Central Park North subway station receives name change in honor of Malcolm X, following bill signed by Hochul.
New York City's subway system has a new landmark, as the station at 110th Street and Central Park North in Harlem was officially renamed 110th Street–Malcolm X Plaza on August 10, 2025. This renaming honours civil rights leader and racial justice advocate Malcolm X, and took place during a ceremony in Harlem coinciding with the 51st annual Harlem Week celebration.
Malcolm X, born in Nebraska in 1925 and assassinated in 1965, had deep connections to Harlem. He lived there for over a decade and frequently preached in the neighbourhood. The renaming recognises his legacy as a visionary leader who greatly influenced Harlem and the broader civil rights movement.
The plaza adjacent to the station, Malcolm Shabazz Plaza (named over 20 years ago), has long served as a community gathering place. The subway station’s renaming further cements his recognition in the city’s public infrastructure, making the site a permanent landmark honouring his impact.
The event marked the centennial year of Malcolm X’s birth, and future plans include installing a permanent statue of Malcolm X, renovating the subway station for accessibility, and enhancing the plaza with cultural and beautification projects to honour his legacy. The renaming also aligns with broader efforts honoring Harlem’s cultural significance, such as the designation of the Harlem Renaissance Cultural District.
Gov. Kathy Hochul signed S1204/A5339 legislation into law, acknowledging the station's renaming. Additionally, she signed S7152A/A8220A into law, designating the Harlem Renaissance Cultural District as a region of cultural significance.
NYC Transit President Demetrius Chrichlow aligned Malcolm X's legacy with the mission of the transit system, stating that the renaming "celebrates not only the life and work of a great leader, but also the spirit of resilience and determination that Malcolm X embodied."
Victor Edwards, chair of Manhattan Community Board 9, described Malcolm X as a "visionary leader" and "true inspiration" for Harlem. He noted that Malcolm X's call for Black dignity, self-determination, and human rights reshaped the nation's conscience.
Many Harlem community leaders attended the outdoor event, including local community board chairs and members. The ceremony was significant as it honoured Malcolm X and mourned the passing of Lloyd Williams, co-founder of Harlem Week.
Malcolm X often preached in Harlem and spoke at major universities, including Harvard. His unwavering commitment to civil rights will be a reminder to riders at the renamed station. This year's Harlem Week was described as "bittersweet" by Gov. Kathy Hochul due to the death of the event's co-founder, Lloyd Williams, on Aug. 5.
The station, originally opened in 1904 as Central Park North–110th Street, is served by the 2 and 3 subway lines and stands at the southern edge of Harlem on Lenox Avenue. The renaming is a symbolic and lasting tribute that underscores Malcolm X’s profound ties to Harlem and his enduring influence on civil rights and community identity in New York City.
Politics and general news surrounding New York City can't overlook the recent renaming of the subway station at 110th Street and Central Park North to 110th Street–Malcolm X Plaza, as it honors civil rights leader Malcolm X. This renaming, which celebrates Malcolm X's legacy as a visionary leader, is part of broader efforts acknowledging Harlem's cultural significance, such as the designation of the Harlem Renaissance Cultural District.
