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Speaking Engagements

Dr. Ilyasah Shabazz is an Award-winning Author, Educator and Producer. She has authored five historical novels, served as project advisor for the PBS award-winning film Prince Among Slaves documentary, and is currently producing a television series based on her latest publication, The Awakening of Malcolm X, with Sony Pictures Television, Tri-Star alongside a new 2026 publication release with Legacy Lit Hatchette Book Group.

She is the Board of Directors Chairwoman of the Malcolm X & Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial and Educational Center. In her work to preserve the legacy of her parents, she has dedicated herself to institution-building and intergenerational leadership development with the tenants of accessibility, fairness and belonging.

Dr. Shabazz has furthered her community impact with the City University of New York’s Office of Academic Affairs, where she created curriculum to encourage higher education for underserved and marginalized high school students. She has worked with the Office of the Mayor in Mount Vernon, New York as Director of Public Affairs & Special Events. She founded and produced a young adult development program to provide historical context on social justice—encouraging personal empowerment and civic engagement. As an entrepreneur, she produces a variety of forums dedicated to power, possibility and sovereignty.

Dr. Shabazz is a member of the Soar Higher Cabinet Committee for SUNY @ New Paltz College; a member of the Advisory Council for the Equal Rights Amendment Coalition; a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc; and, she serves as a Trustee for the Harlem Symphony Orchestra.

Dr. Shabazz holds a Master of Science in Education & Human Resource Development from Fordham University; a Bachelor of Science in Biology from SUNY @ New Paltz, and an adjunct professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York City. In recognition of her outstanding achievements in Public Service, Education, and The Arts—Worcester State University conferred Ms. Shabazz with a Doctor of Humane Letters degree. As their inaugural Human Rights & Social Impact Fellow, Shabazz teaches the course, “We The People”.

Grounded in the commitments of her parents, Dr. Shabazz emphasizes empowerment and inclusion in her teaching and scholarship.

BOOK NOW!

Malcolm X Shabazz

The Legacy of My Father

Positively You!

Education Edition to From Legacy to Leadership: Empowering the Next Generation

Positively You!

Corporate Edition to Rooted in You: Leadership that Lasts

Speaking Engagement Topics

Malcolm X Shabazz: The Legacy of My Father

Ilyasah Shabazz was just two years old when she witnessed her father, Malcolm X, being gunned down at the Audubon Ballroom in New York City. And yet, the lessons that he and her mother, Dr. Betty Shabazz, taught her remain today. She was raised understanding the importance of education. The importance of history. The importance of humanity. The importance of leadership. The importance of self-reliance. The importance of love. That she is her brother and sister’s keeper, to be her best self so she can give her best to her community and society.

In this compelling presentation, Shabazz, an award-winning author, educator and producer, will share powerful stories of what she learned from her iconic activist parents and how we can still come together, demand change and keep fighting for justice in Malcolm’s name.

Positively You!: Education Edition to From Legacy to Leadership: Empowering the Next Generation

Empowering the next generation to succeed and help others is no easy feat. But Ilyasah Shabazz has never given up on this goal. She believes education and learning to stay positive are key to reaching these milestones. And she should know. The third daughter of the late Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz, she was taught from an early age that these attributes are critical to success—for students and, in the long run, the world’s environment.

This award-winning author, educator and producer will inspire teachers, parents, students and communities to be the best they can be, so they give their best to others and society. She provides insight into the power of positivity and shares her own experiences growing up surrounded by love, determination and the legacy of her father. “All of us start off as children and evolve into what adults teach us,” she says. “It’s our responsibility as adults to instill specific values in our children, so they can go on and become a reflection of our best selves and do wonderful and responsible deeds like Malcolm X did.”

Positively You!: Corporate Edition to Rooted in You: Leadership that Lasts

What makes a better person, employee or leader? For Ilyasah Shabazz, it’s all about the power of hope, enlightenment and a willingness to help others. In her inspiring keynote, she’ll share the importance of self-worth, self-love, purpose and accountability, and how establishing core values can improve careers, companies and communities in today’s ever-changing world.

As the third daughter of the late Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz, this award-winning author, educator and producer provides unique insight. She grew up hearing firsthand stories of her father and his powerful legacy. Add that to witnessing her mother’s courage, compassion and wisdom. You find a person who has impacted thousands with her lifework’s willingness to help others find their inner strength, capacity and purpose. This keynote will empower you to be your best self, so you can give back your best and allow your company to thrive in today’s ever-changing society.

OMG! Ilyasah was amazing! We had around 450 guests and everything was fantastic—start to finish. What an experience!

Hudson County Community College

We had such a wonderful event with Dr. Shabazz. Our school community fell in love with her. She's amazing as always. Her speech was amazing and she spent excellent time signing her book and taking pictures with students and families.

Orange Crescent School

Ilyasah was powerful (even her voice sets the tone, and being in her presence was an honor. She represents a piece of her Father & Mother, so even though they are no longer with us, she carries on their legacy. Her message of starting something without finishing it, and how that translates into the same thing as leaving something alone, really resonated with our students.

Taft School

Ilyasah was absolutely wonderful. Very professional and very intentional in making everyone feel welcomed and included. On a scale of 1-10….100!!!

Misericordia University

Bloomsburg University’s Black and Brown community especially are still in shock that they had the privilege of connecting and resonating with the voice words of Shabazz. She has left Bloomsburg, leaving students inspired and to begin their individual journey’s in finding self-empowerment.

Bloomsburg University

We were so deeply inspired by Ms. Shabazz's talk. It opened our region's eyes to the vast history about Malcolm X we did not know.

Northwest African American Museum

My favorite part was hearing Ilyasah make connections between her personal life, her father’s (Malcolm X) life and the importance of human rights in modern education literature. It was great - she's such a powerful speaker and so personable! I think our teachers really enjoyed it and felt seen and heard. Thanks for all your help, truly!

VIPKid

We really enjoyed her yesterday, we had an outpouring of love from the students and staff to our emails about how excited and pleased they were to be in attendance for this event. She super exceeded our expectations, and we only wish we would have had more time with her. This event was my favorite event to date!

Roosevelt University

It has been over a year and students, faculty, and staff still talk about Ilyasah Shabazz's visit to Montgomery College. Whether she discussed the enormous contributions of both her parents, her own accomplishments as a writer and educator, or contemporary events, Ms. Shabazz captivated the hundreds of students who were in attendance. What I still hear from faculty and students is their appreciation that Ms. Shabazz took the time to meet individually with so many.

Montgomery College

llyasah's visit was a joy. Those who came to the event are still talking about how powerful she is in her own right. There is already talk of bringing her back.

Indiana University South Bend

Ilyasah was a delight and brought amazing energy to our campus and event. It was a blessing to our group and something people will be talking about for quite some time. We had a record turnout (or at least more than we have had in a long time) and students stood in (a long!) line waiting to buy books and take pictures. All of the books sold out, and it appeared that she also enjoyed herself with our community.

Stony Brook University in New York

Girl Power was a great success! Students, teachers and staff were honored to be in the presence of Ms. Shabazz. Not only did our youth take away powerful information—the adults and presenters were inspired as well.

Cleveland Public Library

We had a really excellent tour with Ilyasah, and it was such a pleasure to travel with her. She is so skilled at adapting each conversation to fit the needs of the community and audience, and I really loved seeing her conversations unfold with the facilitator and audience.

Michigan Humanities Council

The luncheon was fabulous. The luncheon was sold out. IIyasah was wonderful she did a great job. It worked out well. Those attending loved her and were delighted to be there.

YWCA of Rochester & Monroe County