Dr. Ilyasah Shabazz, Daughter of Malcolm X, Speaks at Hudson County Community College’s 2025 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Annual Memorial

January 30, 2025

The award-winning author, educator, and producer delivered the keynote speech at the College’s annual event.

January 30, 2025, Jersey City, NJ – Hudson County Community College’s (HCCC) annual Memorial celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is a highly-anticipated fixture in Jersey City and the Hudson County community. This year’s event featured a powerful keynote address by Dr. Ilyasah Shabazz, an award-winning author, educator, producer, and daughter of iconic civil rights leader Malcolm X.

The event began with a stirring rendition of the Black National anthem, an invocation by the Rev. Thyquel M. Holley, Minister of the Good News Bible Mission Church in Jersey City, and HCCC student Zaria Keith delivering a rousing interpretation of Sam Cooke’s civil rights movement anthem A Change is Gonna Come, setting the tone for an afternoon of reflection, inspiration, and determination.

A packed house gathered at the HCCC Culinary Conference Center to hear Dr. Shabazz speak, as HCCC students, faculty, and staff were joined by members of the local community, faith leaders, government officials, and students from Hudson County high schools, including Harrison High School, Liberty High School, Lincoln High School, and Dickinson High School.

Dr. Shabazz regaled the audience with memories of her father and delivered an impassioned speech emphasizing resilience, unity, and the importance of nurturing and encouraging young people. She reminded the audience that, despite the hardships African Americans have endured, "we still stand, we still prosper, and we are all interconnected as a human family." Drawing parallels between her father’s early activism and the students in attendance, she highlighted that Malcolm X burst onto the civil rights scene in his early 20s— roughly the same age as many of the HCCC students in the audience.

Dr. Shabazz shared how a teacher once told Malcolm X that despite his keen intellect and unmistakable debate skills, his aspiration to become a lawyer was unrealistic based on the color of his skin. She used this anecdote, which was particularly pertinent to an audience full of high school and College students and those who work with them, to stress the importance of nurturing the hopes and dreams of young people and providing them with mentors who encourage them to see beyond the limitations others may place on them. She reminded the audience that students are the architects of the future and praised HCCC for its commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive academic environment.

Dr. Shabazz also explored the connection between self-love and activism, explaining that self-love is not self-indulgence but self-determination. "If I can learn to love me, I can learn to love you," she stated, urging attendees to embrace their identities while working toward justice and equality. She further emphasized that Black history is American history, just as American history includes Latin American, Native American, and Asian American histories. She called for textbooks and curricula that reflect this truth, ensuring a more accurate and inclusive education for all.

Dr. Shabazz's speech left a lasting impression on all in attendance, reinforcing HCCC’s mission to celebrate diversity, champion equity, and empower students to shape a more just and united future.

HCCC President Dr. Christopher Reber reflected on the significance of the event taking place at HCCC, which is home to a large and diverse student body, stating that, “Shabazz’s words resonate deeply with our College’s mission to uplift and empower students of all backgrounds. Her message of resilience and unity serves as a powerful reminder that education is a catalyst for change and that our students have the potential to shape the future. We are honored to have hosted such an inspiring figure and remain committed to fostering an environment where all students can thrive.”

The event was followed by a luncheon and the grand opening of special civil rights exhibitions at the Benjamin Dineen III and Dennis C. Hull Gallery located in the College’s Gabert Library at 71 Sip Avenue.