The world called him Malcolm X, but to Ilyasah Shabazz, he was dad.
Shabazz, 53, is the third daughter of Malcolm X. Her father was one of the most influential and controversial leaders in American history and, to many, he changed the face of the civil rights movements. He was assassinated just two years after she was born.
Shabazz will speak at 2:30 p.m. Sunday at Headquarters Library at 401 E. University Ave, followed by a book signing and panel discussion. She will also speak at 3 p.m. Monday at the Bob Graham Center in the Pugh Hall Ocora. Both events are free and open to the public.
Even though she has spent most of her life without her father, she has devoted herself to continuing his mission as an author, social activist and motivational speaker. She has written four novels, including the memoir “Growing Up X.”
Shabazz will discuss her latest book, “X: A Novel,” where she depicts her father’s life before he became Malcolm X, back when he was just Malcolm Little.
The events are co-sponsored by the Alachua County Library District, the United Nations Educational Scientific Cultural Organization-Transatlantic Slave Trade and UF’s Samuel Proctor Oral History Program.
Sherry DuPree, director for UNESCO-TST and event coordinator, said the event costs around $10,000.
Brittney Freeman, a UF aerospace engineering senior, said she’s excited to see Shabazz because of her legacy.
“I think it’s important that we have events like this at UF,” the 21-year-old said. “Malcolm X thought outside of the norm, so people forget what he did and a lot of what the civil rights movement was really like. It’s really important for people to know more about their history.”
