Current:Home > FinanceCivil rights leader Malcolm X inducted into the Nebraska Hall of Fame -VitalWealth Strategies
Civil rights leader Malcolm X inducted into the Nebraska Hall of Fame
View
Date:2025-04-12 03:17:52
LINCOLN - Omaha-born civil rights leader Malcolm X, who would've been 99 on May 19, became the first Black person to be inducted into the Nebraska Hall of Fame in the State Capitol Rotunda on Wednesday.
State lawmakers, community members, and Malcolm X's family attended the ceremony, which took place nearly two years after he was chosen for this honor. JoAnna LeFlore-Ejike, the Executive Director of the Malcolm X Foundation, who nominated him, emphasized the significance of this recognition.
"He was born Malcolm Little in Omaha during a heightened period of racial tension, and he evolved into the human rights hero that we know and love today," said LeFlore-Ejike.
"From here on out, the induction of Malcolm X into the Hall of Fame can be a tool for educators, historians and emerging leaders to not only explain the importance of collaboration ... but also how to tell the full story of the transformation of Malcolm X," added the head of the Malcolm X Foundation.
Born in Omaha, Nebraska, in 1925 to his parents, Earl and Louise Little, his family moved to Milwaukee soon after his birth after the Klu Klux Klan threatened them. The young Malcolm and his six siblings were eventually placed into the foster care system after his father died and his mother was institutionalized.
While in prison from 1946 to 1952 for robbery charges in Massachusetts, Malcolm Little converted to the Nation of Islam and stopped smoking, gambling and eating pork. He dedicated his time in prison to self-education through reading books and participating in many of the prison courses.
Shortly after his release in 1952, he moved to Chicago, became a minister under Elijah Muhammad, and changed his name to Malcolm X. He went on to become a prominent and controversial figure in the Civil Rights Movement, advocating for change with an approach that differed from that of other leaders, such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
More:NYC will pay men exonerated in Malcolm X's killing $36 million, admitting 'grave injustices'
During his life, he had six daughters, one of whom spoke at his induction ceremony. "While my father and his family did not remain long in Omaha after his birth, it is here that the roots of Malcolm X were planted," Ilyasah Shabazz, Malcolm X's daughter, said at the ceremony.
"Let Malcolm's dedication to truth and justice inspire us all, ensuring that future generations understand the full story of my father's life and transformation as it relates to your own journeys," said Shabazz.
Inductees into the Nebraska Hall of Fame are chosen every five years. They must either have been born in Nebraska, gained prominence while living in the state or been influenced by Nebraska while residing in the state. They must also have been deceased for 35 or more years.
A bronze bust of Malcolm X sculpted by Nebraska artist Nathan Murray will be permanently displayed in the cavernous halls of the Nebraska Capitol alongside other inductees, including Standing Bear, William "Buffalo Bill" Cody and author Willa Cather. Murray, a nationally recognized artist, was selected last year to sculpt the bust.
"I wanted to come at the project with a sense of respect for who Malcolm X was," Murray said at the ceremony. "I know how important this piece is for the state of Nebraska, and I'm really happy to have my work honored here as well as Malcolm X's and all his contributions to not just the state of Nebraska or the United States, but for the world."
More:A look at Malcolm X
Last month, Malcolm X was also recognized after the Nebraska Legislature voted to honor his life and legacy by declaring May 19, his birthday, El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz, or Malcolm X Day.
Ernie Chambers, an 86-year-old Omaha native and civil rights activist who served a record 46 years in the Nebraska Legislature, said he did not expect to see this induction in his lifetime.
"I never thought that I'd live long enough to see a white, conservative, Republican governor of a white, ultra-conservative state like Nebraska participate in the adoption of Malcolm X," Chambers said at the ceremony.
Ahjané Forbes contributed to the reporting of this story
veryGood! (85)
Related
- 2025 'Doomsday Clock': This is how close we are to self
- Ohio family reaches $7M settlement in fatal police shooting of 23-year-old
- What are the gold Notes on Instagram? It's all related to the 2024 Paris Olympics
- What Exes Julianne Hough and Ryan Seacrest Have Said About Their Relationship
- Finally, good retirement news! Southwest pilots' plan is a bright spot, experts say
- Firefighters gain 40% containment of California’s fourth-largest wildfire on record
- Taco Bell is giving away 100 Baja Blast Stanley cups Tuesday: Here's how to get one
- How Kristin Cavallari’s Kids Really Feel About Her Boyfriend Mark Estes
- All That You Wanted to Know About She’s All That
- London security ramps up ahead of Taylor Swift's Eras Tour, safety experts weigh in
Ranking
- Finally, good retirement news! Southwest pilots' plan is a bright spot, experts say
- Mars, maker of M&M’s and Snickers, to buy Cheez-It owner Kellanova for nearly $30 billion
- The beats go on: Trump keeps dancing as artists get outraged over his use of their songs
- Jim Harbaugh won't serve as honorary captain for Michigan football season opener after all
- Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow owns a $3 million Batmobile Tumbler
- Ex-University of Kentucky student pleads guilty in racist tirade, assault case
- Columbus Crew vs. Inter Miami live updates: Messi still missing for Leagues Cup game today
- Vikings rookie QB J.J. McCarthy to miss season following right knee surgery to repair torn meniscus
Recommendation
NHL in ASL returns, delivering American Sign Language analysis for Deaf community at Winter Classic
Tropical Storm Ernesto on path to become a hurricane by early Wednesday
Horoscopes Today, August 13, 2024
Watch this girl's tearful reaction to a delightful double surprise
NFL Week 15 picks straight up and against spread: Bills, Lions put No. 1 seed hopes on line
Ravens announce Mark Andrews' car crash, coach Joe D'Alessandris' illness
Vince Vaughn, ‘Ted Lasso’ co-creator Bill Lawrence bring good fun to Carl Hiaasen’s ‘Bad Monkey’
Jorō spiders, the mysterious arachnids invading the US, freeze when stressed, study shows