How Malcolm X Shaped the Future: A Legacy Timeline
A closer look at the lasting mark left by Malcolm X—a timeline of influence.
Malcolm X was a prominent African American activist and minister. Initially a spokesman for the Nation of Islam, he advocated for Black empowerment and the spread of Islam within the African American community. While a controversial figure often accused of preaching violence, he is also celebrated for his pursuit of racial justice and significant contributions to the Civil Rights Movement. He was assassinated in 1965.
1952: Malcolm X begins public speeches and interviews
In 1952, Malcolm X began giving numerous speeches and interviews, which became the primary source of his philosophical teachings, as he left no published writings apart from his autobiography. These speeches, especially those from the last year of his life, were recorded and published. This marks a significant start to his public career and legacy.
1963: Malcolm X began collaboration with Alex Haley
In 1963, Malcolm X began collaborating with Alex Haley on his autobiography, "The Autobiography of Malcolm X". He remarked that it would be a miracle if he were alive when the book came out. This collaboration proved pivotal in documenting his life and ideas for posterity.
1965: Posthumous Autobiography Published
In 1965, Malcolm X's autobiography, co-authored with Alex Haley, was posthumously published, providing insights into his life and beliefs.
1965: Birth of Twins Malikah and Malaak
In 1965, after Malcolm X's death, Betty X gave birth to twins Malikah and Malaak, who were named in his honor.
1965: Malcolm X's first childhood home was torn down
In 1965, the house at 3448 Pinkney Street in North Omaha, Nebraska, Malcolm X's first home, was torn down by new owners unaware of its historical significance. This event highlights the loss of a physical connection to his early life.
1967: Malcolm X fictionalized in "The Man Who Cried I Am"
In 1967, Malcolm X was fictionalized as the character Minister Q in the novel "The Man Who Cried I Am" by John A. Williams. This illustrates the cultural impact and recognition of Malcolm X in literature.
1968: UCSB students rename North Hall to Malcolm X Hall
In 1968, twelve black students at University of California, Santa Barbara temporarily renamed North Hall to Malcolm X Hall. This action led to the creation of the Department of Black Studies at UCSB.
1969: Malcolm X Liberation University Founded
In 1969, Malcolm X Liberation University, based on the Pan-Africanist ideas of Malcolm X, was founded in North Carolina. This institution reflects his influence on education and Pan-Africanist thought.
1971: First known celebration of Malcolm X Day
In 1971, the first known celebration of Malcolm X Day took place in Washington, D.C. This marks the beginning of formal commemorations of his birthday and legacy.
1972: Release of documentary film Malcolm X
In 1972, the documentary film "Malcolm X" was released, after attempts to create a drama film based on The Autobiography of Malcolm X were unsuccessful. This documentary aimed to provide a more accurate portrayal of his life.
1975: Michigan Historical Marker erected at Malcolm Little's childhood home
In 1975, a Michigan Historical Marker was erected at Malcolm Little's childhood home in Lansing, Michigan. This memorializes his early life and connection to the city.
1979: Berkeley recognizes Malcolm X's birthday as a citywide holiday
In 1979, the city of Berkeley, California, officially recognized Malcolm X's birthday as a citywide holiday. This underscores his lasting influence and the city's acknowledgement of his contributions.
1981: Washington stars as Malcolm X in "When the Chickens Came Home to Roost"
In 1981, Denzel Washington played the part of Malcolm X in the Off-Broadway play "When the Chickens Came Home to Roost". This performance marked one of Washington's earliest portrayals of Malcolm X.
1984: Malcolm X childhood home site listed on National Register of Historic Places
In 1984, the site of Malcolm X's first childhood home in North Omaha, Nebraska, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This acknowledges the historical significance of the location and its connection to Malcolm X's early life.
1985: Reid Avenue in Brooklyn Renamed Malcolm X Boulevard
In 1985, Reid Avenue in Brooklyn, New York, was renamed Malcolm X Boulevard. This renaming underscores Malcolm X's impact and legacy in the community.
1986: Premiere of "X, The Life and Times of Malcolm X"
In 1986, Anthony Davis's opera "X, The Life and Times of Malcolm X" premiered at the New York City Opera. This was the first work by Davis, who later won the Pulitzer Prize for Music. This opera represents a cultural tribute to Malcolm X's life.
1986: Ella Little-Collins merges organizations
In 1986, Ella Little-Collins merged the Organization of Afro-American Unity with the African American Defense League. This merger reflects ongoing efforts to consolidate and strengthen Black empowerment movements inspired by Malcolm X.
1987: Lenox Avenue in Harlem renamed Malcolm X Boulevard
In 1987, New York mayor Ed Koch proclaimed Lenox Avenue in Harlem to be Malcolm X Boulevard. This renaming symbolizes the city's recognition of Malcolm X's contributions and legacy.
1992: Release of Spike Lee's film "Malcolm X"
In 1992, Spike Lee's film "Malcolm X", starring Denzel Washington, was released. The film was included on Roger Ebert and Martin Scorsese's lists of the ten best films of the 1990s.
