Malcolm X to be Inducted into Nebraska Hall of Fame

LINCOLN, NE, 04/30/24 - The Nebraska Hall of Fame is pleased to announce that Malcolm X will be inducted as the 27th member of the Nebraska Hall of Fame on Wednesday, May 22, 2024. The induction ceremony will take place in the Nebraska State Capitol Rotunda beginning at 1 pm, and a reception will follow.

The ceremony will feature special guests, including family members of Malcolm X, Malcolm X Foundation Executive Director JoAnna LeFlore-Ejike, Governor Jim Pillen, History Nebraska Interim Director Jill Dolberg, and members of the Nebraska Hall of Fame Commission.

LeFlore-Ejike is also the nominator for Malcolm X's induction and says, "We're thrilled to be a part of this historic induction of Malcolm X into the Nebraska Hall of Fame. This is an opportunity for not only the state of Nebraska to honor him but the entire nation. There is no greater time than now to celebrate his contributions as a human rights activist. Malcolm set the blueprint for us to live with courage and prepare the next generation to lead with integrity."

"The Commission is honored to host the induction ceremony for Malcolm X at the Nebraska State Capitol," says Dr. Sara Crook, Chair of the Hall of Fame Commission. "Former chair of the Commission, Ron Hull, was a longtime supporter of Malcolm X's induction into the Nebraska Hall of Fame, and we honor his legacy as well."

The bust of Malcolm X was designed and created by artist Nathan Murray. Murray was chosen through a selection process conducted by the Nebraska Hall of Fame Commission and the Nebraska Arts Council. Murray is a socially engaged artist and educator from Lincoln, Nebraska. His work explores issues of race, ethnicity, and intersectionality, particularly how these aspects of identity are expressed in people and their stories. Murray's artistic practice centers around creating life-like clay sculptures that examine nuanced representations of people and contemporary issues.

Malcolm X was born Malcolm Little at University Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska, on May 19, 1925. He is the son of Earl and Louise Little, 3448 Pinkney Street. Earl Little helped organize the Omaha chapter of the Universal Negro Improvement Association. After threats by night riders, the family moved to Milwaukee and later to Michigan, where Earl Little allegedly was murdered. Shortly after, Malcolm’s mother was diagnosed with a mental illness, pushing the state to split up Malcolm and his seven siblings into foster care. Eventually, Malcolm was sent to Boston to live with his older sister Ella Collins-Little where he engaged in criminal activity. He then relocated to New York, where he was convicted of burglary, soon serving a six-and-one-half-year prison sentence. During that time, he became self-educated and converted to Islam prior to his release.

After leaving prison, Malcolm took the name Malcolm X and studied under Elijah Muhammad, the leader of the Nation of Islam during his 12-year membership. Malcolm was known for being outspoken about the mistreatment of Blacks and advocated nationwide for their human rights in America. He was documented speaking at numerous institutions across the country and over a dozen nations overseas. During his pilgrimage to Mecca, he converted to Orthodox Islam, abandoning concepts of racial antagonism; counseling the need for human brotherhood and international cooperation. As a result of his travels, Malcolm X formed the Organization of Afro-American Unity and Moslem Mosque Inc. His autobiography was published in 1964, just a few months before his assassination. Malcolm X was assassinated on February 21, 1965, in New York City.

The Nebraska Hall of Fame, administered by History Nebraska, was established by the Nebraska legislature in 1961 to officially recognize outstanding Nebraskans who made significant contributions to Nebraska and the nation. With the inclusion of Malcolm X, twenty-seven Nebraskans have been inducted into the Nebraska Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame Commission, with members appointed by the governor, is the official body responsible for evaluating candidates and the bestowal of this honor. Current commissioners include Rod Bates, Lincoln; Dr. Sara Crook, Peru; Timothy Heller, Omaha; Jim McKee, Lincoln; and Jim Rose, Valley. Jill Dolberg, Lincoln, serves as secretary of the commission. Learn more about the Nebraska Hall of Fame here.