01/12/2026
01/12/2026
Modesto Junior College in partnership with Modesto Peace Life Center presents the 32nd Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration. MJC's annual celebration of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is a highly anticipated event that is open to the community and students of all ages and takes place on Modesto Junior College's East Campus in the Performing & Media Arts Center. This year's event features a powerful keynote address by Dr. Ilyasah Shabazz, award-winning author, educator, producer, social activist and daughter of iconic civil rights leader Malcolm X. 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 diversity, equity and inclusion. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to experience Dr. Shabazz's powerful message in-person and in Modesto!
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.