Celebrating Malcolm X’s Centennial: Festival Recap and Media Coverage

The 33rd Annual Malcolm X Legacy Celebration & Festival: A Historic Success

The 33rd Annual Malcolm X Legacy Celebration & Festival, held on Saturday, May 17th, 2025, in Leimert Park Black Arts Village, brought our community together in a powerful display of unity, cultural pride, and commitment to human rights. This year’s celebration was especially significant as we commemorated the centennial birthday of Minister Malcolm X, whose legacy continues to inspire generations.

Malcolm X Corridor Dedication

Under the theme “Human Rights By Any Means Necessary,” the day began with an impactful press conference at the historic intersections of Obama & Crenshaw Blvd and Florence & Crenshaw. Distinguished guests including Congresswoman Maxine Waters, Councilwoman Heather Hutt, and numerous community luminaries gathered to witness the official dedication of the MALCOLM X CORRIDOR.

FA-MLI founder Torrence Brannon-Reese and Congresswoman Maxine Waters share a moment of solidarity during the Malcolm X Corridor dedication ceremony.

The dedication ceremony featured powerful speeches highlighting Malcolm X’s enduring impact on our community and the importance of continuing his work through local action and youth empowerment.

Community leadership in action: Torrence Brannon-Reese, Councilwoman Heather Hutt, Msonga Mbele (Andre Parvenu), and Dr. Raines unite during the Malcolm X Legacy Celebration, embodying the collaborative spirit that drives positive change in our neighborhood.

Festival Celebrations

At 1:00 PM, the festival shifted into full swing at Leimert Park Black Arts Village with a rich program of cultural activities and performances:

• Opening Ceremony: KJAZZ legend Dwight Trible delivered a stirring rendition of the Black National Anthem that set a powerful tone for the day’s events
• Cultural Showcase: An Organic African Fashion Show curated by Queen Nzingha “Ejukwa” and conceived by Torrence Brannon-Reese displayed the beauty and diversity of African cultural expressions
• Community Recognition: The festival honored Andre Parvenu/Msonga Mbele, Sabir Majeed, and Roman Combs for their significant contributions to community service, entrepreneurship, and photography
• Film and Education: The “I’ve Known Rivers” FILM Screenings at Kaos Network featured Malcolm X and other luminaries in Black history, providing educational context for the celebration
• Musical Celebration: The Save the Youth Save the World Concert paid tribute to legendary artists including Earth Wind & Fire, the Whispers, the Stylistics, Donny Hathaway, and Bobby Womack
• Family Activities: Children’s programming included bouncers, face painting, and interactive activities designed to engage our youngest community members

Youth Leadership in Action

The See a Man Be a Man program participants demonstrated Malcolm X’s vision of youth empowerment by taking active roles throughout the festival. These young leaders assisted with logistics, hosting, and fundraising efforts, showing how the next generation is already stepping into leadership roles.

Community Resources and Support

Multiple community-based social service organizations were present, offering vital resources to attendees and strengthening the support network within our community. This collaborative approach to meeting community needs reflected Malcolm X’s emphasis on self-determination and collective action.

A Collective Achievement

This celebration was made possible through the dedication of many individuals and organizations. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all Malcolm X Committee members, including Larry Love, Laneay London, Lorenzo Frank, our sponsors, and everyone who contributed their time, talent, and resources.

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FA-MLI Founder Discusses Festival Impact on KPFK’s “Move the Crowd”

Following the successful Malcolm X Centennial Celebration, FA-MLI founder Torrence Brannon-Reese appeared on KPFK 90.7 FM’s “Move the Crowd” program hosted by Dr. Melina Abdullah on Monday, May 19th.

During this in-depth conversation, Torrence reflected on the festival’s powerful moments, the community’s enthusiastic participation, and the broader significance of Malcolm X’s legacy in today’s social and political context.

The interview covered key aspects of the celebration, including:

• The historic significance of the Malcolm X Corridor dedication
• Community response to the cultural performances and exhibitions
• The impact of youth participation in carrying forward Malcolm X’s legacy
• Plans for continued community engagement and empowerment

Listen to the Full Interview

We invite you to hear the complete discussion about this landmark event and its impact on our community:

Watch the KPFK interview on our YouTube channel →