Events › A Conversation with Ilyasah Shabazz (Daughter of Malcolm X, Professor & Author)

Please join Boston Public Library in welcoming Ilyasah Shabazz — professor, author, and daughter of Malcolm X — to speak about her works and the legacy of her father.

This conversation will be narrated by Dr. Noelle Trent, Historian and President and CEO of the Museum of African American History In Massachusetts. After the talk, there will be an author signing facilitated by Frugal Bookstore.

About Ilyasah Shabazz:

Dr. Ilyasah Shabazz is an award-winning author, educator and producer. She has authored five historical novels, 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, Tri-Star alongside a new 2026 publication release with Legacy Lit Hatchette Book Group. She is the Board of Directors Chairwoman of the Malcolm X & Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial and Educational Center. 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 accessibility, fairness and belonging. 

Dr. Shabazz has furthered her community impact with the City University of New York’s Office of Academic Affairs, where she created curriculum to encourage higher education for underserved and marginalized high school students. She has worked with the Office of the Mayor in Mount Vernon, New York 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 civic engagement. As an entrepreneur, 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 an adjunct professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York City. In recognition of her outstanding achievements in Public Service, Education, and The Arts—Worcester State University conferred Ms. Shabazz with a Doctor of Humane Letters degree. As their inaugural Human Rights & Social Impact 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.

Programming like this is enabled through the generosity of a variety of public and private funding. To learn more and support our programming, visit the Boston Public Library Fund website.

Accessibility Notice: We strive to make our events accessible. To request a disability accommodation and/or language services, please contact the Adult Programs Department at programs@bpl.org or 617-859-2129 by November 28. Please allow at least two weeks to arrange for accommodations.