Malcolm X Day in Anacostia Park

Many people gather around the stage at Malcolm X Day

Malcolm X Day

“We need more light about each other. Light creates understanding, understanding creates love, love creates patience, and patience creates unity.” - Malcolm X

For over 23 years, May 19th was a tremendous day in Anacostia Park. Tens of thousands of people would come to the park to celebrate pioneering civil rights activist Malcom X’s birthday. They came to hear activists, artists, community leaders and more. Beginning in 1972, the message of the yearly event was to celebrate and create unity in the surrounding community. The events featured community organizing, art, music, and a general celebration of culture.

Malcolm X was born Malcolm Little on May 19, 1925 in Omaha, NE. Later known as Malik El-Shabazz, he rose from a background of poverty to became one of America's most dynamic Black leaders of the 1960's. Malcolm W was the founder of the Organization for Afro-American Unity. Both his community and some people in power respected him for his honest analysis of the plight of Blacks in America. As a Black Nationalist and prominent member of the Nation of Islam, he represented an active school of thought during the civil rights movement. He worked to combine the work of civil rights leaders while prioritizing Black autonomy and empowerment.

People gather at Anacostia Park with Boom Boxes

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Sharon Farmer in memory of educators Winifred and George Farmer

The very first Malcolm X Day Celebration was held May of 1972 as a pre-rally to the First African Liberation Day Celebration (ALDC). Organizers sponsored rallies throughout DC. The intention was to bring awareness around issues the community faced. Malcolm X Day first took place at the Anna Johanning Baptist Church in Southeast DC. When attendance began to grow, Anacostia Park became the new host for the event. The event sought to showcase the rich cultures that make up Black heritage. Malcolm X Day has become the oldest and largest tribute to Malcolm X in the nation.

At its prime, Malcolm X Day would bring between 30,000 and 50,000 to the park each year for the daylong list of activities. The celebration spread the message "Unity in the Community. It brought together community activists, civil rights leaders, church leaders and more. Afro-centric vendors and artists, musicians and various speakers would frequent the event. The event was a place for local entertainers and artists to share their art and expand their reach.

People of all ages in the community would come to the park to celebrate the life and legacy of Malcolm X and to uplift the message of unity. Just as Malcolm X's said, "We cannot wait for others to do for us - we must do for ourselves."