March 31st 2024.
On March 28, the Nebraska Legislature honored Malcolm X by designating May 19 as El-Hajj Malik El Shabazz, Malcolm X Day. While this amendment does not officially establish a state holiday, it does allow schools to recognize the significant contributions of Malcolm X. Omaha Sen. Terrell McKinney proposed this amendment, and he believes it marks a significant milestone for the state in acknowledging the invaluable impact of Malcolm X as a prominent advocate for human rights.
In an interview with USA Today, McKinney expressed his hope that this acknowledgment will serve as an enduring beacon, guiding both the state and the nation towards a brighter future for all, especially for the Black community. The Associated Press also reported that one of the challenges to making May 19 a state holiday was the estimated cost of over $500,000 each year. However, Nebraska's tribute to Malcolm X does not end there.
The late civil rights activist is set to have a busy 2024, as he will be featured in National Geographic's Genius anthology series alongside Martin Luther King Jr. in 2023. Additionally, Malcolm X will be inducted into the Nebraska Hall of Fame on May 22 this year. This tribute resonates with the efforts of Ilaysah Shabazz, one of Malcolm X's daughters, who has been working to rectify her father's image.
During a discussion at the University of Southern California's Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism in February, Shabazz spoke about her father's legacy and the inaccuracies surrounding his portrayal in the media. She emphasized that the Malcolm X we may have learned about in school or in the news is not the true Malcolm X.
As reported by WPR, Malcolm X's selection for the hall of fame in 2023 made him the first Black person in the state's history to be enshrined. However, it was a contentious 4-3 vote, demonstrating the larger point that it took the committee's chairman, Ron Hull, to make history by voting for Malcolm X's enshrinement. JoAnna Leflore Ejike, the executive director of the Malcolm X Memorial Foundation, noted that some historians have labeled Malcolm X as violent, but there is no evidence of him inciting violence at his rallies or speeches except for the day he was assassinated.
William King, a radio station owner in Omaha, also shared his thoughts on the slow rate of progress, stating that it is ironic that in 2024, we are still celebrating the first Black person to achieve something. Leflore Ejike also drew a parallel between Malcolm X's enshrinement and the current Black Lives Matter movement, noting that May is the month George Floyd was murdered and other modern-day lynchings. She believes that this tribute will spark new conversations and actions, as Malcolm X would have wanted.
In conclusion, the Nebraska Legislature's decision to honor Malcolm X with a designated day of remembrance and his upcoming induction into the hall of fame serves as a recognition of his legacy and contributions to the fight for human rights. It also highlights the ongoing need for progress and change towards racial equality. As we continue to honor and remember Malcolm X, it is imperative to also take action and strive towards a better future for all.
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