Ilyasah Shabazz

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.

"It has been over a year and students, faculty, and staff still talk about Ilyasah Shabazz's visit to Montgomery College. Whether she discussed the enormous contributions of both her parents, her own accomplishments as a writer and educator, or contemporary events, Ms. Shabazz captivated the hundreds of students who were in attendance. What I still hear from faculty and students is their appreciation that Ms. Shabazz took the time to meet individually with so many. I am quite certain that at a school like ours that is so diverse, Ms. Shabazz's words of encouragement, especially to our African American female students, will have a long lasting impact. I am so thankful for the opportunity to bring Ms. Shabazz to Montgomery College and give my students an experience of a lifetime."

- | Montgomery College

"llyasah's visit was a joy. Those who came to the event are still talking about how powerful she is in her own right. There is already talk of bringing her back."

- | Indiana University South Bend