October 23, 2014

Malcolm X’s daughter to speak on father’s legacy

by Christi Mathis

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Ilyasah Shabazz, daughter of Malcolm X, the late civil rights activist and Betty Shabazz, will speak at Southern Illinois University Carbondale on Nov. 10. 

“Growing Up X: An Evening with Ilyasah Shabazz,” is set for 6 p.m. in Student Center Ballroom D. The event is free and open to the public. 

Shabazz, herself a community organizer, activist and motivational speaker, is the author of the critically acclaimed coming-of-age book, “Growing Up X”, which received an NAACP Image Award nomination. She also wrote “Malcolm Little:  The Boy Who Grew Up to Become Malcolm X,” published earlier this year. 

She is the producer of “The WAKE-UP Tour,” a youth empowerment program, founder of Malcolm X Enterprises and a trustee for The Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial and Educational Center.  

Shabazz’s presentation will focus on her late father’s life and legacy and her efforts to continue the civil rights work he played such a large role in. 

The Center for Inclusive Excellence is sponsoring the event.  For more information, call 618/453-3918 or visit inclusiveexcellence.siu.edu/brc.