The Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial and Educational Center

What The Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial and Educational Center does

The Shabazz Center (The Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial and Educational Center) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit cultural and educational institution founded in 2005 and headquartered at 3940 Broadway in New York City's historic Audubon Ballroom, the site of Malcolm X's assassination. The center preserves and advances the legacies of Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz through a permanent Memorial Exhibit that opened in May 2024 (3,000 square feet across two floors, curated by Museum Partners Consulting and designed by OneByDesign), guided and self-guided tours, the tuition-free Malcolm X Fellows Program for 20 high school seniors and college freshmen annually, commemorative events such as the 60th anniversary of Malcolm X's assassination and the Malcolm 100 Centennial, and community/cultural programming.

The organization operates a multi-channel go-to-market: in-person tours booked online, an e-commerce storefront selling apparel and accessories priced from $50 to $395 (including collaborations with Fear of God, Barriers Worldwide, and Actively Black), Eventbrite ticketing for major events, a GiveSmart donation portal, space rentals of the Audubon Ballroom and exhibit areas, and an online auction. Distribution and awareness are driven by an active social presence across Instagram, X, Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn, plus partnerships with the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Columbia University, and other cultural institutions.

The technology footprint is intentionally non-proprietary: the source material explicitly states no proprietary technology platforms, no AI/ML capabilities, and no API or SDK offerings. Interactive exhibit components (touch-screen kiosks, multimedia projections) and standard nonprofit tools (Eventbrite, GiveSmart, Shopify-style storefront) constitute the technical stack. Revenue streams are diversified — donations, merchandise, tour admissions, space rentals, and auctions — and the organization is governed by a Board of Directors including Dr. Ilyasah Shabazz and supported by an International Advisory Board, with no parent company or institutional investors identified.

Name

The Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial and Educational Center

Legal name

The Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial and Educational Center

Website

https://theshabazzcenter.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2005

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Shabazz Center is a 501(c)(3) cultural and educational nonprofit operating in New York City's historic Audubon Ballroom, preserving and advancing the legacies of Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz through a permanent memorial exhibit, guided tours, the Malcolm X Fellows youth program, commemorative events, and mission-aligned merchandise.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

New York

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Donations and Charitable Contributions: As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, The Shabazz Center relies on charitable donations from individuals, foundations, and corporate partners. The website features a donation portal at fundraise.givesmart.com, encouraging contributions to support education, advocacy, and justice initiatives.
2. Merchandise Sales: The center operates an e-commerce shop selling branded merchandise including apparel (hoodies, sweatshirts, t-shirts), accessories (caps/snapbacks), and limited-edition collectibles. Products range from $50 to $395, with collaborations featuring Fear of God, Barriers Worldwide, and Actively Black. Revenue supports the center's programs and preservation efforts.
3. Tour Admissions: The Shabazz Center offers guided and self-guided tours of the historic Audubon Ballroom and the 3,000 square foot Memorial Exhibit spanning two floors. Tours are available for individuals, groups, and educational institutions, with booking through an online form on the website.
4. Space Rental: The exhibition space and Audubon Ballroom are available to rent for private events, providing an additional revenue stream while maintaining the center's mission-driven atmosphere.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

The Shabazz Center operates a permanent Memorial Exhibit and guided tours of the historic Audubon Ballroom to preserve and advance the legacies of Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz. It delivers educational programming through the tuition-free Malcolm X Fellows Program, college-style lectures, and curriculum-aligned school visits, complemented by branded merchandise sales, commemorative cultural events, and event space rental at the historic New York City site.

Product overview

The Shabazz Center is a cultural and educational institution offering a unified experience centered on preserving and advancing the legacies of Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz. The organization operates the historic Audubon Ballroom as a living memorial, featuring the permanent Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial Exhibit (opened May 2024) and guided tour experiences. The Malcolm X Fellows Program provides youth leadership development. The Center also maintains an e-commerce merchandise shop featuring branded apparel including the By Any Means Necessary collection by Actively Black, and limited-edition items from the Fear of God x Barriers collaboration commemorating Malcolm X's 100th birthday.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Guided Tours of The Shabazz Center Immersive guided and self-guided tours of the historic Audubon Ballroom and Memorial Exhibit, featuring interactive touch-screen kiosks, videos, photographs, and personal artifacts documenting Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz's lives. Available to individuals, groups, and educational institutions via online booking.
• Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial Exhibit Permanent 3,000 square foot exhibition spanning two floors, featuring multimedia projections, dynamic exhibit graphics, interactive touch-screen kiosks, historical artifacts, photographs, and personal narratives chronicling Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz's lives from their meeting through their enduring legacy.
• Malcolm X Fellows Program Tuition-free Saturday program admitting 20 high school seniors or college freshmen annually, taught by college professors during the academic year. Promotes historical literacy through college-style lectures, discussions, and project-based learning, with participants generating individual research, art portfolios, and collaborative multimedia arts projects.
• Tour Booking System Online tour reservation system allowing individuals, groups, and educational institutions to book visits with time blocks from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Tuesday through Friday, with Saturday visits available by appointment.
• Event Space Rental The Audubon Ballroom and exhibit spaces are available to rent for private events, including corporate events, nonprofit gatherings, cultural programming, and other venue rentals for organizations seeking a historically significant location.
• Malcolm 100 Centennial Celebration Events Commemorative events series celebrating Malcolm X's 100th birthday in May-June 2025, including Vanguard Awards, performances, and educational and cultural programming. Featured collaborative events with the Smithsonian NMAAHC in Washington D.C.
• By Any Means Necessary Sweatshirt

