Ilyasah Shabazz

Daughter of Malcolm X, Professor & Author

Ilyasah Shabazz

Daughter of Malcolm X, Professor & Author

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Biography

Dr. Ilyasah Shabazz is an award-winning author, educator and producer. She has authored five historical novels, served as a project advisor for the PBS award-winning documentary Prince Among Slaves, and is currently producing a television series based on her latest publication, The Awakening of Malcolm X, with Sony Pictures Television and TriStar. Her forthcoming book, Malcolm in the Desert, offers reflections on the teachings and legacy of Malcolm X, guiding readers through lessons on personal transformation, inner reflection and the responsibility each of us holds in shaping a more just and compassionate world.

She is the Board of Directors Chairwoman of the Malcolm X & Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial and Educational Center. In her work to preserve the legacy of her parents, she has dedicated herself to institution-building and intergenerational leadership development with the tenets of accessibility, fairness and belonging.

Dr. Shabazz has furthered her community impact with the City University of New York’s Office of Academic Affairs, where she created curriculum to encourage higher education for underserved and marginalized high school students. She has worked with the Office of the Mayor in Mount Vernon, New York as Director of Public Affairs & Special Events. She founded and produced a young adult development program to provide historical context on social justice—encouraging personal empowerment and civic engagement. As an entrepreneur, she produces a variety of forums dedicated to power, possibility and sovereignty.

Dr. Shabazz is a member of the Soar Higher Cabinet Committee for SUNY @ New Paltz College; a member of the Advisory Council for the Equal Rights Amendment Coalition; a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.; and she serves as a Trustee for the Harlem Symphony Orchestra.

Dr. Shabazz holds a Master of Science in Education & Human Resource Development from Fordham University; a Bachelor of Science in Biology from SUNY @ New Paltz; and is an adjunct professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York City. In recognition of her outstanding achievements in public service, education and the arts, Worcester State University conferred Ms. Shabazz with a Doctor of Humane Letters degree. As their inaugural Human Rights & Social Impact Fellow, Shabazz teaches the course, “We The People.”

Drawing on her work as an educator, author and steward of her parents’ legacy, Dr. Shabazz speaks with universities, cultural institutions, civic organizations, and corporations about civil rights history, leadership, social justice and the continuing relevance of Malcolm X’s teachings in today’s world. Grounded in the commitments of her parents, she emphasizes empowerment and inclusion in her teaching and scholarship. Dr. Ilyasah Shabazz works in partnership with APB Speakers for speaking engagements worldwide.

Speaker Videos

Sizzle Reel

Social Justice Speaker Series Recap: Dr. Ilyasah Shabazz

Embracing Your Legacy

Dr. Ilyasah Shabazz Discusses Her Father - 4th Annual Malcolm X Muslim Studies Community Forum

Black History Month Keynote Clip | Roosevelt University

2014 National Book Festival | Library of Congress

Remembering Malcolm X

On Islamophobia and Xenophobia

I Am a Reflection of You And You Are a Reflection of Me

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Speech Topics

Malcolm in the Desert: Inner Transformation in a Changing World

In this thought-provoking keynote, Ilyasah Shabazz draws from her book Malcolm in the Desert to explore how the teachings of her father, Malcolm X, offer guidance for navigating a fast-moving and often divided world. Blending personal reflection with Malcolm X’s writings and insights, Shabazz invites audiences to embark on their own journey of self-examination and growth. She reframes her father’s legacy not only as a story of public activism but also as a deeply personal example of inner transformation and moral courage. Through powerful storytelling and practical wisdom, Shabazz challenges audiences to recognize that meaningful change in the world begins with personal reflection, responsibility, and purpose.

Audiences will learn:

How Malcolm X’s teachings offer timeless guidance for navigating change, conflict, and uncertainty.
Why personal reflection and inner transformation are essential to meaningful leadership and social progress.
How individuals can become active participants in building a more just and compassionate world.

Malcolm X & Dr. Betty Shabazz: The Legacy of My Parents

In this powerful and deeply personal keynote, Ilyasah Shabazz reflects on the enduring legacy of her father, Malcolm X, and the lessons that shaped her life. Just two years old when Malcolm X was assassinated at the Audubon Ballroom, Shabazz was raised by her mother, Betty Shabazz, with a deep understanding of education, leadership, and service to community. Through moving stories and reflections, she shares the values her parents instilled in her and the ways their teachings continue to inspire generations. Shabazz invites audiences to consider how Malcolm X’s message of self-respect, responsibility, and justice remains relevant in today’s world. This keynote is both a tribute to a historic legacy and a call to continue the work of building stronger communities and a more just society.

