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In a powerful tribute to a towering figure in the fight for Black liberation and human rights,
Congresswoman Maxine Waters delivered stirring remarks at the 33rd Annual Malcolm X
Celebration and Festival, held in the heart of South Los Angeles. The event, organized by The
Foundation for Arts, Mentorship, Leadership, and Innovation (FAMLI, Inc.), commemorated
what would have been Malcolm X’s 100th birthday on May 19, 2025.
“I am so elated to celebrate the life and legacy of Malcolm X, in the heart of a community so
entrenched in the fight for equality, human rights, and justice,” Waters said, addressing a crowd
of community members, youth leaders, artists, and activists. Her appearance highlighted the
enduring importance of Malcolm X’s legacy and the relevance of his message in today’s social
and political climate.
The festival, led by FAMLI’s visionary founder and CEO, Torrence Brannon-Reese, has become
a cultural institution in Los Angeles. First held on May 19, 1993, the Malcolm X Festival has
grown over three decades into a vibrant community tradition that brings together multiple
generations to honor the revolutionary life and teachings of Omowale, El Hajj Malik El-
Shabazz—known to the world as Malcolm X.
This year’s theme, “Human Rights, By Any Means Necessary,” served as a rallying cry and
reflective prompt, connecting Malcolm’s legacy to ongoing struggles for justice, from police
accountability and economic equity to education, voting rights, and international human rights
movements. In a time marked by social unrest and renewed calls for structural change, the
centennial commemoration invited attendees to both celebrate and recommit.
“This year, more than ever, we are reminded how we’ve championed the struggles of our past
and why we must renew our commitment to continue fighting for freedom and equality in every
part of our nation and society,” Waters said.
The festival, as in past years, showcased the deep artistic and intellectual spirit of the
community. The day featured live musical performances, spoken word poetry, fashion shows,
screenings of historical and contemporary films, and presentations of African art and literature.
Booths offering children’s activities, handcrafted jewelry, and a wide array of ethnic dishes lined
the festival grounds, creating a sensory-rich celebration rooted in Black culture and pride.
Typically, beyond the festivities, the event was a space for deep civic engagement. Roundtable
discussions and open forums encouraged intergenerational dialogue on issues that Malcolm X
addressed throughout his life—from racial injustice and systemic poverty to global solidarity and
self-determination.
Brannon-Reese, who has led FAMLI, Inc. with a mission to nurture youth through arts and
mentorship, emphasized that the Malcolm X Festival is more than a celebration—it is a living
classroom. “This is where our young people learn who Malcolm was—not just the man, but the
mind, the movement, and the message,” he said. “It’s our duty to keep that flame lit.”
Waters, a longtime champion of civil rights and social justice, has often invoked Malcolm X’s
legacy in her own work, particularly in advocating for marginalized communities and challenging
oppressive systems. Her participation this year served to bridge grassroots activism with
legislative advocacy, reinforcing the importance of both community action and political power.
As the sun set on the 33rd Annual Malcolm X Festival, the words and spirit of Malcolm—his
defiance, dignity, and unwavering commitment to justice—echoed through the South Los
Angeles community. And with leaders like Congresswoman Waters and organizations like
FAMLI carrying the torch, the legacy of Malcolm X remains not only alive but urgent, inspiring
new generations to pursue human rights, by any means necessary.
KEEP YOUR BOOTS ON THE GROUND.
