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Hundreds mark Malcolm X anniversary

Americans have honoured civil rights leader Malcolm X on the 50th anniversary of his death.

Rahiel Tesfamariam, left, and Raschaad Hoggard, both of New York
Americans have honoured civil rights leader Malcolm X on the 50th anniversary of his death. (AAP)

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Source: AAP


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Activists, actors and politicians have gathered in New York to honour civil rights leader Malcolm X with a ceremony at the Harlem site where he was killed 50 years ago.

About 300 people converged to hear remarks from one of Malcolm X's six daughters, Ilyasah Shabazz, as well as elected officials.

The ceremony was held at the Malcolm X & Dr Betty Shabazz Memorial and Educational Centre, formerly known as the Audubon Ballroom.

A blue light shone onto the floor in the exact spot where he was killed. A mural with images of Malcolm X adorned a wall.

"He was just a young man who gave all that he possibly could," Shabazz said after a moment of silence marking the time of his death.

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Malcolm X, whose full name was El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz, was 39 when he was shot in the theatre on February 21, 1965, as he was preparing to address several hundred followers.

By the time he died, the Muslim leader had moderated his militant message of black separatism and pride but was still very much a passionate advocate of black unity, self-respect and self-reliance.

Three members of the Nation of Islam were convicted of his murder.

He had repudiated the Nation of Islam less than a year earlier.


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