Public Enemy echoed his rhetoric.
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The 1992 film Malcolm X, directed by Spike Lee and starring Denzel Washington, introduced his story to new generations.
Today, his legacy resonates globally. Activists in Palestine, South Africa, and Brazil cite Malcolm X as a source of inspiration in their local movements.
Malcolm X and Modern America
Lessons for Contemporary Movements
Modern civil rights efforts, from Black Lives Matter to criminal justice reform campaigns, frequently invoke Malcolm X’s ideas about systemic reform, identity, and empowerment.
His quotes—“By any means necessary” and “Education is the passport to the future”—remain rallying cries for those pushing for equality in schools, housing, and voting access.
“Malcolm’s emphasis on Black pride and political consciousness is more relevant than ever,” said Professor Jamal Greene of Columbia Law School. “In a polarized America, he offers a framework for principled resistance and solidarity.”
The Global Malcolm X
While deeply rooted in the American experience, Malcolm X’s final years were marked by global exploration. His pilgrimages to Mecca, and travels through Africa and Europe, reshaped his worldview, transitioning from Black separatism to a broader human rights vision.
That evolution is central to this year’s commemorations, which highlight not only his fiery oratory but also his intellectual journey and willingness to evolve.
Malcolm X in the Digital Age
Hashtags, Podcasts, and Virtual Exhibits
The digital sphere is abuzz with tributes under hashtags like #MalcolmX100 and #LegacyOfX. Organizations like the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture and The Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial and Educational Center have launched virtual timelines and digitized archives.
Podcast series such as “X: The Radical Journey” delve into untold aspects of his life, including interviews with family members, historians, and former associates.
Conclusion
A hundred years after his birth, Malcolm X’s life remains a compelling symbol of resilience, transformation, and truth-telling. His centennial is not just a moment to remember the man—it’s an invitation to continue his work, expand his message, and forge a more just society.
