On Jan. 22, 2025, MSU’s Muslim Studies Program presented the fourth annual Malcolm X Muslim Studies Community Forum at the Erickson Hall Kiva. This year’s forum is especially distinct because it takes place during the centennial year of Malcolm X’s life. Although only in its fourth year, the community forum has a history that dates back 62 years when Malcolm X delivered a speech in the same room on Jan. 23, 1963.

 

The forum started with opening remarks from the director of the Muslim Studies Program, Mohammad Hassan Khalil. Khalil opened the forum by thanking all the contributing groups that made the event happen. 

“In my mind, Malcolm X is the most influential U.S. Muslim activist of all time. Yet, he remains greatly misunderstood. Dr. Shabazz has gone to great lengths to dispel misconceptions about both her parents, Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz, and to promote a message of justice and inclusion,” Khalil said. 

Following Khalil, MSU’s Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer Jabbar R. Bennett, Ph.D., offered a warm welcome to everyone in the audience and connected the theme of the forum to MSU’s mission of supporting broad identities on campus.

 From left to right, Jabbar Bennett, Deborah Margolis, Ilyasah Shabazz and Mohammad Khalil. Photo by Dane Robison

“I want to emphasize the leadership of Dr. Mohammad Khalil in planning this evening’s forum,” said Bennett. “Educational opportunities like the Malcolm X Community Forum are essential for raising awareness and building bridges of understanding.”

After the introductory remarks, Khalil welcomed the forum’s keynote speaker, Malcolm X’s daughter, Ilyasah Shabazz. Shabazz is the third daughter of Malcolm X and Betty Shabazz and is an award-winning author, professor and public speaker.

 

At the start of her speech, Shabazz offered inspiring words about her father’s work and ambition, especially during his formative years as a Lansing resident. 

The pace of the forum gave room for attendees to take in Shabazz’s story and understand how her life experiences have been shaped by the legacy of her father and mother. 

Her parent’s extensive advocacy work created a foundation of learning that is instilled in her values. 

Addressing the community of MSU students, professors and Lansing residents in attendance, Shabazz talked about her father’s commitment to being a voice for change and an advocate for justice. 

 

Shabazz also offered words of encouragement and inspiration for younger generations, especially for the students sitting in the audience. “Support for the incoming generation is essential because they are the next generation of problem solvers,” Shabazz said.

Following Shabazz’s speech, Khalil opened up the space for a Q&A and a book signing. 

Many of the powerful words that captured the presence of the audience members in the Erickson Kiva are found in Shabazz’s published pieces.