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Ilyasah  Shabazz

Ilyasah Shabazz

Daughter of Malcolm X, Professor & Author

Ilyasah Shabazz

Daughter of Malcolm X, Professor & Author

Biography

Dr. Ilyasah Shabazz is an Award-winning Author, Educator and Producer. She has authored five historical novels, has served as project advisor for the PBS award-winning film, Prince Among Slaves documentary, and is currently producing a television series based on her latest publication, The Awakening of Malcolm X, with Sony Pictures Television’s TriStar.

She is Chairperson of the Malcolm X & Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial and Educational Center Board of Trustees. In her work to preserve the legacy of her parents, she has dedicated herself to institution-building and intergenerational leadership development with the tenants of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Dr. Shabazz has furthered her community impact with the City University of New York’s Office of Academic Affairs, where she created curriculum to encouragehigher education for underserved, inner-city, and marginalized high school dropouts. She has worked with the Office of the Mayor in Mount Vernon, as Director of Public Affairs & Special Events. She founded and produced a young adult development program to provide historical context on social justice—encouraging personal empowerment and community service as a way of life. As president and founder of Ilyasah Shabazz Enterprises, she produces a variety of forums dedicated to power, possibility and sovereignty.

Dr. Shabazz is a member of the Soar Higher Cabinet Committee for SUNY @ New Paltz College; a member of the Advisory Council for the Equal Rights Amendment Coalition; a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc; and she serves as a Trustee for the Harlem Symphony Orchestra.

Dr. Shabazz holds a Master of Science in Education & Human Resource Development from Fordham University; a Bachelor of Science in Biology from SUNY @ New Paltz, and is an adjunct professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice. In recognition of her outstanding achievements in Public Service, Education, and The Arts—Worcester State University conferred Ms. Shabazz with a degree of Doctor of Humane Letters. As the inaugural Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Fellow, Shabazz teaches the course, “We The People”. Grounded in the commitments of her parents, Dr. Shabazz emphasizes empowerment and inclusion in her teaching and scholarship.

Speaker Videos

Sizzle Reel

Embracing Your Legacy

Black History Month Keynote Clip | Roosevelt University

2014 National Book Festival | Library of Congress

Remembering Malcolm X

On Islamophobia and Xenophobia

I Am a Reflection of You And You Are a Reflection of Me

Speech Topics

Malcolm X Shabazz: The Legacy of My Father

Ilyasah Shabazz was just two years old when she witnessed her father, Malcolm X, being gunned down at the Audubon Ballroom in New York City. And yet, the lessons that he and her mother, Dr. Betty Shabazz, taught her remain today. She was raised understanding the importance of education. The importance of history. The importance of humanity. The importance of leadership. The importance of self-reliance. The importance of love. That she is her brother and sister’s keeper, to be her best self so she can give her best to her community and society.

In this compelling presentation, Shabazz, an award-winning author, educator and producer, will share powerful stories of what she learned from her iconic activist parents and how we can still come together, demand change and keep fighting for justice in Malcolm’s name.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

How do we ensure that the student activism witnessed during a global pandemic and after the demise of George Floyd not only continues but also makes an impact around the world? Ilyasah Shabazz, the third daughter of the late Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz, believes you can look back at the historical legacy of her mother and father to find inspirational solutions.

In her keynote presentation, Shabazz, an award-winning author, educator and producer, will share powerful stories of what she learned from her iconic activist parents and how you too can make the diverse world more equitable and inclusive for all. These are stories about courage, compassion, purpose and leadership. It’s about how you can turn a movement into a reality for both today and generations to come.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: Corporate Edition

In today’s world, diversity, equity and inclusion are more critical than ever, whether in the workplace, our communities, or society as a whole. And no one knows it better than Ilyasah Shabazz. As the third daughter of the late Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz, she knows how powerful these three core values are.

This award-winning author, educator and producer will share her unique story, talk about the legacy of her parents and inspire you to do so much more. She will show you how the challenges we have today are the challenges we had 55-plus years ago, and how we can begin to fix them by instilling specific and necessary values for future generations. A powerful storyteller, Shabazz will inspire you to do more and be more, so that every American is encouraged and has the opportunity to call this country their own.

Positively You!: Education Edition

Empowering the next generation to succeed and help others is no easy feat. But Ilyasah Shabazz has never given up on this goal. She believes education and learning to stay positive are key to reaching these milestones. And she should know. The third daughter of the late Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz, she was taught from an early age that these attributes are critical to success—for students and, in the long run, the world’s environment.

This award-winning author, educator and producer will inspire teachers, parents, students and communities to be the best they can be, so they give their best to others and society.  She provides insight into the power of positivity and shares her own experiences growing up surrounded by love, determination and the legacy of her father. “All of us start off as children and evolve into what adults teach us,” she says. “It’s our responsibility as adults to instill specific values in our children, so they can go on and become a reflection of our best selves and do wonderful and responsible deeds like Malcolm X did.”

Positively You!: Corporate Edition

What makes a better person, employee or leader? For Ilyasah Shabazz, it’s all about the power of hope, enlightenment and a willingness to help others. In her inspiring keynote, she’ll share the importance of self-worth, self-love, purpose and accountability, and how establishing core values can improve careers, companies and communities in today’s ever-changing world.

As the third daughter of the late Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz, this award-winning author, educator and producer provides unique insight. She grew up hearing firsthand stories of her father and his powerful legacy. Add that to witnessing her mother’s courage, compassion and wisdom. You find a person who has impacted thousands with her lifework’s willingness to help others find their inner strength, capacity and purpose. This keynote will empower you to be your best self, so you can give back your best and allow your company to thrive in today’s ever-changing society.

Testimonials