Omaha-born Malcolm X takes a place in Nebraska Hall of Fame amid cheering, sculpted bust unveiled

LINCOLN — While Malcolm X left Nebraska before he turned 2 years old, it is here that the roots of the human rights hero were planted, his daughter told more than 200 people gathered Wednesday for his induction into Nebraska’s Hall of Fame.

Ilyasah Shabazz said she was honored by Nebraska’s embrace. She told the audience that she sees her father’s entry as the state’s 27th hall-of-famer, and the hall’s first African American, as significant in urging others to push boundaries and reflect on how to make an impact.

“He challenged us to be better human beings as he introduced a human rights agenda into the Civil Rights Movement,” said Shabazz, of New York. “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 journeys.”

Never thought he’d see the day

Wednesday’s official induction ceremony, held in the Nebraska Capitol’s Warner Chamber with overflow seating in other areas, capped a journey of its own — one that included the rejection of at least two previous nominations. 

Some along the way thought Malcolm X — who would have turned 99 years old this past weekend — was too controversial for the hall created by the Nebraska Legislature in 1961. It was designed to officially recognize Nebraskans who have made significant contributions to the state and the nation.

A new member can be added every five years. They must be deceased at least 35 years.

Hall of Fame Commission members vote on nominees, and Ron Hull, then-chair of the committee and a longtime public television broadcaster, cast the deciding vote in 2022 on Malcolm X’s nomination. Hull has since died but on Wednesday the commission’s Sara Crook recounted his words:

“Malcolm used the lessons he learned early in life and his intellectual power, dedication and perseverance in the fight for freedom and equality for all.… His work and his legacy continue to impact the citizens of the world.”

Kicking off the event was a Muslim prayer given by Bilal Nosilla and Rebeen Kareem, both of Nebraska, in recognition of Malcolm X’s religious and spiritual contributions.

Also speaking at the event was Gov. Jim Pillen, who proclaimed Wednesday Malcolm X Day in Nebraska.

A climactic moment came with the unveiling of a bust of Malcolm X, sculpted by Lincoln artist Nathan Murray. The piece is to be displayed in the Capitol Rotunda initially. It will eventually be placed in a State Capitol hallway amid other Hall of Fame member busts.

Former State Sen. Ernie Chambers also spoke, offering a sense of what, to some, seemed an improbable feat.

At age 86 — and after having served 46 years in the Legislature, the longest-serving of any state lawmaker — Chambers said he thought he’d never live to see the day.

“I never thought in my wildest dream that I would live long enough … to see a white conservative Republican governor in a white ultraconservative state like  Nebraska participate in the induction of Malcolm X” into the Hall of Fame.

‘No accident’

JoAnna LeFlore-Ejike, who heads the Omaha-based Malcolm X Foundation, said later that the moment serves as an opportunity to “correct” the historical context — including Malcolm X’s short time in Nebraska.

She said it was “no accident” Malcolm X was born in Omaha, where his parents had intended to stay. 

“He only left at a young age because his family was chased out of Nebraska because of their world view on the philosophy that Black people should be equal and self-sufficient in this country, ” LeFlore-Ejike said.

LeFlore-Ejike said the journey to the Hall of Fame can serve as a tool for educators, historians and emerging leaders to use in reinforcing the importance of “collaboration and perseverance” for “something of this magnitude to take place.”

Shabazz, one of six daughters born to Malcolm X and his wife, Betty, said she was humbled at the cheering and reception by Nebraskans.

 “I think we’ve come a long way,” she said, of the route to get to the Hall of Fame. “We still have far to go, but we’ve come a long way.”

She and LeFlore-Ejike said Malcolm X’s evolution and message is especially important to young generations.

“Malcolm has a journey that a lot of people can relate to,” said LeFlore-Ejike. “They can learn how to push through adversity and be resilient.”

Shabazz said she looks forward to returning to Nebraska to see the growing Omaha campus that honors the legacy of her father. Under the wings of the Malcolm X foundation, the memorial site was developed around Malcolm X’s first home near 35th and Pinkney Streets in Omaha. 

With a boost from a $20 million federal grant allocated by the Legislature, it is poised for further expansion including a museum. 

Born Malcolm Little in 1925

Born Malcolm Little at University Hospital in Omaha on May 19, 1925, Malcolm X was the son of Earl and Louise Little. 

The family moved to another state after Earl Little — who helped organize the Omaha chapter of the Universal Negro Improvement Association — faced threats by white supremacist night riders.

Earl Little was killed, and shortly afterward, his wife was diagnosed with a mental illness, pushing the state to split up Malcolm and his seven siblings into foster care.

Eventually, Malcolm was sent to Boston to live with his older sister Ella Collins-Little and relocated to New York, where he was convicted of burglary and served a prison sentence of about 6.5 years. During that time, he became self-educated, started attracting attention for his oratory skills, and converted to Islam prior to his release, according to History Nebraska.

After leaving prison, Malcolm took the name Malcolm X and studied under Elijah Muhammad, the leader of the Nation of Islam during his 12-year membership. Malcolm was known for being outspoken about the mistreatment of Blacks and advocated nationwide for their human rights in America. He was documented speaking at numerous institutions across the country and over a dozen nations overseas.

During his pilgrimage to Mecca, he converted to Orthodox Islam, abandoning concepts of racial antagonism; counseling others about the need for human brotherhood and international cooperation. 

As a result of his travels, Malcolm X, also known as El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz, formed the Organization of Afro-American Unity and Moslem Mosque Inc. His autobiography was published in 1964, just a few months before his death. Malcolm X was assassinated on Feb. 21, 1965, in New York City.