07May

Join the Harlem 125th Street BID and other community organizations as we celebrate the birthday of El Hajj Malik El Shabazz on May 19th, 2025.

May 19 2025 commemorates the 100th birthday of El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz, Minister Malcolm X.  During his life, Malcolm X’s presence on 125th Street and his activism helped shape the cultural and political landscape in Harlem.  

> TODO: add quote from Barbara

There are many celebrations taking place in Harlem and around the country.  The December 12th Movement organization is asks businesses in the BID to close from 1pm to 4pm for their celebratory march across 125th Street.  While the BID cannot tell any business what it should or should not do, we want to provide you with some tools to help you make your decision.

History & Previous Celebrations

The 125th Street BID and partners celebrate this on going legacy with businesses and community partners. For example, the BID held a celebration with the community in 2001 for a day of celebration commemorating the birthday of Malcolm X.  We took amazing photos of the event that have never been shared.  Over 2,000 community members united at the Adam Clayton Powell Jr. State Office Building to honor the iconic civil rights leader’s legacy through a day-long celebration of educational activities and community events.

This rare family portrait captures Malcolm X with his wife, Betty Shabazz, and his six daughters, marking the first time the family has been photographed together since two daughters were born after his passing.
Two of Malcolm X’s daughters speaking at the Recognition Ceremony

“The legacy of Malcolm X is one of self-empowerment and self-improvement. He rose from humble
beginnings to become one of the foremost spokesmen for African Americans in the 20° Century.
Malcolm’s efforts to lift African Americans enabled us as a people to think about ourselves more
positively and to act accordingly. His words echo loudly after his untimely and tragic death. It is
important that we honor him for the lessons he taught African Americans and, most importantly,
the rest of the world.” — Manhattan Borough President, C. Virginia Fields

Malcolm X Recognition Ceremony

Featuring inspiring tributes from faith leaders, community activists, and local leaders, this program honored the life and legacy of El-Hajj Malik El Shabazz, Minister Malcolm X.

  • Speaker Conrad Muhammad
  • Daughters of Malcolm X
  • Speaker Dr. Marabel
  • 125th Street BID family portrait presentation
  • Barbara Askins
  • Conrad Muhammad
  • Conrad Muhammad
  • Youth scholarship presentation
  • Speaker Iman Talib
  • Speaker Iman Pasha
  • Daughters of Malcolm X
  • Daughters of Malcolm X
  • Daughters of Malcolm X
  • Percy Sutton
  • Percy Sutton
  • Percy Sutton
  • Interview with Virginia Fields
  • ity Honorable C. Virginia Fields, Speaker Manhattan Borough Pres
  • Virginia Fields
  • Wyatt T. Walker
  • Wyatt T. Walker
  • Recognition Ceremony

Silent Unity Procession & Pre-March Ceremony

Beginning from four community sites, participants advanced to the Adam Clayton Powell State Office Building for a powerful moment of reflection and unity.

Post-Event Community Celebrations

Following the ceremony, Harlem’s businesses and organizations hosted a series of celebrations that brought the community together to continue honoring the legacy of Malcolm X.

Program