People Power Across the City

A CELEBRATION OF MALCOLM X’s 100th ANNIVERSARY New York – On Monday, May 19, 2025, Harlem was on fire with a tremendous showing of love and respect during the 35th straight year of “Shut ‘Em Down” when stores across West 125 Street, Harlem’s major shopping district are made to close by the unity of Black people. Ninety-nine percent of the stores this year accepted the community’s demand to honor Malcolm X and kept their doors locked!

Over the last 35 years, this occasion has become recognized as a commercial moment of silence. This year’s celebration was special because it also marked the 100th anniversary of the legendary leader and freedom fighter Malcolm X (El Hajj El Malik Shabazz).

There was only one big fast-food store, Chick-fil-A, which disrespected Black people’s celebration of Malcolm X …and with a nasty attitude. As word got around, folks began talking about organizing to get this Chick-fil-A location out of Harlem permanently.

• Submitted by December 12th