Malcolm X Shabazz High School facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Malcolm X Shabazz High School |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Address | |
|
80 Johnson Avenue
, , 07108
United States
|
|
| Coordinates | 40°43′08″N 74°11′30″W / 40.718974°N 74.191804°W |
| Information | |
| Type | public high school |
| Motto | Home of the Bulldogs |
| Established | 1912 |
| School district | Newark Public Schools |
| NCES School ID | 341134002198 |
| Principal | Atiba Buckman |
| Faculty | 25.0 FTEs |
| Grades | 9–12 |
| Enrollment | 354 (as of 2023–24) |
| Student to teacher ratio | 14.2:1 |
| Color(s) | Black and gold |
| Athletics conference | Super Essex Conference (general) North Jersey Super Football Conference (football) |
| Team name | Bulldogs |
| Rival | Weequahic High School |
Malcolm X Shabazz High School is a public high school in Newark, located in Essex County. It is part of the Newark Public Schools system. The school was first opened in 1912 as South Side High School. In 1972, it was renamed in honor of Malcolm X, a famous civil rights leader.
The school helps students from ninth to twelfth grade get ready for their future. As of the 2023–24 school year, about 354 students attended the school. There were 25 teachers, meaning there were about 14 students for every teacher. This helps students get more individual attention. Many students at the school receive support for lunch programs.
Contents
Sports and Teams
Malcolm X Shabazz High School is home to the Bulldogs! They compete in the Super Essex Conference. This conference includes many public and private high schools in Essex County. Before 2009, the school was part of the Watchung Conference.
The school offers many different sports. Students can play basketball, volleyball, track and field, football, soccer, wrestling, golf, baseball, and softball.
Basketball Success
The boys' basketball team has won many state championships. They won the Group III state title in 1979, 1995, 1997, 2001, and 2005. They also won the Group II title in 2010. When the school was known as South Side High School, the team won Group III titles in 1962, 1965, 1969, and 1971. A player named Lonnie Wright helped the 1962 team win their championship. In 1995, they won the Group III state title by just one point!
The girls' basketball team is also very successful. They have won the Group III state championship in 1983, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2008, and 2009. They won the Group II title from 2010 to 2013. In 2014, they won the Group I title. Their 11 state championships are the most for any public school in New Jersey. They even won five titles in a row from 2010 to 2014! In 2003, the girls' team won the Tournament of Champions.
Football Achievements
The football team has won the North II Group I state sectional championship three times. They won in 2014, 2017, and 2023. Their 2014 win was the first championship for the school's football program. In 2017, they beat their rival, Weequahic High School, in the championship game. In 2023, they won their third sectional title.
The "Soul Bowl" is a special Thanksgiving Day football game. It is played between Malcolm X Shabazz High School and Weequahic High School. This rivalry game returned in 2009 after a break. It is considered one of the fiercest high school football rivalries in New Jersey.
Track and Field
The boys' track team won the Group I spring / outdoor track state championship in 2018.
The Future Project
Malcolm X Shabazz High School works with a program called The Future Project. This program helps students think about their goals and dreams. Divine Bradley, who works with The Future Project, and the school's principal, Gemar Mills, worked together to help students succeed.
The Future Project encourages students to think big. They ask students, "What's something big and bold you'd like to do with your life?" This helps students find purpose in their education. Because of this program, students are more engaged in school. They take on exciting projects and learn important skills like writing and teamwork. School attendance has also improved.
School Leadership
The current principal of Malcolm X Shabazz High School is Atiba Buckman. She works with a team, including a vice principal, to lead the school.
Famous People from Shabazz High
Many notable people have attended Malcolm X Shabazz High School.
- Matee Ajavon (born 1986), a former professional basketball player in the WNBA.
- Anthony Avent (born 1969), a former professional basketball player in the NBA.
- Vivian Blaine (1921–1995), a famous actress.
- Reggie Brown (born 1960), a former professional football player and coach.
- Leslie Fiedler (1917–2003), a well-known literary critic.
- Gloria Gaynor (born 1943), a Grammy Award-winning singer, famous for "I Will Survive".
- Cissy Houston (1933–2024), a Grammy Award-winning singer.
- Sharpe James (1936–2025), a former mayor of Newark and a New Jersey State Senator.
- Ed Koch (1924–2013), a former Mayor of New York City.
- Bobby Malkmus (1931–2025), a former professional baseball player.
- Bernard Marcus (1929–2024), a co-founder of Home Depot.
- Stylez G. White (born 1979), a former professional football player.
- Eric Williams (born 1972), a former professional basketball player in the NBA.
- Lonnie Wright (1945–2012), a professional basketball and football player.
Notable Teachers and Staff
- Divine Bradley (born 1982), a youth mentor and motivational speaker who works with The Future Project at the school.
- Donald M. Payne (1934–2012), a politician who served in the U.S. Congress. He was also a teacher and football coach at South Side High School.
