What Unity Means to Malcolm X
- JoAnna LeFlore-Ejike
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
This May We Honor...
the 100th Birthday of Malcolm X!
Letter from the Executive Director
As we navigate a tough first few months of 2025, it is our duty to not only preserve the legacy of Brother Malcolm, but in addition, prioritize the liberation of the human spirit in our work. Once the dignity of an individual is restored, or moreso, when a person actually believes in their own ability to persevere and use their talents for good in the community; only then can we begin to collectively solve the many problems we are faced with as a nation.
One of those primary problems that impedes our ability to maintain dignity is the attempted erasure of our cultural hubs across the country. While this is detrimental to our progress, because many of the tools and resources we need to teach our children are housed in these cultural hubs, we also have a grand opportunity. If we are to develop a strong foundation for the next generation, we must find a way to prioritize cultural preservation and ownership of our own resources. The Malcolm X Memorial Foundation will serve as a model for making this happen.
Furthermore, despite the chaos going on around us, we must STILL find the time to collaborate and learn how to communicate in love toward each other in order for our differences to be used for good. Malcolm often spoke of setting aside differences in order to build bridges and facilitate progress. Now more than ever is the time for us to Bond more closely and Show Up in Full Force to support each other.
For the last 2 weeks in May, we have developed programs for the entire family and all ages to engage or reconnect with each other.
Let's facilitate more ways to understand one another.
Let's begin to shape our futures in a way that our children would be proud of.
Let's take control of our own communities and preserve our own history.
Let's show the rest of the country what true Unity looks like.
THURSDAY, MAY 15th - 9am-11am
Press Conference and Open House
Join us at the Visitors Center & Historic Plaza grounds for public announcements about our Museum Project, MXMF program updates, and a public open house at the birthplace of Malcolm X in the Heart of North Omaha.
Complimentary Breakfast
FRIDAY, MAY 16th - 8am-12pm
Meeting of the Minds Symposium
Location: University of Nebraska - Omaha,
CEC Building, 6001 Dodge St. | Room 116
Experience a dynamic exchange and view cultural artifacts presented by Dr. Khalid el-Hakim of the Black History 101 Mobile Museum; Sherman Wells sharing the importance of local activism and educator Barry Thomas on the launch of our very own cultural MXMF Curriculum.
Complimentary Breakfast
FRIDAY, MAY 16th | 6-9 pm
Youth Poetry Night
Location: 3448 Evans Street | Outdoor Stage
An evening of bold expression, rhythm, and rising voices. Youth Poetry Night creates space for the next generation of truth-tellers, creatives, and cultural leaders to honor Malcolm X through spoken word.
Youth-focused spoken word performances and Open Mic
Featuring the Youth Vocalist
Poetry Book Giveaway by Aja Monet - “Florida Waters”
Presented in partnership with Nebraska Writers Collective. Staging provided by Omaha Mobile Stage.
Free to attend, Food Truck Available
SATURDAY, MAY 17th - June 1st
Nebraska Hall of Fame Bus Tour
Location: From Omaha to Lincoln | Multiple date options
Park at the Malcolm X birthsite, then ride to Lincoln to our State Capitol Building to view the Malcolm X Bust in the Nebraska Hall of Fame. On the way, learn about the life of Malcolm X, and his work in social justice, economic independence and civil/human rights. *In partnership with UNO Black Studies Department, North Omaha Initiative and Preston Love’s North Omaha Legacy Tours.
$35 per person to attend; Includes Lunch;
Option to register on site available, first come, first served
SATURDAY, MAY 17th - 12-8 pm
Community Block Party
Join us for a full vibrant day of Music, Culture & Community at the Historic Memorial Grounds with Headlining Artist DEAD PREZ!
Featuring: Live performances from (local) artists and DJ’sFood trucksBlack owned vendors, organizations and art.
***Sponsored by North End Teleservices. Presented in partnership with 89.7 The CLTR Radio Station.***
MONDAY, MAY 19th - 10 am - 3 pm (CST)
Global Virtual Broadcast
Join us for a full schedule of virtual dialogue with scholars and activists celebrating Malcolm X across the Globe! Cities to be represented include: Inkster, Chicago, Oakland, Harlem, Grenada & of course OMAHA!
FRIDAY, MAY 30th - 6-8 pm
Film Screening: DIVISIBLE
Location: Union for Contemporary Arts
A free public screening of DIVISIBLE, a documentary film focusing on the history and current impacts of redlining in Omaha. In partnership with the North Omaha Redlining Commission.
Free to attend
SATURDAY, MAY 31st - 6-10 pm
MX100 LEGACY GALA
Location: Durham Museum
Join us for an evening of community, culture, art and history, as we celebrate the life and legacy of El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz, Malcolm X. With special guest performances by Aja Monet and Mike Phillips; The Xtet (Jazz Quartet); and Dana Murray; Special Guest MC: Felicia Casher.
Honorary Chair: Dr. Ilyasah Shabazz, Daughter of Malcolm X!
Presenting Sponsor: North End Teleservices