1996: Opening of the Malcolm X Branch Library and Performing Arts Center
In 1996, the first library named after Malcolm X was opened: the Malcolm X Branch Library and Performing Arts Center, part of the San Diego Public Library system. This dedicated library represents a significant cultural and educational tribute to Malcolm X.
1998: "The Autobiography of Malcolm X" named one of the most influential books
In 1998, Time magazine named "The Autobiography of Malcolm X" one of the ten most influential nonfiction books of the 20th century. This recognition underscores the enduring impact and significance of his life story.
1999: U.S. Postal Service issues Malcolm X postage stamp
In 1999, the U.S. Postal Service issued a Malcolm X postage stamp. This stamp represents national recognition of his historical importance and cultural impact.
2005: Opening of the Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial and Educational Center
In 2005, Columbia University announced the opening of the Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial and Educational Center, located in the Audubon Ballroom, where Malcolm X was assassinated. This center serves as a memorial and educational resource dedicated to their lives and legacies.
2005: Redevelopment of Audubon Ballroom
In 2005, the Audubon Ballroom, the site of Malcolm X's assassination, was partly redeveloped to accommodate the Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial and Educational Center, honoring his legacy.
2010: Main Street in Lansing renamed Malcolm X Street
In 2010, Main Street in Lansing, Michigan, was renamed Malcolm X Street. This renaming honors Malcolm X's connection to his childhood home and the city's recognition of his legacy.
2011: Publication of "Malcolm X: A Life of Reinvention"
In 2011, Manning Marable's controversial biography, "Malcolm X: A Life of Reinvention," was published, alleging Malcolm X exaggerated his early criminal career and had a homosexual relationship. These assertions ignited debate and controversy surrounding his personal life and legacy.
August 2014: Online petition started to release files on Malcolm X's murder
In August 2014, an online petition was started to call on the government to release, without alteration, any files they still held relating to the murder of Malcolm X.
2016: Street in Ankara, Turkey, renamed after Malcolm X
In 2016, Ankara, Turkey, renamed the street on which the U.S. is building its new embassy after Malcolm X. This international recognition underscores his global impact and legacy.
January 2019: Public statement calls for review of assassinations
In January 2019, members of the families of Malcolm X, John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King Jr., and Robert F. Kennedy were among those who signed a public statement calling for a truth and reconciliation commission to review the assassinations of all four leaders during the 1960s.
2019: Davis wins Pulitzer Prize for Music
In 2019, Anthony Davis, composer of "X, The Life and Times of Malcolm X" won the Pulitzer Prize for Music for his opera The Central Park Five. This highlights his achievements in the arts.
2021: Malcolm X Peace and Conflict Studies Scholarship Launched
In 2021, Conrad Grebel University College in Canada launched the Malcolm X Peace and Conflict Studies Scholarship to support Black and Indigenous students. This initiative recognizes Malcolm X's influence on peace and conflict studies.
2021: Aziz and Islam exonerated
In 2021, Muhammad Abdul Aziz and Khalil Islam (formerly Norman 3X Butler and Thomas 15X Johnson) were exonerated from their murder convictions related to Malcolm X's assassination.
2021: Malcolm X-Ella Little Collins House Added to National Register
In 2021, The Malcolm X-Ella Little-Collins House was added to the National Register of Historic Places. The Roxbury residence is where Malcolm X began getting involved in the Nation of Islam, marking this as a significant place in his early career.
2021: Convictions Vacated
In 2021, two of the convictions for the murder of Malcolm X were vacated, raising further questions about the circumstances of his assassination.
July 14, 2022: Aziz files suit against New York City
On July 14, 2022, Muhammad Abdul Aziz filed suit against the City of New York, seeking $40 million in damages related to his wrongful imprisonment.
2023: "X, The Life and Times of Malcolm X" Performed at the Metropolitan Opera
In 2023, the opera "X, The Life and Times of Malcolm X" was performed at the Metropolitan Opera in a production by Robert O'Hara, with Will Liverman playing the title role, and received positive reviews. This event underscores the opera's enduring relevance and impact.
2023: Malcolm X Family Plans Wrongful Death Lawsuit
In early 2023, Malcolm X's family announced plans to file a $100 million wrongful death lawsuit against the CIA, FBI, NYPD, and others, alleging they concealed evidence related to his assassination. The family is represented by attorney Benjamin Crump. This event involves potential government accountability for the death of Malcom X.
November 2024: Malcolm X's Daughters File Wrongful Death Lawsuit
In November 2024, three daughters of Malcolm X officially filed a $100 million wrongful death lawsuit in Manhattan Federal Court against the CIA, FBI, NYPD, and others, alleging they concealed evidence related to his assassination and were involved in it. This event marks a significant step in the pursuit of justice and accountability for Malcolm X's death.
2024: Malcolm X Inducted into Nebraska Hall of Fame
In 2024, Malcolm X was inducted into the Nebraska Hall of Fame, with a bust of him being placed in the Nebraska State Capitol. This recognition marks a significant honor within his birth state.
