The Department of Classics and Religious Studies, the Institute for Ethnic Studies, and the students of RELIGION 381 at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln are honored to announce a special symposium dedicated to celebrating the centennial of the birth of Malcolm X (El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz). Born in Omaha, Nebraska, on May 19, 1925, Malcolm X became one of the most influential figures in the fight for civil rights and social justice. Yet too often Malcolm X has been misconstrued as a man too radical for peace, too dangerous for unity—erasing an ever-evolving leader who sought truth and solidarity across races, religions, and continents. The centennial of X's birth provides an opportunity to reexamine his contributions to the struggle for equality and explore the relevance of his teachings in today's world. This is particularly true for members of the University of Nebraska community and Nebraskans writ large; Malcolm X was inducted into the Nebraska Hall of Fame in 2024.
We invite proposals for papers, presentations, panels, and workshops from students and scholars at all levels (k-12, undergraduates, graduate students, and faculty) to explore a wide range of topics related to Malcolm X and his impact on society. Of particular interest is work that connects Malcolm X's life and legacy to Nebraska.
We also welcome contributions from activists, artists, and community leaders (e.g. music, murals, and community-centered projects).
Possible themes for participation include, but are not limited to:
- Intersection of race, religion, and activism in Malcolm X's life
- Malcolm X's impact on Black freedom movements and Pan-Africanism
- Malcolm X's legacy in contemporary social justice movements
- Malcolm X's (El-Shabazz) spiritual evolution and his impact on Islam
- Malcolm X’s influence on popular culture in the U.S. and around the world
Selected papers, presentations, and other forms of participation will be featured in symposium sessions, and there may be opportunities for publication in a conference proceedings volume or a special issue of a relevant journal.
Those interested in participating are invited to send an abstract of around 300 words by April 2, 2025, describing your proposal to malcolmx.symposium.unl.2025@gmail.com. Accepted proposals will be notified by April 3.
In your proposal, please include:
- Format of participation (for example, academic paper, musical performance)
- Plans to attend in-person or remotely (In-person participation is preferred; there may be limited funds for traveland accommodations)
- Audio-visual requirements of your contribution
