MX60: Life, legacy & Lessons

In February 2025, Birmingham marked the 60th anniversary of Malcolm X’s visit to Smethwick with a series of events under the banner MX60: Life, Legacy, and Lessons. These events honored Malcolm X’s enduring influence in the fight against racial injustice while celebrating the region’s long history of activism.

As part of this commemoration, on February 8, the Black Country Living Museum in Dudley hosted A Street of Mistrust and Fear: Malcolm X in Smethwick, a study day reflecting on his visit. In 1965, Malcolm X was invited by local anti-racist activists to Marshall Street, where he spoke out against proposed segregation measures and highlighted the racial discrimination present in the area. The study day featured expert discussions on the historical context of his visit, with contributions from the Birmingham Race Impact Group, the Black Heritage Walks Network, and various academic institutions. Highlights of the event included a screening of Malcolm X: A Day in Smethwick by filmmaker Stephen Page and discussions on the lasting impact of Malcolm X’s visit, its influence on local activism, and its significance in the broader struggle against racism in Britain.

One of the highlights of the MX60 celebrations was the unveiling of a significant public artwork on February 12, 2025, at the Ivy Bush Bar & Grill in Smethwick. Commissioned by Legacy West Midlands, the mural was designed by internationally acclaimed artist Bunny Bread, the founder of Create Not Destroy. The mural vividly commemorates Malcolm X’s 1965 visit to the area, highlighting his unwavering fight against global racism. In addition to Malcolm X, the artwork also pays tribute to other important figures like Avtar Singh Jouhl of the Indian Workers Association and Claudia Jones, the founder of London’s first Caribbean Carnival. Their inclusion in the mural symbolizes the unity and resilience of diverse communities in the face of adversity.

The unveiling ceremony of the artwork on February 12 was an event filled with reflection, with speakers including activists, historians, and artists. Their speeches underscored the continuing relevance of Malcolm X’s powerful message, particularly in the context of the ongoing struggle for racial justice. Attendees gathered not only to pay tribute to his legacy but also to acknowledge the current issues facing marginalized communities. The event reaffirmed the commitment to carrying forward the lessons Malcolm X taught, ensuring that the fight for equality remains at the forefront of global social justice movements.

The celebrations continued throughout February with a series of community workshops and discussions aimed at fostering dialogue on racial equality and social justice. These events encouraged reflection on past struggles and provided a space for individuals to discuss ways to address contemporary issues of inequality. By engaging the local community, these workshops ensured that the lessons learned from Malcolm X’s visit 60 years ago would continue to inspire future action, creating an environment for both education and activism.

The MX60 commemorations not only honored Malcolm X’s historic visit to Birmingham and Smethwick, but they also emphasized the city’s dedication to promoting unity, equality, and understanding among its diverse communities. Through art, conversation, and reflection, the celebrations captured the essence of Malcolm X’s legacy—one of resistance, empowerment, and the enduring fight for justice. In doing so, they helped ensure that his lessons remain alive and relevant for future generations.

The commemorative events surrounding the 60th anniversary of Malcolm X’s visit to Smethwick were featured prominently in local news coverage, including a segment on ITV News Central. The footage highlighted the unveiling of the new mural in Smethwick, which pays tribute to Malcolm X’s historic visit and his powerful legacy in the fight against racial injustice. The segment also included reflections from community leaders, activists, and historians, who emphasized the enduring relevance of his message in today’s world. Viewers were able to witness how the local community, through art and dialogue, continues to honour Malcolm X’s influence, ensuring his lessons on equality and social justice remain central to ongoing conversations in Birmingham and beyond.

To watch the segment by ITV news, click here.

To read the article by the BBC, click here.

To read the article by the Guardian, click here.