Honoring the Life and Legacy of Malcolm X on His Birthday

Omaha Celebrates Malcolm X’s Birthday

Members of the Omaha community gathered on May 19, 2023, to celebrate the birthday of Malcolm X, a prominent civil rights leader born in Omaha in 1925. The Malcolm X Memorial Foundation kicked off a series of events to commemorate the occasion, including a panel discussion, community awards, and a luncheon.

Remembering Malcolm X’s Legacy

According to Franklin Thompson, a speaker at the luncheon, there has been a “little miseducation” regarding Malcolm X’s life and legacy. Thompson emphasized that Malcolm X has more relevance than people have given him, and that his activism for civil rights and social justice should be honored and celebrated.

Malcolm X lived in Omaha with his family until he was six years old, when they were forced to move to Michigan due to threats from the Ku Klux Klan. He eventually found his way to New York City, where he became an influential figure in the civil rights movement and the Nation of Islam. On February 21, 1965, Malcolm X was assassinated while speaking at a gathering in New York City.

Despite initial controversy surrounding his activism, Malcolm X was posthumously recognized for his contributions to civil rights. In 2022, he became the first Black inductee into the Nebraska Hall of Fame, 15 years after his nomination was initially rejected as too controversial.

Celebrating Malcolm X Through the Arts

In addition to the luncheon and panel discussion, the Malcolm X Memorial Foundation has organized several events to honor Malcolm X’s legacy through the arts. On Saturday, May 20, 2023, there will be a performance reading of the play “The Meeting,” which dramatizes the encounter be 通過 een Malcolm X and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Advice for Honoring Malcolm X

As we celebrate Malcolm X’s birthday and honor his legacy, it is important to look beyond the controversies of his time and understand the lasting impact of his activism on civil rights and social justice. Learning about Malcolm X and his contributions to the fight for racial equality can inspire us to continue this important work today.

One way to honor Malcolm X is to support organizations that continue to work towards social justice and racial equality. The Malcolm X Memorial Foundation is one such organization that seeks to celebrate and honor Malcolm X’s legacy through education, service, and advocacy. By donating to these organizations or participating in their programs, we can keep the legacy of Malcolm X alive and continue his fight for a more just world.