Malcolm X College to celebrate the 100th Birthday of its namesake: Malcolm X (Chicago, IL) – (May 18, 2025) – Malcolm X College students, faculty, staff and leadership will gather on Monday, May 19 to commemorate a milestone of immense significance – the 100th birthday of Malcolm X on May 19. The event is free and open to the public. The day’s events will serve as a tribute to Malcolm X’s remarkable legacy and serve as a reminder of the enduring impact his life continues to have on the world.
“On the 100th birthday of Malcolm X, we gather to commemorate a historic milestone and reaffirm our commitment to the ideals he championed—justice, empowerment and education,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson, City of Chicago. “Malcolm X’s unwavering pursuit of truth and transformation through knowledge remains a guide for all who strive to build a stronger community. I commend Malcolm X College for leading this meaningful celebration and for uplifting his legacy. May this day of reflection remind us all that change begins with courage and the will to learn, lead, and serve.”
The celebration will feature inspirational keynote speakers, engaging panel discussions, live entertainment and opportunities for community collaboration. It will be a day of reflection, inspiration and unity. The public can RSVP here: https://lnkd.in/gdbP3Tjb
“It’s both an honor and a privilege to reflect on the visionary leadership of this incredible figure. Malcolm X’s dedication to uplifting marginalized communities remains a guiding principle at our institution and a core value that we share and hold dear at our college,” said President David Sanders, Malcolm X College. “His dedication to education, justice, and equality continues to inspire countless individuals. We are honored to host this celebration, made possible through the collaboration of community leaders, educators and artists who tirelessly carry forward the legacy and message of Malcolm X.”
Malcolm X’s emphasis on education reflects his own personal journey of self-improvement and his belief in the power of knowledge to transform individuals and societies. He saw education as a vital tool for achieving freedom and fairness.
The program will be held from 9:15am to 3:30pm at Malcolm X College (1900 W. Jackson Street in Chicago). Doors open at 8:00am. Highlights of the event include:
- 9:15am: Malcolm X: 100 Years of Malcolm X – A Tribute to His Life and Legacy with a presentation by the Soaring Hawks, a dynamic Double Dutch team and the Inspirational Hawks – Malcolm X College’s Community Choir.
- 10:00am: Encore performance by the Inspirational Hawks and a monologue of Malcolm X’s famous speech: “Where do we go from here” recited by Stephen Samuels.
Full Program:
9:30am: Welcome by President David A. Sanders
9:40: City Colleges of Chicago Chancellor Juan Salgado
10:00: Cultural Performances
11:00: Life and Legacy of Malcolm X, an awards presentation
Noon: Meeting of the Minds, a virtual collaboration and presentation with JoAnna LeFlore-Ejike, executive director of the Malcolm X Memorial Foundation
3:00pm: Healthcare Career Panel titled Bridging the Gap. The panel will address health and there will be a closing performance by the Inspirational Hawks
Malcolm X was born Malcolm Little on May 19, 1925 in Omaha, Nebraska. His mother was the National recording secretary for the Marcus Garvey Movement. His father was a Baptist minister and chapter president of The Universal Negro Improvement Association. Malcolm X was an African American revolutionary, Muslim minister and human rights activist who was a prominent figure during the civil rights movement until his assassination in 1965 (source: Wikipedia). Malcolm X is attributed as saying this about education: “Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.”
Malcolm X College to celebrate the 100th Birthday of its namesake: Malcolm X
