El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz, better known as Malcolm X, was an African American minister and human rights activist who was just as crucial to the civil rights movement as Martin Luther King Jr.

The history they teach in school around Martin Luther King Jr is far more extensive than what is said about Malcolm X. I firmly believe that we should have May 19th as a national holiday to celebrate the life work of Malcolm X, just as we do Martin Luther King Jr.

Malcolm X's birthday is recognized in some states as a holiday, but I would love to see it recognized as a national holiday. As a first step to this petition, it would be wonderful if Malcolm X's birthday could be recognized in Boston MA as a holiday. Malcolm X lived in Roxbury MA for some time with his sister Ella Little-Collins. 

The Malcolm X-Ella Little-Collins house was designated a City landmark by the Boston Landmarks Commission in 1998. Due to his legacy being a staple part of the Boston community, I believe making his birthday a holiday in Boston Ma would be an honorable move.

The bigger step of this petition is making Malcolm X Day a national holiday. In having Malcolm X's birthday become a national holiday, more dialogue around his strides to empower his community, and people can be discussed and embraced.

This holiday would be a day to rejoice and reflect on the accomplishments and teachings of Malcolm X. Though his life was short lived, he did so much to push the fight for freedom by living in his truth. It is only right that we do our part to honor his legacy on a larger scale.

Now is the time more than ever to celebrate those brave leaders that sacrificed their lives and committed to the movement of justice, equity and equality, and liberation of the black mind and soul. Join me in making this celebration of life a reality.

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Twitter: @Rochelle0519

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Email: may19malcolmxday@gmail.com and RochelleHiggins53@gmail.com