Brooklyn Celebrates Malcolm X on Centennial of His Birth

Momentum Grows for Co-Naming of Malcolm X Blvd/Utica Ave A-Train Station

By Mary Alice Miller
“As Long As You Speak My Name, I Will Live Forever,” African Proverb
Gone too soon, our Black Shining Prince would have celebrated his 100th birthday on May 19. Malcolm X gave us an example of manhood guided by ethics, family, and a deep love for his people. It is only fitting that the greater Bedford Stuyvesant community calls for commemorating his name at the Utica Avenue A-train station.

An idea first championed by community activist Kazembe Batts has evolved and now Assembly member Stefani Zinerman has introduced legislation that will instruct the MTA to use specifically committed funds to rename the Utica Avenue subway station on the A and C lines in Bedford-Stuyvesant of the New York City subway to the Malcolm X Boulevard-Utica Avenue station.

Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso expressed his support for the creation of permanent tributes in Brooklyn to celebrate Malcolm X in honor of his 100th birthday on May 19, 2025.

“Malcolm X’s legacy holds a special place in our borough, where his powerful voice for justice and self-determination deeply resonates with Brooklynites, especially communities in Central Brooklyn. His call for Black empowerment and pride in African heritage inspired generations to stand against systemic racism and fight for equality,” said Reynoso. “His influence can still be felt throughout Brooklyn’s cultural institutions, educational initiatives, and grassroots movements.”

Reynoso outlined three objectives of the Malcolm X 100th Birthday Project: 1. Changing the official name of the Utica Avenue A-train subway station to Malcolm X Boulevard; 2. Co-naming Utica Avenue from Fulton Street up to Eastern Parkway to Malcolm X Boulevard North and a Malcolm X Boulevard South, bisected by Fulton Street; and 3. Erecting a statue in the plaza, across from Boys & Girls High School at the intersection of Malcolm X Boulevard and Fulton Street.

“I am proud to stand behind these objectives and honor a figure central to our borough’s history and identity [that celebrates] Malcolm X’s enduring fight for justice and liberation,” Reynoso said.

The proposed subway station co-naming would intersect the districts of State Senators Zellnor Myrie and Jabari Brisport along Fulton Street. Both legislators support the initiative.
“I’ve already reached out to the MTA for guidance on their process for renaming a subway stop and am eagerly watching the community support that the Malcolm X 100th Birthday Project is building,” said Brisport. “I’m looking forward to being a collaborator as this project evolves.”

Myrie, in collaboration with Assembly member Stefani Zinerman and City Council member Chi Osse, wrote a letter to MTA President Demetrius Chrichlow requesting consideration of the requested co-naming.

“This year, Black Americans will mark one hundred years since the birth of Malcolm X. A towering figure in the struggle for civil rights, Malcolm X was born in Omaha but spent the most influential years of his career in New York City. Here, he campaigned against police brutality, in support of organized labor and for the economic, educational and political empowerment of Black New Yorkers,” the letter stated.

“The MTA’s Utica Avenue Station on the “A” and “C” lines is in the heart of the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood, a historically Black community. In 1985, the extension of Utica Avenue north of Fulton Street (formerly known as Reid Avenue) was renamed Malcolm X Boulevard. To mark the 100th anniversary of his birth, we write to respectfully request the installation of signage at the Utica Avenue Station identifying Malcolm X Boulevard and acknowledging this important figure in New York City history.”

In a separate communication to Community Boards 3 and 8, Osse offered his full support for the establishment of permanent tributes in Brooklyn to honor Malcolm X in celebration of his 100th birthday on May, 19, 2025.

“The legacy of Malcolm X holds significant importance in our borough, where his influential voice advocating for justice and self-determination resonates deeply with residents, particularly in Central Brooklyn,” said Osse. “His message continues to inspire to this day. The impact of his work remains present across Brooklyn’s cultural institutions, educational programs, and grassroots movements. I strongly support each of the proposed actions to honor his legacy.”

Community-based institutions and religious organizations also gave their full support.
“We are sending this letter to support the Brooklyn Malcolm X 100th Birthday Project as they seek to create permanent symbols to honor him and his legacy of empowerment in Central Brooklyn,” said Wayne Devonish, Chairman, 500 Men Making a Difference Inc. “We urge the Community Board to endorse the three items that are listed in order of priority and feasibility. By signing below my organization is in favor of the project.”

“We are in full support of the movement to commemorate Malcolm X’s tribute to American history and culture on his 100th birthday (May 19, 2025) by renaming the Utica Avenue Subway Station in his name,” said Stefanie Siegel Executive Director and Founder, Bailey’s Cafe. “Renaming the station is aligned with ours and others’ efforts to preserve and archive the history and culture of Bedford-Stuyvesant, an important enclave of Black Culture.”

On behalf of Reverend Dr. Adolphus C. Lacey, Senior Pastor, and the disciples of the Bethany Baptist Church of Brooklyn, thank you for inviting us to be a part of the Brooklyn Malcolm X 100th Birthday Project,” said Reverend E. Tyrone Pittman, Executive Pastor, Bethany Baptist Church of Brooklyn. “We stand in support of this important event as it speaks to one of our core values, that of social justice – a concept on which the life and legacy of Malcolm X firmly rests.”

“Bridge Street Development Corporation is proud to join with a broad coalition of community leaders and organizations in Central Brooklyn who are coming together to support the Brooklyn Malcolm X 100th Birthday Project as they seek to create permanent symbols to honor Malcolm X and his legacy of empowerment,” said Gregory Anderson.

“The International People’s Democratic Uhuru Movement (InPDUM), joins a broad coalition of community leaders and organizations in Central Brooklyn who are coming together to promote this project. We urge elected officials representing the area, local community boards, the MTA, and any decision-making entity to affirm and support the Brooklyn Malcolm X 100th Birthday Project,” said Ikemba Ojore, Secretary International People’s Democratic Uhuru Movement New York City Branch. “Support the initiative to recognize Malcolm X’s 100th birthday and create permanent symbols in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, as a lasting tribute to one of America’s greatest leaders.”

“On behalf of the Rev. Al Sharpton, President and Founder of the National Action Network, Officers and Members, I would like to first thank you in advance for inviting us to be a part of the Malcolm X 100th Birthday Project,” said Dawn L. Jones, Chair, NANPAC. “On the Sixtieth Anniversary of his Assassination, we stand in support of this important event as it speaks volumes to one of our core values that is social justice – a concept to which the life and legacy of Malcolm X firmly stood.”

“We are sending this letter to support the Brooklyn Malcolm X 100th Birthday Project as they seek to create permanent symbols to honor him and his legacy of empowerment in Central Brooklyn,” Omowale Clay, Chairperson, D12M.