Subway station at Central Park North is officially renamed in honor of Malcolm X, as signified by Governor Hochul's bill signing.
Harlem's 110th Street-Malcolm X Plaza: A Landmark of Black Empowerment
In a historic ceremony held on August 10, 2022, the subway station at 110th Street and Central Park North in Manhattan was officially renamed 110th Street-Malcolm X Plaza. The renaming honours the civil rights leader Malcolm X and his deep ties to the Harlem community.
Malcolm X, born in Nebraska, lived in Harlem for over a decade, from 1943 and then from 1954 until his assassination in 1965. He preached and inspired empowerment and hope, especially along Lenox Avenue (also known as Malcolm X Boulevard). The station's renaming reflects Malcolm X's historic role in Harlem, where he made a significant impact on the community.
The legislation for the renaming was sponsored by State Senator Cordell Cleare and Assemblyman Jordan Wright, and signed into law by Governor Kathy Hochul. The ceremony was attended by Malcolm X's family, local political leaders, community advocates, and Harlem residents, underscoring the event's cultural and symbolic importance.
The renaming complements the adjacent Malcolm Shabazz Plaza, named after Malcolm X over 20 years ago. Future plans include installing a permanent statue of Malcolm X, renovating and improving subway station accessibility, and enhancing the plaza’s beautification and cultural programming.
NYC Transit President Demetrius Chrichlow aligned Malcolm X's legacy with the mission of the transit system, stating that Malcolm X stood for freedom and equality, principles that directly align with NYC Transit's mission. He also mentioned that the renamed station serves as a reminder of Malcolm X’s unwavering commitment to civil rights and the importance of standing up for what one believes in.
Governor Kathy Hochul also signed S7152A/A8220A into law, designating the Harlem Renaissance Cultural District as a region of cultural significance. This move further celebrates Harlem’s cultural heritage and its role in shaping America’s art, culture, activism, and civil rights.
Lloyd Williams, the co-founder of Harlem Week, passed away on Aug. 5, 2022. Governor Kathy Hochul described this year's Harlem Week as "bittersweet" due to Williams' death. Many Harlem community leaders, including local community board chairs and members, attended the outdoor event. Victor Edwards, chair of Manhattan Community Board 9, described Malcolm X as a "visionary leader" and "true inspiration" for the iconic neighborhood.
Andrea Stewart-Cousins, NYS Senate Majority Leader, referred to Malcolm X using his Muslim name, El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz. She described him as an American visionary whose call for Black dignity, self-determination, and human rights reshaped the nation's conscience. Edwards believes that the renaming of the 110th train station to the Malcolm X Plaza is an appropriate way to carry Malcolm X's legacy forward.
With this renaming, the 110th Street-Malcolm X Plaza stands as a testament to Malcolm X's vital contributions to Harlem's social and political fabric, celebrates Harlem’s cultural heritage, and elevates the station and plaza as landmarks commemorating Black empowerment and history in New York City.
[1] New York Daily News [2] The New York Times [3] Harlem World Magazine [4] Harlem One Stop [5] MTA History
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