Malcolm X Day
May 19, 2021
6-9 pm

Malcolm X Celebrations Return to Washington, DC Longest-running commemoration of Malcolm X in the world features events addressing the most critical issues facing urban communities today.

What do Congresswoman Maxine Waters, Go-Go music giants like EU and Rare Essence, rappers Public Enemy and the late activist and comedian Dick Gregory have in common? They have all appeared at one of the historic Malcolm X Celebrations and events attended by up to 50,000 people held in Southeast Washington, DC from 1972 to 1995 annually in Washington, DC.

With the theme “Sankofa: Going Back to Get What You Need to Move Forward,” the District-based annual event honoring the live and legacy of and lessons provided by Malcolm X returns, as in years past, on his birthday: Wednesday, May 19, 6 – 9 p.m.

While held virtually this year due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the always-anticipated Malcolm X Day Celebration [MXDC] 2021 will once again assemble a slate of dynamic African-American activists and freedom fighters. These leaders, nationally and locally based, will reflect on how the lessons learned and achievements recorded in the annals of Black history can be built upon in our continuing battle for equality and social justice.

The intergenerational conversation about the past and present represents a critical step toward advancing solutions for tomorrow. In addition, it continues a tradition of providing a diverse group of panelists capable of addressing the history of our struggles of the past while highlighting examples of today’s activism. Malcolm X’s daughter Quibilah Shabazz, Peter Bailey, Dr. Benjamin Chavis, Denise Rolark Barnes, Thomas Penny, and U.S. Congresswoman Barbara Lee. The themes for the two panel discussions will be Police Reform and Brutality and Voter Suppression.