Malcolm X inducted into the Nebraska Hall of Fame
By Aaron Bonderson , Reporter/Producer Nebraska Public Media
22 de Mayo de 2024 a las 17:35 ·

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An activist and civil rights leader with Nebraska roots is being recognized with a display inside the capitol.
Malcolm X was born in Omaha in 1925, and is the first black person inducted into the Nebraska Hall of Fame. He’s the 27th member of the lauded group who each have a bust displayed in the Nebraska State Capitol.
More than 150 people squeezed into the Warner Chamber on Wednesday, just off the Capitol Rotunda and legislative floor to witness the historic induction ceremony and statue reveal.
Once it was unveiled, attendees were able to catch a glimpse of the bust of Malcolm X created by Lincoln artist Nathan Murray.

It portrays Malcolm X in a thoughtful position intended to welcome dialogue, Murray said.
During the observance, Malcolm X’s daughter and author Ilyasah Shabazz said her father’s induction is significant for pushing boundaries.
“Much like my father did, it calls on each of us to reflect on how we can personally make an impact in the world,” Shabazz said. “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 their own journeys.”
Her father sparked international awareness for the struggle of black people across the globe and challenged all people to be better humans, she said. Malcolm X, also known as El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz, visited 11 African countries during his Muslim pilgrimage.
Through much of his advocacy, Malcolm pushed for black people to defend themselves and become self-sufficient. Black nationalism and the Nation of Islam grew under these ideas.
Martin Luther King Jr. believed in integration, which led Malcolm X to publicly criticize him.
Read or listen to pervious coverage of Malcolm X's Hall of Fame honor:
- What does the Hall of Fame induction of Malcolm X mean to Nebraskans?
- Malcolm X will be the Nebraska Hall of Fame's next inductee
- Nebraska Hall of Fame nominees include Malcolm X
Upon the return from his pilgrimage, Malcolm X offered to unite with MLK, but maintained a stance of self-defense.
Inside the Warner Chamber on Wednesday, former State Sen. Ernie Chambers delivered remarks. Chambers worked at the Capitol for 46 years and turns 88 years-old in July, he said.
“And I want to say that I never thought I’d live long enough to see a white conservative Republican governor, in a white ultra-conservative state like Nebraska, participate in the induction of Malcolm X into the Nebraska Hall of Fame,” Chambers said.
Chambers met with Malcolm X during his return to Omaha in 1964.
JoAnna LeFlore Ejike is the executive director of the Malcolm X Memorial Foundation in Omaha. She said Malcolm X was born during a period of racial tensions in the state.
"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 and follow through for something of this magnitude to take place, but also help tell the full story of transformation of Malcolm," LeFlore Ejike said.
Malcolm X's wife, Dr. Betty Shabazz, and their six daughters have helped carry on their loved one's resilient, human rights legacy, LeFlore Ejike said.
Also at the commemoration, Gov. Jim Pillen proclaimed Wednesday Malcolm X Day. Going forward, Malcolm X’s birthday, May 19, will be known as El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz Day or Malcolm X Day in Nebraska. The recognition was added onto Legislative Bill 1102 in March.