Malcolm X at 100: His Legacy in Washington, D.C. and Reflections Through WHUT
Pictured: Malcolm X. Credit: National Museum of African American History and Culture
May 19, 2025, marks the 100th birthday of Malcolm X — a milestone that invites us to reflect on the enduring legacy of one of the most dynamic and uncompromising voices for Black liberation.
See below how you can continue to learn more about Malcom X and his legacy!
Exploring Malcolm X Through WHUT
To mark Malcolm X’s centennial, WHUT has curated a powerful lineup of programming that dives deep into his life, philosophy, and impact.
1. "American Experience: Malcolm X"
This comprehensive documentary from the acclaimed American Experience series is essential viewing. It covers his early life, time with the Nation of Islam, break with Elijah Muhammad, and final years as a global human rights activist. With rare footage and interviews, it paints a full picture of a man often reduced to headlines and soundbites.
2. "Eyes on the Prize" – Episode: “The Time Has Come (1964–1966)”
This iconic Civil Rights documentary series dedicates a critical episode to the period when Malcolm X was at his most politically independent and internationally focused. It contextualizes his assassination alongside the growing frustration with nonviolent protest and the emergence of Black Power.
3. "The African Americans: Many Rivers to Cross" with Henry Louis Gates, Jr.
While not solely focused on Malcolm X, this six-part series includes a thoughtful segment on his role in reshaping the Black freedom struggle. Gates explores how Malcolm’s ideas redefined Black identity and global solidarity.
Malcolm X once said, “Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.”
This centennial is a moment not only to reflect, but to prepare — to deepen our understanding, to build power in our communities, and to carry forward the legacy of a man who refused to be silenced.