Quantifiable outcome

• 20 youth annually complete the Malcolm X Fellows Program, gaining historical literacy, expanding knowledge of African-American heritage, and developing research and art portfolios
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 May 2025The Shabazz Center partnered with the Smithsonian NMAAHC for Malcolm X 100 commemorative events, including a May 16, 2025 program titled 'Malcolm X at 100: A Commemoration of His Life and Legacy' in Washington D.C. The collaboration extended the center's reach to national audiences and provided institutional credibility through association with the Smithsonian.
• Dr. Ilyasah ShabazzcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 May 2025Dr. Ilyasah Shabazz, daughter of Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz, serves as a board member and key figure in center programming. She participated in Malcolm 100 events including a storytime program at the Smithsonian NMAAHC and the centennial celebration at The Shabazz Center, providing direct connection to the legacy being preserved.
• Museum Partners Consulting, LLCcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMuseum Partners Consulting curated the 3,000 square foot Memorial Exhibit spanning two floors, covering Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz's lives from their meeting through their enduring legacy and influence on contemporary culture.
• OneByDesigncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOneByDesign designed the memorial exhibition featuring powerful quotes, multimedia projections, and dynamic exhibit graphics that create an immersive experience for visitors.
• Fear of GodflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerFear of God partnered with Barriers to create a limited-edition capsule collection in honor of Malcolm X's 100th birthday. The collection includes hoodies, long sleeve tees, short sleeve tees, and snapback caps priced from $95 to $395, made in the USA. Proceeds support The Shabazz Center's mission.
• Barriers WorldwideflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerBarriers Worldwide collaborated with Fear of God on the Malcolm X 100 limited-edition collection sold through The Shabazz Center's shop. The partnership brings high-profile fashion industry attention to the center while generating merchandise revenue.
• Actively BlackminorGTM or Marketing PartnerActively Black partnered with The Shabazz Center on merchandise, including the 'By Any Means Necessary' sweatshirt ($85) and hoodie ($95), expanding the center's product offerings with streetwear-inspired items.
• Columbia UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerColumbia University was instrumental in the establishment of The Shabazz Center in 2005, working alongside Dr. Betty Shabazz, the Shabazz family, and community advocates to create the memorial and educational center at the historic Audubon Ballroom.
• Sycamore Foundation for Global LeadershipminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Sycamore Foundation provides advisory support through board members including Chairman Sharif Banna, MBE, and Vice President Wassim Malak, contributing to the center's international advocacy and global leadership programming.
• Malcolm X Memorial Foundation (Omaha)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Malcolm X Memorial Foundation in Omaha collaborated on Malcolm 100 centennial events, including bus tours and community programming that extended the commemorative celebration beyond New York City.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History: Detroit-based institution founded in 1965, the world's largest institution dedicated to the African-American experience. Operates permanent exhibits, educational programming, and cultural events with a comparable nonprofit museum operating model.
• DuSable Museum of African American History: Chicago-based museum founded in 1961 focused on African-American art, history, and culture. Runs exhibits, educational programming, and community events with a similar mid-sized nonprofit operating structure.
• National Civil Rights Museum: Operates at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated — the closest structural analog to the Shabazz Center's Audubon Ballroom site. Runs permanent exhibits, educational programming, and commemorative events on a civil rights leader's assassination site.
• Museum of the African Diaspora (MoAD): San Francisco-based contemporary art and culture museum focused on the African diaspora, featuring exhibits, education, and cultural programming. Operates with a similar exhibit-plus-programming nonprofit model.
• Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture: New York Public Library research center in Harlem focused on Black history, with exhibits, public programs, and educational offerings. Shares the Shabazz Center's NYC base, educational programming, and African-American heritage mission.
• African American Museum in Philadelphia: First museum built by a major U.S. city to commemorate and preserve African-American history, with permanent and temporary exhibits and community programming. Similar governance (independent nonprofit) and educational mission.
• The King Center: The official memorial and educational institution for Martin Luther King Jr. in Atlanta, founded by Coretta Scott King. Operates a visitor experience, youth leadership programming, and commemorative events around a singular civil rights figure — a near-identical operating model to the Shabazz Center.
• Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture: Baltimore-based museum dedicated to African-American history and culture, with permanent and traveling exhibits, educational programs, and event space. Comparable in scope, mission, and revenue mix (admissions, events, donations).
• Studio Museum in Harlem: NYC-based cultural institution dedicated to Black art and artists of African descent, with exhibitions, education programs, and a flagship artist-in-residence program. Comparable urban footprint and mission-aligned programming.

Broad incumbents

• Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC): National-scale museum dedicated to African-American life, history, and culture on the National Mall. The Shabazz Center's Malcolm 100 programmatic partner; serves overlapping audiences with vastly larger resources.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/ShabazzCenter
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@theshabazzcenter2074
• Facebookfacebook.com/theshabazzcenter
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/the-shabazz-center
• Instagraminstagram.com/theshabazzcenter

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial and Educational Center