Malcolm X Shabazz High School facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Malcolm X Shabazz High School |
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| Address | |
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80 Johnson Avenue
, , 07108
United States
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| 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 | 28.0 FTEs |
| Grades | 9–12 |
| Enrollment | 272 (as of 2022–23) |
| Student to teacher ratio | 9.7:1 |
| 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, New Jersey. It is part of the Newark Public Schools system. The school first opened in 1912 as South Side High School. In 1972, it was renamed in honor of Malcolm X.
For the 2022–23 school year, about 272 students attended the school. There were 28 teachers, meaning about 1 teacher for every 9.7 students. Many students receive free or reduced-cost lunch.
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Shabazz High School Athletics
The sports teams at Malcolm X Shabazz High School are called the Bulldogs. They play in the Super Essex Conference. This league includes public and private high schools in Essex County. Before 2009, the school played in the Watchung Conference.
The school is a Group I team for most sports. This means it competes against schools of similar size. The football team plays in the National Red division. This is part of the North Jersey Super Football Conference. This league is one of the biggest high school football leagues.
Shabazz High School offers many varsity sports. These include basketball, volleyball, and track and field. Students can also play football, soccer, wrestling, golf, baseball, and softball.
Boys' Basketball Achievements
The boys' basketball team has won several state championships. They won the Group III state title in:
- 1979
- 1995
- 1997
- 2001
- 2005
They also won the Group II title in 2010. When the school was South Side High School, they won Group III titles in:
- 1962
- 1965
- 1969
- 1971
In 1962, Lonnie Wright helped the team win the Group III title. They beat an undefeated Neptune team 72–52. In 1995, they won the Group III state title by just one point. They defeated Rancocas Valley 60–59.
Girls' Basketball Achievements
The girls' basketball team has an amazing record. They have won 11 state championships. This is the most for any public school in New Jersey. They also made it to the state finals 14 times.
They won the Group III state title in:
- 1983
- 2003
- 2004
- 2006
- 2008
- 2009
They won the Group II title in:
- 2010
- 2011
- 2012
- 2013
In 2014, they won the Group I title. They won five state titles in a row from 2010 to 2014. This is one of the longest streaks for a public school. In 2003, they won the Tournament of Champions. They beat Marlboro High School 48–45.
Football Success
The football team has won the North II Group I state championship three times. They won in:
- 2014
- 2017
- 2023
In 2014, they won their first championship. They beat Dunellen High School 14–6. In 2017, they defeated their rival, Weequahic High School, 35–0. This was a rematch of the 2016 final. In 2023, they won their third title against Butler High School.
The Soul Bowl Rivalry
Since 2009, Shabazz High School plays Weequahic High School in the "Soul Bowl." This is a special Thanksgiving Day game. The rivalry is very strong and exciting. It was ranked third among New Jersey high school football rivalries. Shabazz leads the series with more wins overall.
Track and Field
The boys' track team won the Group I spring state championship in 2018.
The Future Project at Shabazz
Malcolm X Shabazz High School works with an organization called The Future Project. This program helps students find their goals and dreams. Divine Bradley from The Future Project and Principal Gemar Mills worked together. They wanted to help students at the school succeed.
The Future Project asks students, "What big thing do you want to do with your life?" This helps students think about their future. Students at Shabazz are encouraged to take on big projects. They learn to approach school and life with a new purpose.
Because of this program, more students attend school. They also join programs during lunch and after school. These programs help them improve their writing, communication, and teamwork skills.
School Leadership
The principal of Malcolm X Shabazz High School is Atiba Buckman. She works with two vice principals to lead the school.
Famous Alumni of Shabazz High School
Many notable people have graduated from Malcolm X Shabazz High School.
- Matee Ajavon (born 1986), a professional basketball player in the WNBA.
- Anthony Avent (born 1969), a former NBA basketball player.
- Vivian Blaine (1921–1995), a famous actress.
- Gloria Gaynor (born 1943), a Grammy Award-winning singer. She is known for hits like "I Will Survive."
- Cissy Houston (born 1933), a Grammy Award-winning singer.
- Ed Koch (1924–2013), a former Mayor of New York City. He graduated in 1941 when it was South Side High School.
- Bobby Malkmus (born 1931), a former professional baseball player.
- Bernard Marcus (born 1929), who helped start Home Depot.
- Stylez G. White (born 1979), a former professional football player.
- Eric Williams (born 1972), a former NBA basketball player.
- Lonnie Wright (born 1944), who played both professional football and basketball.
Notable Teachers at Shabazz High School
- Divine Bradley (born 1982), a youth mentor and motivational speaker. He worked at the school as a Dream Director.
- Donald M. Payne (1934–2012), a politician who served in Congress. He was a teacher and football coach at South Side High School.
