Humboldt State University, in continuing the celebration of Black Liberation Month, is hosting Ilyasah Shabazz as a featured speaker. She will be discussing topics from her book Growing Up X: A Memoir by the Daughter of Malcolm X on Wednesday, Feb 12 at 6pm in the Great Hall on the HSU Campus. Moderated by Dr. Ramona Bell, Professor in Critical Race, Gender and Sexuality Studies. Free copies of Shabazz’s book will be distributed to the first 100 students. Tickets are free and available at the UC Ticket Office (707) 826-3928.

Ms. Shabazz is a professor, community organizer, social activist, and author of four award-winning novels. She is an inspirational role model and advocate for youth, women and girls. “When you educate a girl, you raise a nation,” says Shabazz. While frequently asked to speak about the legacy of Malcolm X, she credits her mother, Dr. Betty Shabazz’s “wisdom, courage and compassion” for her guidance.

Professor Shabazz has numerous awards including but not limited to, an NAACP Image Award, an American Library Association Coretta Scott King Honor, a New York Times list of New and Noteworthy Mention, and she was long-listed for the National Book Award. Spike Lee has said, “Ilyasah Shabazz has written a compelling and lyrical coming-of-age story as well as a candid and heart-warming tribute to her parents. Growing Up X is destined to become a classic.”

HSU’s African American Center for Academic Excellence (AACAE), along with multiple campus and community partners, is excited to continue celebrating Black Liberation Month by hosting Ilyasah Shabazz. Her book is also available for purchase at Northtown Books, Arcata. For a listing of all events and activities planned for this month of celebration, visit aacae.humboldt.edu/events-calendar