Harlem Civil Rights Virtual Tour

2. Masjid Malcolm Shabazz

New York, NY

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Masjid Malcolm Shabazz, located at 102 West 116th Street, is the center of Muslim life in Harlem. Initially built in 1905, it was designed by Lorenz F. J. Weiher as the Lenox Casino. By 1912, it was among one of the first adult movie theaters in New York. Eventually, the building opened as Temple No. 7 in 1957 and was led by Malcolm X until 1964 (later renamed Mosque No. 7 as part of a nationwide change). Four days after Malcolm X separated from the Nation of Islam (NOI), he founded the Muslim Mosque, Inc. (MMI) on March 12, 1964. Malcolm X announced the establishment of the Organization of African Unity (OAAU) at the Audubon Ballroom on June 28, 1964. Malcolm traveled extensively, converted to the Sunni faith, and was one of the most sought-after speakers on college campuses. During this time, his conflict with the Nation of Islam intensified, and Malcolm X was repeatedly threatened. While giving a sermon at the Audubon Ballroom on February 21, 1965, to the OAAU, he was assassinated by three members of the NOI. On February 22, 1965, Temple No. 7 was dynamited and from this tragic event, the new masjid was born. Architect Sabbath Brown redesigned the building, which reopened in 1969, to resemble a traditional Middle Eastern-style masjid, with arches and the aluminum dome, once topped by a golden crescent. The masjid, which ended its affiliation with the NOI, was named in honor of El Hajj Malik Shabazz (Malcolm X) and followed the orthodox teachings of the Sunni Muslims. Now under the leadership of Imam El Hajji Izak-El Mu’eed Pasha, the masjid is a commanding presence in Harlem, sponsoring numerous housing development projects and operating the business incubator, Malcolm Shabazz Market.