By Jeffery Kazembe Batts
IG: @kazbatts
On Friday, August 30, 1985, Sonny Carson led members of the Committee to Honor Black Heroes in a ceremony to celebrate the renaming of Reid Avenue in Bedford Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, to “Malcolm X Boulevard.” Malcolm X’s widow, Dr. Betty Shabazz, joined the committee.
Now, almost forty years later, a movement is growing to rename the subway stop located at the intersection of Malcolm X Boulevard and Fulton Street, currently called Utica Ave on the A-line, in honor of, as Ossie Davis said at the slain international leader’s funeral, “Our Black shining prince.”
No NYC subway station currently bears a person’s name, so the unprecedented initiative would add to the upcoming 100th birthday celebration of the man who went by many names: Malcolm Little, Detroit Red, Big Red, Omowale, Malachi Shabazz, El Haj Malik Shabazz, but most known as Malcolm X. Without a doubt, later this year as May 19, 2025, arrives, commemorative gatherings, demonstrations, forums, shutdowns, pilgrimages, rallies, teach-ins, and other activities will take place across the city and the world to honor the life of arguably the most potent orator, proponent and strategist for global Black power and self-determination since the days of Marcus Garvey.
Renaming the subway station will create a permanent place where anyone transversing through Brooklyn on the A-line will have to hear and see the name of Malcolm X after passing Kingston & Throop or Ralph Ave subway stops. The name change can affect people unaware of Malcolm X’s legacy and inspire them to learn about him.
At a time when Black people’s humanity is in danger. The acquittal of Daniel Penny for choking to death Jordon Neely and the lack of immediate arrests for the correction officers at the Marcy Correctional Facility who beat Robert Brooks to death. Video of both actions is available for anyone to watch! Now is the time to celebrate and highlight a strong Black man who represents resistance to oppression, such as Malcolm X!
Committee members are building support by representing inside the Utica Ave subway station and throughout the surrounding neighborhood. Fireman and Malcolm X 100th Birthday Project committee member Marcus Mitchell said, “Almost everyone is excited and likes the idea” as he stood on the subway platform, petition board in hand, collecting signatures. Hundreds of signatures in favor have been collected.
Former assemblyperson Annette Robinson was approached first, and she endorsed the renaming. Among current elected officials, 25th State District Senator Jabari Brisport has given enthusiastic support. Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso is also supporting the renaming of the subway station as the project continues to move forward.
Leaders of community organizations such as 500 Men Making a Difference, Bailey’s Café, Bethany Baptist Church, Bridge Street Development Corporation, the December 12 Movement, Men’s Talk, Operation Power, Peace Center, and the Uhuru Movement have sent letters of support and encouragement. The planning team continues to seek support from Community Board 3, elected officials, and community-based organizations.
February, Black History Month, is a crucial time for the Metropolitan Transit Authority and other decision-makers to approve the project in time for Malcolm X’s 100th birthday on May 19th. Those interested in supporting the project can email to get more info at: bkmalcolmx100@gmail.com.