Malcolm X Day facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Malcolm X Day |
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Malcolm X
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| Observed by | Berkeley, California, United States |
| Type | Nationwide festivities Local holiday (May 19) |
| Date | May 19 |
| 2024 date | May 17 |
| 2025 date | May 16 |
| 2026 date | May 15 |
| 2027 date | May 21 |
| Frequency | Annual |
Malcolm X Day is an American holiday that honors Malcolm X. It is celebrated on May 19, which is his birthday, or sometimes on the third Friday of May. This day remembers a very important civil rights leader. Some states, like Illinois and Missouri, have tried to make it an official state holiday. Right now, only the city of Berkeley, California officially celebrates it. In Berkeley, city offices and schools close for the day.
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What is Malcolm X Day?
Malcolm X Day is a special day to remember and honor Malcolm X. He was a very important person in the Civil Rights Movement. This movement worked to get equal rights for all people, especially African Americans. The holiday celebrates his life and his work for fairness and justice.
How the Holiday Started
The city of Berkeley, California made Malcolm X Day an official holiday way back in 1979. Since then, many other places have tried to make it official too.
For example, in 2015, people in Illinois wanted to make May 19 an official Malcolm X Day. The Illinois Senate even passed a resolution for it. This means they agreed it should be a holiday. Before that, there were attempts in cities like Atlanta and Washington, D.C.. Some people even wanted it to be a federal holiday, like Martin Luther King Jr. Day. In 1993, a congressman named Charles B. Rangel suggested it to the U.S. Congress.
Where is Malcolm X Day Celebrated?
Even if it's not an official holiday everywhere, many places across the United States celebrate Malcolm X Day. Here's a look at some of them:
| State | How it's celebrated |
|---|---|
| California | Official events happen in San Jose and San Francisco. In Berkeley, it's a legal holiday since 1979. |
| District of Columbia | Schools, like Malcolm X Elementary, mark the day with special programs. The first known celebration was here in 1971. |
| Florida | Events in Jacksonville include live shows and a parade. |
| Georgia | A festival has been held in Atlanta's West End Park since 1989. |
| Illinois | Since 2015, the holiday has a special legal status in this state. |
| Minnesota | People celebrate with the Malcolm X Conference in Minneapolis. |
| Missouri | A bill was introduced to the state government to observe Malcolm X Day. |
| Nebraska | Celebrations started in Malcolm X's hometown of Omaha in 1968. The city even made official announcements for many years. |
| New York | A music event is held in the Harlem area of New York City. |
| Ohio | The "Malcolm X Heritage Festival" takes place in Columbus. |
| Oregon | A peaceful demonstration marks the day in Salem. |
| Pennsylvania | Community activities are held in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and other places. |
| Tennessee | Malcolm X Day is celebrated in Nashville. |
| Texas | Celebrations happen in San Antonio. |
| Washington | A music festival at Umojafest marks the day. |
| Wisconsin | A public event with speakers is held in Milwaukee. |
Who Was Malcolm X?
Malcolm X was born Malcolm Little on May 19, 1925. He later became known as el-Hajj Malik el-Shabazz after a special trip to Mecca. He was an American Muslim leader and a very important human rights activist.
Many people admired Malcolm X because he bravely spoke up for the rights of Black people. He strongly criticized unfair treatment against Black Americans. Some people disagreed with his methods, but he is still seen as one of the most important and influential African Americans in history. He worked hard to make sure all people were treated fairly and with respect.
