Legislation signed by Hochul renames the Central Park North subway station to honor Malcolm X
In the heart of Harlem, a significant change was made on August 10, 2022, during the 51st annual Harlem Week celebration. The subway station at 110th Street and Central Park North in Manhattan was renamed to 110th Street-Malcolm X Plaza, honouring the life and legacy of the civil rights activist and community leader.
Malcolm X, who lived in Harlem for over a decade—first in 1943 and then from 1954 until his assassination in 1965—had a profound connection to the neighbourhood. It was not only his home but also a central hub for his civil rights activism and community leadership.
The renaming of the station is a tribute to Malcolm X's personal connection to Harlem and a public acknowledgement of his enduring influence on civil rights, equality, and the cultural history of Harlem. The ceremony included Malcolm X’s daughter, Ilyasah Shabazz, highlighting the enduring legacy of his family in preserving his memory.
NYC Transit President Demetrius Chrichlow aligned Malcolm X’s legacy with the mission of the transit system, stating that riders at the renamed station will be reminded of his unwavering commitment to civil rights. Victor Edwards, chair of Manhattan Community Board 9, described Malcolm X as a "visionary leader" and "true inspiration" for the iconic neighbourhood, and believes the renaming of the 110th train station to Malcolm X Plaza is an appropriate way to carry his legacy forward.
The renaming complements the nearby Malcolm Shabazz Plaza, designated in his honour more than 20 years ago, creating a visible geographic recognition of Malcolm X’s contributions and serving as a site for community gathering and reflection. An inscription at the subway entrance quotes Malcolm X: “I believe in a society in which people can live like human beings on the basis of equality,” underscoring the ongoing struggle for civil rights and equality in American society.
Gov. Kathy Hochul also signed S7152A/A8220A into law, designating the Harlem Renaissance Cultural District as a region of cultural significance. This year's Harlem Week was "bittersweet" due to the death of Lloyd Williams, the event's co-founder, on Aug. 5. Many Harlem community leaders, including local community board chairs and members, attended the outdoor event.
The renaming ceremony was a significant moment, marking the 51st Harlem Week and the 100th anniversary of the Harlem Renaissance. It publicly honours Malcolm X's impact on Harlem and the broader civil rights movement, symbolically reinforcing Harlem’s role as a cultural and political center in the Black community and American history.
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