YSU Diversity Council to honor Malcolm X

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

Youngstown State University’s Diversity Council will sponsor a public tribute to Malcolm X from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at DeBartolo Stadium Club, P-Level.

A dinner will be served.

According to his biography, Malcolm X, born Malcolm Little on May 19, 1925, in Omaha, Neb., was best known as a Black Muslim minister and human-rights activist.

While in prison on a breaking-and-entering charge, he became a member of the Nation of Islam, then led by Elijah Muhammad. After his parole in 1952, Malcolm X quickly rose to become one of its leaders.

He left the Nation of Islam in 1964, converted to orthodox Sunni Islam, educated himself by traveling in Africa and the Middle East, and then returned to the United States.

He changed his name to El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz and founded both the Muslim Mosque Inc. and the Organization of Afro-American Unity.

He was assassinated in New York City’s Audubon Ballroom during a speech Feb. 21, 1965.

A book on his life, “The Autobiography of Malcolm X,” was written in collaboration with journalist and author Alex Haley. It was published in 1965.

The program features music by Frank Walton & Band; a visual presentation by the College Swag Boys; poetry by Premiere Poets Guild; a discussion on the principles of Malcolm X and the role of religion in his life by Kenneth “Brother K” King; and comments by Brandon Thomas.

The welcome and closing remarks will be made by DeAndre Radcliff.