NY Governor Renames Subway Station After Malcolm X
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has officially renamed the Central Park subway station in honor of Malcolm X, a significant figure in civil rights and a longtime resident of Harlem.
The St-Central Park North Subway station, located at 110, was chosen as a tribute to this influential leader, who lived intermittently in the area from his late teens until the last years of his life.
This renaming coincides with the 100th anniversary of the Harlem Renaissance, a period marked by the relocation of around 175,000 Black residents from the South, seeking to escape racism and Jim Crow laws.
“One of the best ways to celebrate Harlem’s rich history and community is to recognize Malcolm X and the impact of the Harlem Renaissance on New York and the world,” Hochul remarked.
“From the fight for civil rights and equality to the cultural influences of icons like Zora Neale Hurston and Duke Ellington, Harlem has been at the core of our nation’s progress for generations,” she added.
Malcolm X, a prominent leader among Black nationalists, faced assassination in 1965 but worked to provide a counterbalance to Martin Luther King Jr.’s non-violent approach, addressing the harsh realities experienced by people of color in the U.S.
Born Malcolm Little, he later rejected what he called his “slave name” and became a devoted follower of Elijah Muhammad, a leader in the Nation of Islam. His journey in civil rights was deeply influenced by this faith.
Over time, particularly after a transformative pilgrimage to Mecca in 1964, Malcolm X began to publicly distance himself from separatist ideologies. He sought a broader approach that included a wider unity in the fight for justice.
Though often seen in opposition to King, their paths intersected during pivotal moments, including a shared observation of the 1964 Civil Rights Bill debates just months before Malcolm’s assassination.
During this era, Malcolm X evolved continuously, adapting his views and integrating new insights into his advocacy. His daughter, Ilyasah Shabazz, highlighted his commitment to growth and knowledge in a 2011 interview.
Tragically, as he was solidifying his reshaped approach to civil rights, Malcolm X was killed by two individuals from the Nation of Islam while giving a speech for the Organization of Afro-American Unity in Manhattan.
Various places in Harlem already bear his name, including the Malcolm Shabazz Harlem Market and Malcolm Shabazz Plaza.
