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Erykah Badu, Angela Davis, Common Wish Malcolm X Happy Birthday

The prophetic civil rights leader would have turned 95 today.

Today, May 19, on what would have been Malcolm X's 95th birthday, celebrities, artists and notable figures are taking to social media to commemorate the man who changed the course of the civil rights movement to include resistance and disruption. Malcolm X dedicated his life to calling out and dismantling systems constructed to keep Black voices quiet and our nationalistic pride subdued. And with cases of public lynchings, deadly police raids and disdain for the mentally ill still as prevalent in our country today as they were during his time, Malcolm X’s teachings and philosophy are still relevant even 55 years after his assassination. 

RELATED: 10 Powerful Quotes From Malcolm X

His family, including his daughter professor and author, Ilyasah Shabazz, will mark the occasion of his birthday with a virtual celebration of his life and legacy by inviting people around the world to watch a live broadcast of performances and speeches on Instagram and Facebook. 

“A Tribute In Word and Sound” will premiere Tuesday, May 19 at 3:00 PM EST. Featured guests include Dr. Angela Davis, Rep. Ayanna Pressley, Rev. Al Sharpton, Erykah Badu, Jidena, Common, and more sharing their thoughts about how Malcolm X continues to be an inspiration today. Hip hop legend Pete Rock will also lead a special DJ tribute on Instagram Live at 4 p.m. 

Check out the live event from The Shabazz Center’s websiteInstagram and Facebook accounts. 

Here are just a few well-known admirers who have taken to social media  to wish brother Malcolm a happy birthday.

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