Malcolm X Monument Unveiled in Annapolis, Creating New Civil Rights Landmark

A new civil rights landmark now stands in Annapolis after community leaders, educators, elected officials and residents gathered Wednesday, October 14, to unveil a permanent monument to Malcolm X at the Michael E. Busch Annapolis Library. A Report Annapolis News video of the unveiling can be found by clicking here. Additional videos can be found by visiting the Report Annapolis News Facebook page. 

The dedication placed the life and legacy of the civil rights leader into Annapolis’ public landscape, creating a visible point of connection between history, community and future generations.

Mr. Carl O. Snowden, longtime civil rights activist and Convener for the Caucus of African American Leaders, served as master of ceremonies.

Participants included Maryland House Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk, Maryland Sen. Shaneka Henson, Anne Arundel County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Mark Bedell, Board of Education President Dr. Gloria Dent and other community leaders.

The program also elevated the voice of a local student. Jayden Adams, a student at Annapolis High School, read Langston Hughes’ poem, “I, Too, Am America,” before the unveiling.

The project was developed through a collaborative effort involving the Anne Arundel County Public Library, Anne Arundel County, the Caucus of African American Leaders and the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Committee, with support from hundreds of community donors.

Featuring Malcolm X’s biography, photographs and quotations, the installation reflects his life, ideas and lasting influence. Mr. Snowden was among those instrumental in bringing the project to Annapolis, which received final approval from the Anne Arundel County Public Library Board of Trustees.

It is one of the first permanent public art installations at an Anne Arundel County Public Library location.

Its placement at the Busch Annapolis Library gives residents, students and visitors a public place to engage with Malcolm X’s history while adding another dimension to the city’s civil rights story.

The dedication program described the tribute as “a memorial to a life transformed by learning, and an invitation to explore history in all its complexity.”

Now part of Annapolis’ public landscape, the Malcolm X Monument stands as a lasting space for history, reflection and dialogue across generations.

Report Annapolis News Publisher Timothy Boston was also in attendance for the unveiling and reflected on the significance of the moment.

“This was more than the unveiling of a monument, it was the permanent placement of an important part of our history within our community,” Mr. Boston said.

He also congratulated the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Committee, the Caucus of African American Leaders, Mr. Carl Snowden, the donors and community members who helped bring the project to fruition.

“I extend my deepest respect to the family and descendants of Malcolm X. His life and legacy continue to educate, challenge and inspire generations, and Annapolis is richer for having a place where that history can be seen, remembered and reflected upon.”

Report Annapolis News thanks Ms. Faye Belt for extending the courtesy of the use of these pictures.