Presented in partnership with

Seattle Central College & the University of Puget Sound Race & Pedagogy Institute

Ilyasah Shabazz, (Daughter of Malcolm X), joins NAAM to commemorate her father's memory on what would have been his 96th birthday.

Join NAAM and Seattle Central College for this unique view of the life and legacy of Malcolm X. Hosted by Erica Williams, this program features live performances from Naa Akua, Kutt’N’Up dance crew, and more!

You do NOT want to miss this program!

NAAM will also host a drive-up movie showing of Spike Lee’s Malcolm X at The Museum of Flight on SATURDAY, May 22 at 8:45pm. Tickets are free, but space is limited.

El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz, better known as Malcolm X, was an American Muslim minister and human rights activist who was a popular figure during the civil rights movement and today for those revolutionizing their minds in radical Black thought and overall humanitarian work. He is best known for his unwavering controversial Black racial advocacy, and for time spent as the vocal spokesperson of the Nation of Islam.

Ilyasah Shabazz, Keynote Speaker

Ilyasah Shabazz is an award-winning author, educator and producer. She has authored five historical novels and has served as project advisor for the PBS award-winning film, Prince Among Slaves documentary. She is Co-Chairperson of the Malcolm X & Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial and Educational Center. In her work to preserve the legacy of her parents, she has dedicated herself to institution building and intergenerational leadership development with the tenants of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Ms. Shabazz has furthered her community impact with the City University of New York’s Office of Academic Affairs, where she created curriculum to encourage higher education for underserved, inner-city high school dropouts. She has worked with the Office of the Mayor in Mount Vernon, as Director of Public Affairs & Special Events. She founded and produced a young adult development program. The purpose of the program was to provide insight on social justice—encouraging personal empowerment.

As president and founder of Ilyasah Shabazz Enterprises, she produces a variety of forums dedicated to power, possibility and sovereignty.

Ms. Shabazz is a member of the Soar Higher Cabinet Committee for New Paltz College; a member of the Advisory Council for the Equal Rights Amendment Coalition; a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. ; and she serves as a Trustee for the Harlem Symphony Orchestra. Ms. Shabazz holds a Master of Science in Education & Human Resource Development from Fordham University and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from New Paltz College. Currently, she is an adjunct professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York City, where she teaches Perspectives on Justice in the Africana World. Grounded in the commitments of her parents, Ms. Shabazz emphasizes empowerment and inclusion in her teaching and scholarship.

Erica Williams, Host/Moderator

Rev. Erica N. Williams is a faith leader, organizer, international human rights activist and community leader, who is committed to serving with head and heart.

Rev. Erica is a 2016 graduate of The Howard University School of Divinity where she obtained a Master of Divinity degree. The context of her ministry lies in the intersectionality of faith and organizing. Currently, she is the National Social Justice Organizer for Repairers of the Breach, an interfaith organization founded by Rev. Dr. William J. Barber, II. Rev. Erica is serving as an organizer for the Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival.

Rev. Erica is the Founding Pastor of Set It Off Outreach Ministry, an international, interfaith, intergenerational ministry that seeks to empower, educate, and emancipate poor and working-class communities around the world.

She is involved in numerous professional organizations such as the World Student Christian Federation– USA, National Homeless Union, Freedom Church of the Poor, Popular Education Project, Black Christians for Palestine, The Bread for the World Pan African Young Adult Network, NAACP, National Council of Negro Women, Top Ladies of Distinction, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and the Order of the Eastern Star.

Rev. Erica’s favorite quote is by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.; I choose to identify with the poor. I choose to give my life for the hungry. I choose to give my life for those who have been left out... This is the way I’m going. If it means suffering a little bit, I’m going that way...if it means dying for them, I’m going that way.

Rev. Erica has dedicated her life to working to help liberate those who have been marginalized and oppressed by the unjust systems in society.