Malcolm X [El-Hajj El Malik Shabazz] was born 90 years ago on this date. One of the most prominent leaders of the Civil Rights era, he traveled around the country and the world spreading his message --of black separatism and later human rights -- before his assassination in 1965.
During his activism, however, he spent a small amount of time in Philadelphia, and there are a few reminders regarding Malcolm's impact on the community across the city. Here's three interesting facts about his time spent here and his lasting legacy in the city.
He lived in North Philly
Malcolm’s stay in Philadelphia was short and lacked drama, which is probably a good part of why it remains little known here. Yet Malcolm’s lingering reputation as a racist has something to do with it, too. The general public tends to take pride in less politically divisive figures ...
There's a park named after him
Located between 51st and 52nd streets and Pine St. and Lakewood Avenue in West Philly, Hidden City says it was renamed to Malcolm X Park in 1995, formerly known as Black Oak Park. Today, a group called the Malcolm X Park Neighbors helps host events and maintain the park. They hold monthly meetings and keep track of the goings ons, such as live jazz music and arts festivals, and even work on getting community feedback for future projects, such as a dog park.