*(Los Angeles, CA) – Monday, May 19, 2025, would have been Malcolm X’s 100th birthday. Celebrations were held across the nation to honor the tireless civil rights activist.
Locally, the City of Los Angeles teamed up with the Foundation for Arts, Mentorship, Leadership and Innovation (FA-MLI) to celebrate the 100th birthday of Malcolm X, born Malcolm Little, on Saturday, May 17, 2025. The event Malcolm X Street Dedication followed by the 33rd Annual Malcolm X Legacy Festival and Centennial Celebration of a Legend.
The Malcolm X Street Dedication began with a Press Conference and a Malcolm X Street Sign unveiling. The sign unveilings were held to complete the 5-mile-long Malcolm X Route along Crenshaw Boulevard. The first one was unveiled at the intersection of Crenshaw Boulevard and Obama Boulevard.
The second unveiling occurred at the corner of Crenshaw Boulevard and Martin Luther King Jr., Boulevard. Los Angeles City Councilwoman Heather Hutt, Council District 10, Assemblymember Sade Elhawary, Assembly District 57, and Torrence Brannon-Reese, founder and CEO of FA-MLI, Inc., spoke during the street sign unveiling at the second location.
The final unveiling took place on the corner of Crenshaw Boulevard and Florence. This final dedication completes the vision of the newly established Malcolm X Corridor. You should be seeing Malcolm X Street signage as you drive up and down “The Shaw.”
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The street sign unveiling at Crenshaw Boulevard and Martin Luther King Jr., Boulevard also connects with Freedom Square, the site of a bust of Celes King III, another prominent civil rights activist.
May gray, nor intermittent sprinkles couldn’t dampen the resolve or spirit of guests in attendance for the three-part celebration.
The Malcolm X Street Dedication & 33rd Annual Malcolm X Legacy Festival and Centennial Celebration of a Legend shined the spotlight on El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz, a human rights activist. This was a historic day of culture, activism, education and celebration in the City of Angels.
Several years ago, a street sign was unveiled at Crenshaw Boulevard and Vernon, right in the middle of the African American cultural hub. Malcolm X joins an impressive group of African Americans in Los Angeles who have streets or highways named in their honor: Rosa Parks Freeway, Obama Boulevard, MLK Boulevard, and Nipsey Hussle Square.
Guests gathered inside the Leimert Plaza Park for the 33rd Annual Malcolm X Legacy Festival and Centennial Celebration. This year’s theme: Human Rights by Any Means Necessary!
The program got underway with remarks by Torrence Brannon-Reese, founder and CEO of FA-MLI, Inc. Dwight Trible, vocalist extraordinaire shook things up with “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” the Black National Anthem. Brother Akile performed libation to honor and call on the ancestors.
Lorenzo Frank and Laneay London (Laneay London Illuminating Minds) served as emcees for this remarkable program on this remarkable, historic, and memorable day in the City of Angels.
The stellar lineup of artists, spoken word artists, and speakers consisted of Akanke performed an original selection accompanied by Ronda Mosley, poet and fantastic dancer to the delight of the crowd.
Yvonne Farrow, City of Los Angeles, Department of Cultural Affairs, Program Manager gave an update on the status of the Vision Theater and shared with the crowd the exciting partnership of the very prestigious WACO Theater Center. You have probably read in a local newspaper about the famous lady who will bring world-class programming to Leimert Park! The famous lady is coming on board to co-host the iconic Vision Theater once it opens in 2026???
Larry Love and Friends, spoken word artists dropped some deep thoughts for the audience to ponder. Larry Love recited “It Needs to be a Revolution in the Home.” Jenari recited “Letter to the Phoenix,” and “Fire.” Professor X also recited an original piece.
Cedric Ingram, aka Clay Luv, educator, singer, and artist performed “It’s Already on Its Way,” and “It Keep Going.”
Congresswoman Maxine Waters, aka, Auntie Maxine, dropped by to share updates about what’s happening in the political arena and to share a Certificate of Recognition to FA-MLI, Inc. for the contribution to the community.
Congresswoman Maxine Waters release a statement. “I am so elated to celebrate the life and legacy of Malcolm X, in the heart of a community so entrenched in the fight for equality. human rights, and injustice,” said Congresswoman Waters.
Each year The Foundation for Arts, Mentorship, Leadership, and Innovation (FAMLI, Inc.), led by Torrence Brannon-Reese, Founder/CEO, hosts a spectacular, community-wide celebration at Leimert Park “Black Arts Village, in honor of the birthday of Malcolm X (May 19, 1925). The first “Malcolm X Festival” in Los Angeles was held on May 19, 1993, and this year, the festival marks Malcolm X’s 100th birthday. Over the years, this event has offered an eclectic mix of musical performances, poetry, spoken word, fashion designs, African art and literature, film screenings, children’s activities, a variety of ethnic dishes, and an abundance of intellectual discussions and civil discourse designed to ensure that the grand legacy of the iconic leader, Omowale, El Hajj Malik El-Shabazz, “Malcolm X,” remains alive and well in the consciousness of those who ascribe to his teachings, have been inspired by his life story, and who value his contributions to the cause for Human Rights.
This year’s theme is “Human Rights, By Any Mean Necessary.” It is especially fitting that on the 100th birthday anniversary of Malcolm X, we are reminded how we’ve championed the struggles of our past and why we must renew our commitment to continue fighting for freedom and equality in every part of our nation and society.”
Queen Nzingha Ejukwa entertained guests with “Black Power.” Queen Nzingha narrated the vibrant Fashion Show of Majestic Kings and Queens.
Anthony Snead performed a tribute to The Whispers: “I Want to Make It With You,” “Chocolate Girl,” and “You Are Number One.”
Roots and Thunder is a popular local reggae band that performed a wonderful tribute to the late great Bob Marley: “Redemption Song,” “Crazy Baldheads,” “Roots, Rock, Reggae,” “War,” “Get Up, Stand Up,” and “No More Trouble.”
Several awards were presented to individuals for their contribution to the betterment of the community.
Roman Combs-Emerging Young Leader Award
Sabir Majeed- Lifetime Achievement Award
Msonga Mbele Andre Parvenu- Lifetime Achievement Award
This concluded my enjoyment of the 33rd Annual Malcolm X Legacy Festival and Centennial Celebration of a Legend.
Malcolm X Legacy will continue to stay relevant and be involved in impactful conversations well into the future.
Malcolm Lives: The Official Biography of Malcolm X for Young Readers, by Ibram X. Kendi
The Dead Are Rising: The Life of Malcolm X, by Les and Tamara Payne
Malcolm X: A Life of Reinvention, by Manning Marable
The Afterlife of Malcolm X: An Outcast Turned Icon’s Enduring Impact on America, by Mark Whitaker
Ricky Richardson is a Southern California based writer, music reviewer and photographer. Contact him via: [email protected]
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