Mapping Malcolm - Edited by Najha Zigbi-Johnson

“For Harlem is where he worked and where he struggled and fought—his home of homes, where his heart was, and where his people are.” These words from Ossie Davis’s eulogy remind us of Malcolm X’s profound influence on Harlem’s community and culture. Mapping Malcolm honors his memory, examining how Malcolm’s vision for social justice and his commitment to community building remain relevant across New York City today. This powerful work delves into the political, material, and philosophical legacies of the Black radical tradition, exploring the Black diaspora’s impact and the ongoing influence of state power.

Mapping Malcolm critically examines the limits and possibilities within archives, offering new insights into the politics of Black space-making in Harlem. By bringing together artists, community organizers, and scholars, this volume redefines our understanding of Malcolm X’s global, cross-cultural analyses of justice and power. This collection challenges readers to see Malcolm’s teachings as an active, everyday praxis, addressing contemporary questions of sovereignty, liberation, and the politics of space. Through a lens of anti-imperialism, reparative education, and Black history, Mapping Malcolm illuminates pathways for continued learning and empowerment in Harlem and beyond.