US

50th anniversary observance of Malcolm X death to be held at New York site where he was killed

Associated Press
Published | Updated

FILE - Black Muslim leader Malcolm X is shown addressing rally in Harlem, New York in this June 29, 1963 file photo. Activists, actors, and politicians are remembering civil rights leader Malcolm X with a ceremony Saturday Feb. 21, 2015 at the New York site in Harlem where he was killed 50 years ago. (AP Photo/File) (The Associated Press)

FILE- In this Feb. 21, 1965 file photo, Human rights activist Malcolm X is tended to as he lies mortally wounded on the stage of the Audubon ballroom in the Harlem section of New York after being shot multiple times. On Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015, the Malcolm X and R. Betty Shabazz Memorial and Educational Center will hold a ceremony to recognize the 50th commemoration of the assassination. (AP Photo/WCBS-TV) (The Associated Press)

Activists, actors, and politicians are remembering civil rights leader Malcolm X with a ceremony at the New York site in Harlem where he was killed 50 years ago.

About 300 people are expected to hear remarks from one of Malcolm X's daughters, Ilyasah Shabazz, as well as U.S. Rep. Charles Rangel and other officials.

The ceremony Saturday is being held at the Malcolm X & Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial and Educational Center, previously known as the Audubon Ballroom. Malcolm X was shot to death there Feb. 21, 1965, as he was preparing to address his followers. By then, the Muslim leader had moderated his militant message of black separatism but remained a passionate advocate of self-respect and self-reliance.

Veteran social and political activist Ron Daniels will give the keynote address.