A Historic Moment: FA-MLI Inc. Honored at Los Angeles City Council

Celebrating Malcolm X's Centennial and the New Malcolm X Way

Author

Fa-Mli Inc
May 27, 2025

A Dream Three Decades in the Making

We're thrilled to share an incredible milestone with our community! On May 16th, 2025, our nonprofit FA-MLI Inc. was honored by the Los Angeles City Council in recognition of our decades-long commitment to preserving and promoting Malcolm X's powerful legacy.

Malcolm X Way: A Street with Purpose

After over 30 years of advocacy, our dream has become reality. This past Saturday, Los Angeles unveiled Malcolm X Way – a five-mile stretch of Crenshaw Boulevard now dedicated to this extraordinary human rights leader.

As our founder Torrence Brannon-Reese wrote in 2023: "The vision to honor Minister Malcolm X with a street named after him was first shared in November of 1992." What began as a bold dream during the cultural awakening of the early 1990s has finally come to fruition.

Powerful Words from City Leaders:

Councilwoman Heather Hutt:

"Malcolm X Way will be more than a street name – it's a recognition of the profound impact on our community, our city, and our world."

Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson:

"Malcolm X actually did a lot of work in Los Angeles that every Angelino ought to be proud of... You're holding it up when it's popular and when it's not popular is an important gift to all of us."

Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martinez:

"Malcolm X is my number one hero... He was dedicated to learning and reading and always willing to accept new facts and changing his opinion until his very last breath."

Councilmember Curren Price:

"We really appreciate the evolution of thought over time that has really brought greater acceptance and understanding to Malcolm, his words and wisdom... He was a great American and he made a difference."

Our Legacy of Action

From Revolutionary Vision to Reality

FA-MLI Inc.'s mission began during the transformative early 1990s, a time that founder Torrence Brannon-Reese describes as having "extreme societal/political change, and racial turmoil." Our organization emerged from the gang truce movement, working alongside legends like Jim Brown, Rev. Cecil "Chip" Murray, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, and Rev. Jesse Jackson.

As Torrence wrote: "Malcolm's example of human growth and transformation was perfect for that generation to learn about and embrace. The fact that Malcolm Little had experienced early childhood trauma, was something that youth could readily identify with."

Since 1993, FA-MLI Inc. has organized and sustained the Los Angeles Malcolm X Festival, creating:

  • A living testament to Malcolm X's enduring influence

  • Educational opportunities through our "Da Root Curriculum"

  • A space for intellectual exchange that keeps his message alive and relevant

  • Community connection with over 4,000 petition signers and five major neighborhood councils supporting our street naming effort

  • Mentoring programs like "See a Man Be a Man Life Mastery" reaching vulnerable youth for over 20 years

Special Recognition: As noted in our 2023 vision statement, this achievement wouldn't have been possible without key allies like Shaka Satori (African American Legacy Network), our board members, and the thousands of community supporters who signed petitions and stood with us.

Join Our Continuing Mission

This recognition energizes us to continue our work. Malcolm X's legacy of transformation, learning, and fighting for justice lives on through initiatives like ours.

Stay connected with FA-MLI Inc.:

  • Follow our ongoing community programs

  • Attend the annual Los Angeles Malcolm X Festival

  • Support youth education initiatives

  • Help us introduce Malcolm X's message to new generations

"Up, up, and never down. Peace, love and soul."

Thank you to Councilwoman Heather Hutt, the entire Los Angeles City Council, and our community for making Malcolm X Way a reality.