A Full Circle Moment: The City That Drove Out Malcolm X’s Family Now Pays Tribute

Omaha, Nebraska, located centrally in the U.S., is famed for its juicy steaks and as the birthplace of renowned investor Warren Buffett. With a population nearing 500,000—roughly 1/16th of New York City—this predominately white city represents the largest urban area in a state of 2.5 million, where only 6% are Black. Despite its demographic makeup, Omaha celebrates its prominent Black figure, Malcolm X, commemorating his birthday as Malcolm X Day and erecting a historical plaque at his birthplace. Annually, scholars convene to delve into his impactful legacy. Interestingly, cities like Chicago and Boston lack similar tributes. This recognition, given the hostility his family faced from the Klan, highlights Nebraska's surprising journey to embrace its connections to El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz.