The Malcolm X & Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial & Education Center

Description

Our History

In 1995 Dr. Betty Shabazz set about to found an institution that would permit the courageous work of her late-husband El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz - Malcolm X to continue into the 21st Century. With support from the community Dr. Shabazz was able to negotiate an agreement between Columbia University and the Economic Development Corporation City of New York to retain up to 40% percent of original Audubon Ballroom. The Shabazz Center is a 501 c (3), established in 2005.

Today the Shabazz Center has been redesigned into a state-of-the-art facility with funds from the Office of the Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer. Incorporated within the new 6000 sq foot space is a mélange of the contemporary vision of internationally renowned architect Max Bond of Davis Brody Bond and the Audubon's original 1912 lobby commissioned of Thomas Lamb, the most prolific theater designer of his day.

Three major works of art by artists Colin Chase, Gabriel Koren, and Daniel Galvez are part of its permanent collection. Our state-of-the art audio and visual facility houses seven multimedia kiosks designed by Columbia University's Digital Knowledge Ventures. The touch screen kiosks give a rich compilation of post humorous testimonials; television footage and still images gathered during the lives of Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz.