Greetings and well wishes to you all, as we join together to commemorate the Centennial of El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz – Malcolm X (May 19, 1925 – February 21, 1965). Today, we honor not only a revolutionary spirit but a father, husband, freedom fighter, and global voice for human rights. Malcolm X gave us a model for Black manhood, fatherhood, and unshakable pride. His legacy is not a relic of the past—it is a mirror of our present and a guidepost for our future.
Our organization, FA-MLI, Inc.—The Foundation for Arts, Mentoring, Leadership & Innovation—was spiritually birthed as Fighters for Afrikan Mental Liberation International. For 33 years, we’ve committed to keeping Malcolm’s legacy alive through culture, activism, and education. It is our honor to present this year’s multi-layered event: the 33rd Annual Malcolm X Legacy Celebration & Festival, along with the historic Malcolm X Corridor, a five-mile stretch of Crenshaw Blvd that will forever carry his name.
I received this vision more than three decades ago, and today, I share it with my children, grandchildren, mentees, comrades, and the city of Los Angeles. This is the first five-mile corridor ever dedicated to Minister Malcolm X in a major American city.
Our theme this year, “Human Rights By Any Means Necessary,” is not only a nod to Malcolm’s enduring words—it is a call to conscience in a time of grave political challenges. We are witnessing authoritarianism, voter suppression, and threats to healthcare, veterans’ rights, and even birthright citizenship. In this climate, we must rise, organize, and mobilize.
As such, I’ve crafted a Black Agenda that speaks to our communities’ urgent needs—Reparations, Reconstruction, Housing, Education, Entrepreneurship, and Criminal Justice Reform. But our fight is not limited to race. It is rooted in human dignity. In Malcolm’s own words:
Our festival is more than an event—it is a declaration. Through music, film, fashion, education, and youth voices, we are asserting our existence and our excellence. Special thanks to our brilliant See a Man Be a Man Life Mastery students, who are the heartbeat of our mission. We also salute the Malcolm X Legacy Project Committee, our Board of Directors, community partners, sponsors, and most of all, you, the people.
Let us celebrate, reflect, and build. The time is now. The place is here. The movement is real.
In Solidarity and Struggle,
Torrénce Brannon Reese, MSW
Founder & CEO, FA-MLI, Inc.
Visionary, The Malcolm X Legacy Project
33rd ANNUAL MALCOLM X LEGACY FESTIVAL & STREET DEDICATION
Theme: Human Rights By Any Means Necessary!
Saturday, May 17, 2025 | Crenshaw Blvd | South Los Angeles
FA-MLI, Inc. proudly invites you to a historic day of culture, activism, education, and celebration as we honor the legacy of Minister Malcolm X with a powerful three-part event:
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
I. PRESS CONFERENCE
9:00 AM | Location: Crenshaw Blvd. & Obama Blvd.
This opening press conference features solidarity statements from educators, artists, activists, and political leaders. We’ll examine Malcolm X’s influence and speak to today’s sociopolitical climate. FA-MLI Founder & CEO Torrénce Brannon-Reese will present a bold Black Agenda addressing Reparations, Reconstruction, Healthcare, Housing, Education, Entrepreneurship, and Criminal Justice Reform.
II. STREET DEDICATIONS
10:30 AM | Location: MLK Jr. Blvd. & Crenshaw Blvd.
11:30 AM | Location: Florence Ave. & Crenshaw Blvd.
We unveil the signage designating this five-mile stretch as the official Malcolm X Corridor—a 33-year vision realized!
III. LEGACY FESTIVAL & CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
1:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Location: Leimert Park Black Arts Village
Join us for an immersive day of soul, culture, and empowerment. Features include:
- Live Concert: “Save the Youth, Save the World”
- Organic Fashion Show curated by Queen Nzingha Ejukwa
- Spoken Word, Poetry & Youth Tributes
- Solidarity Speeches & Film Screenings
- Vendor Booths, Art Exhibits, Food Trucks, and more
OUR TEAM & SUPPORTERS
Malcolm X 2025 Committee Members:
Msonga Mbele Andre Parvenu, Dr. Kimberly Grigsby, Ashley “Perky” Perkins-LCSW, Dr. Ina Bazley, Ms. LaDonna Hightower, Queen Nzingha Ejukwa, Mr. Larry “Love” Stiner and Henry Vincent.
Community Supporters Include:
Councilwoman Heather Hutt, Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson, World Stage, Kaos Network/Sankofah City, Fair Chance Project, BALA, CYFC, Snap Foundation, Squid & Squash Foundation, CDU, UCLA & the DANA Center, Dr. Earnestine Thomas-Robertson, Barbara Morrison Performing Arts Center, and neighborhood councils: United Neighborhoods, Empowerment Congress West, Hyde Park, and Park Mesa Heights.
For more information:
Call: 323-245-2133 | Email: famlisoul@gmail.com
Website: www.famlisoul.org
Come stand with us in honor of a legend. Let’s build the future together—By Any Means Necessary!
