Cuba's president visits Harlem, pays tribute to Malcolm X

In an act of cultural and political reverence, Cuban President Miguel Diáz-Canel paid a visit to Harlem’s storied Malcolm X & Dr. Betty Shabazz Center on Monday, September 18.

This event coincided with the commencement of the United Nations General Assembly in New York City.

Revisiting history: Cuba’s connection with Harlem

President Diáz-Canel’s homage was not just a fleeting gesture; it was a profound reminder of the deep-rooted connections between Cuba and Harlem.

The relationship was kindled when Cuba’s revolutionary leader, Fidel Castro, chose to reside in Harlem’s Hotel Teresa during his 1960 visit to the General Assembly.

This decision facilitated his historic encounter with Malcolm X.

Echoes of Malcolm X in Cuban reverence

While addressing the attendees, Diáz-Canel underscored the resonance of the Cuban Revolution in Malcolm X’s addresses.

He applauded Malcolm X’s unwavering commitment to fighting for racial justice in the U.S. and his deep ties to the African liberation movements.

Prominent figures such as Dr. Ilyasah Shabazz, Malcolm X’s daughter, and former New York City Councilman Charles Barron marked their presence during this significant event.

Memorializing two revolutionary icons

In a gesture to immortalize the bond between the two stalwarts of revolutionary thought, Fidel Castro and Malcolm X, President Diáz-Canel unveiled a bronze plaque depicting their likenesses.

This emblematic piece will find its home at the Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial and Educational Center, a location echoing with history as the erstwhile Audubon Ballroom.

This site is tragically famed as the place of Malcolm X's assassination in 1965.