Manhattan Borough President, Scott Stringer & JPMorgan Chase Foundation To Support Center's Initiative with Combined Donation of $700,000+.

New York, NY (BlackNews.com) - In observance of the 81st birthday of civil rights leader Malcolm X, family members and officials will formally announce the installation of their board of directors and the inauguration of the educational programming for Manhattan's newest cultural institution, The Malcolm X & Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial & Educational Center, Inc. Highlighting this official announcement will be the donation of $573,000 by Manhattan Borough President, Scott Stringer and $150,000 from JP Morgan Chase Foundation.

The Malcolm X & Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial & Educational Center, Inc. will finally be established as a historical landmark. The mission of The Center will be to preserve the archives of the life and legacy of an extraordinary African American political leader, and a public educator for social justice and human rights, respectively. The Center will function as a venue for educational service to the community. Malaak Shabazz notes, "Our parents were international people. And we are working diligently to create an institution that makes the connections between local issues and complex global concerns that they would be proud of."

Moreover, The Center will be a rich intellectual and cultural resource about a significant period in the history of the twentieth century. It will offer cultural, educational and ethical resources for its immediate vicinity, upper Manhattan and Washington Heights. Overall, The Center represents the life long goals for advancing civic justice and the recognition of human rights that had been so championed by Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz. "Our mother was so diligent and so faithful in her efforts to appropriate our father's integrity, his legacy of service to humanity. We are now honored to perpetuate the legacy of both of our parents as we inaugurate the work of The Malcolm X & Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial and Educational Center for the benefit of all humankind," said Ilyasah Shabazz.

Currently, The Center features permanent multimedia displays and educational kiosks that document the life and work of Malcolm X & Dr. Betty Shabazz. It will also provide alternating exhibits that focus on the African Diaspora and other African American social and civic issues with a particular concentration on the issues, inequities and topics concerning social justice in our world today. The Center is expected to be a major tourist destination with interactive, engaging and accessible programs that are enriching to all. A dynamic list of programs from film to small musical presentations, seminars and other public programming will be created both independently and in collaboration with local and regional partners.

"When I think about the accomplishments my parents achieved - I am in awe. Two ordinary people that had no idea that their destiny's would intertwine and be forever etched in the history books for the world to see. They left a seed and it is now up to my sisters and I to take on the rigorous task of continuing their life long mission - Equal rights and Justice, for all of Humanity," said Gamilah Shabazz.

The Malcolm X & Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial & Educational Center, Inc., a 501 (c) 3, not-for-profit organization was formally established in May 2005. The Center is located at the Audubon Ballroom, a building of historical significance as it is the site of El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz, Malcolm X's assassination. The City of New York and Columbia University redeveloped the building to create a commercial biotechnology research facility while preserving a substantial portion of the original structure to house a memorial in honor of Malcolm X. The City of New York has supported The Center through various vehicles; it has provided funding for the design and construction of interior improvements and a long-term lease to the Center. Institutional partners in this overall initiative include Columbia University, The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, The Upper Manhattan Zone (UMEZ) and JP Morgan Chase Foundation. Specifically, Columbia University has supported The Center by funding a multimedia installation depicting the lives of Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz. The Schomburg has provided content and programming for The Center by curating two exhibits each year. UMEZ provided the seed funds to formulate a road-map for creating organizational infrastructure and capacity building efforts. Finally, the JPMorgan Chase Foundation provided a grant that will assist The Center in the implementation of the organization and capacity building.

Support for The Malcolm X & Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial & Educational Center, Inc. have come from City of New York/Economic Development Corporation, Columbia University, Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone, JP Morgan Chase Foundation.