On May 19th, 2026, State Senator Cordell Cleare presented Resolution J2094 before the Legislative in Albany, honoring the 101st birthday of Malcolm X.
The world-renown human rights activist also known to many as El-Hajj Malik El Shabazz.
In her tribute address to one of the most important New Yorkers in the History of the World, the Senator stated, “Malcolm X may have been born in Nebraska, but many of the most essential events of his life happened here in the Village of Harlem. He spent part of his transformative youth in Harlem, from 1943 until 1945; returned to Harlem in the 1950’s to lead Temple Number 7 on 116th Street in Harlem, which today is known as Masjid Malcolm Shabazz; and it was upon a return to Harlem in 1965 that he was assassinated.”
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On May 19th hundreds of Harlemites and other people from across the City and the Tristate paid tribute on 125th Street, and some even went to the gravesite of Malcolm X in Ardsley New York, where he is buried with his wife Dr. Betty Shabazz; and in the evening alongside their daughters Dr. Ilyasah Shabazz and Malaak Shabazz, even more people went to The Shabazz Center to celebrate the man who became an international hero.
Senator Cleare continued, “The birthday of Malcolm X is one of the most important annual events in our district and throughout other parts of New York City. That is because Malcolm’s journey and evolution has not only inspired billions of people worldwide, but so many of those people lived the very same experience, took the very same steps, fought against the very same racism and injustice and have paid the ultimate price, much like brother Malcolm did.
The village of Harlem has always paid tribute to Malcolm X; in 1987, Lenox Avenue was renamed Malcolm X Boulevard. We landmarked the Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial and Educational Center. 26 years ago, Malcolm X Plaza was dedicated as a gateway from Central Park to 125th Street. And this year we renamed the underlying Subway Station – 110th Street – Malcolm X Plaza Station.”
Speaking in Albany before the Legislature, Senator Cleare cited one of Malcolm X’s most famous quotes declaring,
“I’m for truth, no matter who tells it. I’m for justice, no matter who it is for or against. I’m a human being, first and foremost, and as such I’m for whoever and whatever benefits humanity as a whole.”
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