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Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial and Educational Center

A powerful memorial and educational hub located in the historic Audubon Ballroom, dedicated to the legacies of Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz.

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What is the Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial and Educational Center known for?

Also known as the Shabazz Center, it is a cultural and educational institution dedicated to preserving and advancing the legacies of Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz. It serves as a beacon for human rights, social justice, and Black pride.

Where is the center located?

The center is located at 3940 Broadway (between West 165th and 166th Streets) in the Washington Heights neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City. It is housed within the historic Audubon Ballroom, where Malcolm X delivered his final message.

What are the hours?

General hours are Tuesday through Friday from 10 AM to 6 PM, with Saturday visits available by appointment.

Does the center offer tours?

Yes, the center offers immersive tours that connect the stories of Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz to the ongoing fight for equality and justice. Tour groups can make appointments by calling 212.568.1341.

What can visitors see or do there?

Visitors can take immersive tours and use touch-screen multimedia kiosks to learn about the lives and work of Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

The Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial and Educational Center, also known as the Shabazz Center, is a cultural and educational institution located at 3940 Broadway in the Washington Heights neighborhood of Manhattan. It operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and advancing the legacies of Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz. Situated within the historic Audubon Ballroom, the center serves as a beacon for human rights, social justice, and Black pride. This location is profoundly significant as the Audubon Ballroom is where Malcolm X delivered his final message. The center functions as a hub for education, cultural programming, and youth leadership development, continuing the fight for equality and justice that began within its walls. Opened officially to the public in May 2005, the center was created through the combined efforts of Dr. Betty Shabazz, the Shabazz family, Columbia University, and community advocates. It houses the most expansive work cone on the lives and legacies of these two figures anywhere in the world. Visitors can explore the site through immersive tours and touch-screen multimedia kiosks that invite them to learn about the lives and work of Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz. The institution is a testament to Dr. Shabazz's vision of preserving the history of the civil rights movement.

Visitor tips

  • Plan your visit during the general hours of Tuesday through Friday, 10 AM to 6 PM.
  • If visiting on a Saturday, be sure to make an appointment beforehand.
  • Tour groups are invited to make an appointment by calling 212.568.1341.

Nearby context

Located between West 165th and 166th Streets at 3940 Broadway, the center is a cornerstone of the Washington Heights neighborhood in Manhattan, anchoring the local community's commitment to social justice and education.

Sources

Evidence and links