Editor’s note: This story was originally published on Feb. 21, 2025.
A look back at local, national and world events through Deseret News archives.
On Feb. 21, 1965, civil rights activist Malcolm X, 39, was shot to death inside Harlem’s Audubon Ballroom in New York. Three men identified as members of the Nation of Islam were convicted of murder and imprisoned; all were eventually paroled.
It should be noted, the convictions of two of the men were dismissed in November 2021, when prosecutors said new evidence had undermined the case against them.
Who was Malcolm X?
Malcolm X, whose full name was El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz, was 39 when he was shot in the theater on Feb. 21, 1965, as he was preparing to address several hundred of his followers.
By the time he died, the Muslim leader had moderated his militant message of black separatism and pride but was still very much a passionate advocate of black unity, self-respect and self-reliance. Three members of the Nation of Islam were convicted of murder in his death. He had repudiated the Nation of Islam less than a year earlier.
Even today, on the 60th anniversary or his death, Malcolm X’s family is asking for records to be released in relation to his death, and for an investigation to continue.
Here are some stories from Deseret News archives from the time of the shooting to present day, and the message his widow once gave to university students here in Utah:
“Hundreds mark 50 years since Malcolm X’s assassination”
“Have faith in yourself, Malcom X widow says”
“Scrapbook of the 20th Century: March 13, 1964: Malcolm X and the civil rights movement”
“King’s holding his own in year of Malcolm X”
“Farrakhan admits role in slaying”
“Have Malcolm X’s kin Farrakhan buried ax?”
“Children of civil rights leaders vow to support Shabazz”
“Archaeologists digging at Malcolm X’s boyhood home in Boston”
“Brown U. student uncovers lost Malcolm X speech”
“Daughter hails acceptance of Malcolm X stamp”
“Two men convicted of killing Malcolm X to be exonerated”