Audiences will learn:

The personal lessons Ilyasah Shabazz learned from Malcolm X and Betty Shabazz about leadership, education, and service.
How Malcolm X’s teachings continue to influence conversations about justice, identity, and community today.
Ways individuals can carry forward a legacy of self-reliance, responsibility, and positive change.

From Legacy to Leadership: Empowering the Next Generation

In this uplifting and inspiring keynote, Ilyasah Shabazz reflects on the lessons she learned growing up as the daughter of Malcolm X and Betty Shabazz, and how those values continue to shape her work today. Raised with a deep belief in the power of education, personal responsibility, and positivity, Shabazz shares how these principles helped guide her path as an author, educator, and community leader. Through personal stories and practical insight, she encourages students, educators, parents, and communities to recognize their own ability to influence the next generation. Shabazz reminds audiences that the values we teach young people today will shape the leaders, citizens, and changemakers of tomorrow. This keynote is a call to empower young people with purpose, confidence, and a commitment to serving others.

Audiences will learn:

How education, positivity, and strong values help shape future leaders and responsible citizens.
Why adults play a critical role in modeling the character and integrity we hope to see in the next generation.
How students and communities can turn inspiration into meaningful action and leadership.

Rooted in You: Leadership that Lasts

In this inspiring keynote, Ilyasah Shabazz explores how lasting leadership begins with self-awareness, purpose, and a commitment to serving others. Drawing from her experiences as the daughter of Malcolm X and Betty Shabazz, she reflects on the powerful values that shaped her understanding of character, responsibility, and impact. Through personal stories and practical insights, Shabazz shows how self-worth, accountability, and clear core values can strengthen leadership and inspire healthier workplace cultures. She challenges professionals and organizations to lead with integrity and compassion in a rapidly changing world. This keynote empowers audiences to grow as individuals so they can contribute more meaningfully to their teams, companies, and communities.

Audiences will learn:

How self-awareness and core values shape authentic and effective leadership.
Why purpose, accountability, and compassion are essential to strong workplace cultures.
How individuals can lead from within to help their teams and organizations thrive.

Testimonials

“Ilyasah was powerful (even her voice sets the tone), and being in her presence was an honor. She represents a piece of her Father & Mother, so even though they are no longer with us, she carries on their legacy. Her message of starting something without finishing it, and how that translates into the same thing as leaving something alone, really resonated with our students.”

- Taft School

“Ilyasah was absolutely wonderful. Very professional and very intentional in making everyone feel welcomed and included. On a scale of 1-10….100!!!”

- Misericordia University

“My favorite part was hearing Ilyasah make connections between her personal life, her father’s (Malcolm X) life and the importance of human rights in modern education literature. Truly amazing. There was an eye-opener for many that we have the power in our hands as educators to make way for change. That education is where it all begins, that even though it starts at home we have the power to influence the future by teaching our students love, beginning with self-love. Once you are proud and love who you are, then and only then will you be able to love others for who and what they are. It was great - she's such a powerful speaker and so personable! I think our teachers really enjoyed it and felt seen and heard. Thanks for all your help, truly!"

- VIPKid

"We really enjoyed her yesterday, we had an outpouring of love from the students and staff to our emails about how excited and pleased they were to be in attendance for this event. She super exceeded our expectations, and we only wish we would have had more time with her. This event was my favorite event to date!"

- Roosevelt University

"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

"Ilyasah was a delight and brought amazing energy to our campus and event. It was a blessing to our group and something people will be talking about for quite some time. We had a record turnout (or at least more than we have had in a long time) and students stood in (a long!) line waiting to buy books and take pictures. All of the books sold out, and it appeared that she also enjoyed herself with our community."

- Stony Brook University in New York

"Girl Power was a great success! Students, teachers and staff were honored to be in the presence of Ms. Shabazz. Not only did our youth take away powerful information—the adults and presenters were inspired as well."

- Cleveland Public Library

“Words cannot express the impact Ilyasah Shabazz’s presence alone has left on this community. Bloomsburg University’s Black and Brown community especially are still in shock that they had the privilege of connecting and resonating with the voice words of Shabazz. She has left Bloomsburg, leaving students inspired and to begin their individual journey’s in finding self-empowerment.”

- Bloomsburg University

"We had a really excellent tour with Ilyasah, and it was such a pleasure to travel with her. She is so skilled at adapting each conversation to fit the needs of the community and audience, and I really loved seeing her conversations unfold with the facilitator and audience."

- Michigan Humanities Council

"Once again, we absolutely loved Ms. Shabazz’s presentation. She did a phenomenal job today. We are so honored to have had her speak to our scholars and staff."

- Uplift Education

"The event was great. Our students loved her."

- Auburn University

“The event was fantastic, and it was standing-room only.”

- Dayton Metro Library