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Celebrating Freedom: A Conversation with Rodnell Collins

Cultural Conversation for Malcolm X Centennial Celebration

Join AARLCC and the Association for the Study of African American Life and History in celebrating the honorable Malcolm el-Hajj Malik el-Shabazz centennial birthday.

Join the Association for the Study of African American Life and History of South Florida and the African American Research Library and Cultural Center for the centennial birthday celebration of Malcolm el-Hajj Malik el-Shabazz. 

Rodnell P. Collins, the nephew of Malcolm X, is a computer systems analyst, currently living in Boston.  He will be the featured speaker for the Cultural Conversation evening event.  His book, Seventh Child: A Family Member of Malcolm X, presents an insider's study of the African American leader. a poignant and introspective exploration of his family's history and his relationship with his famous uncle. This memoir offers a unique perspective on Malcolm X's life and legacy, shedding new light on the personal experiences that shaped his view and personal growth. His writing often reflects his unique perspective and experiences. This informative portrait provides an in-depth look at the life of Malcolm X as told by his sister, Ella Little Collins and Rodnell P. Collins. 

The Malcolm X Ella Collins House maintains a legacy of education and human rights by restoring its historic property for public access, and providing scholastic opportunities based on principles championed by Malcolm X.  Being the only federal heritage site to be owned and operated by the family of Malcolm X, the MXECH is a stronghold of the personal history of Malcolm and the education of liberation that he cultivated while living in Boston and went on to teach the world.

Collins is the owner project executive for the restoration and preservation of the Malcolm X, Ella L. Little-Collins House Boston, Massachusetts. This historic residence is the only remaining property where Malcolm X lived that is still standing today. Collins' efforts to preserve and maintain the property have ensured that this vital piece of American history remains accessible to the public.  This tie has instilled in Collins a deep understanding of the struggles and triumphs of the Human Rights Movement. His life's work reflects a commitment to honoring his uncle's legacy while forging his own path in the worlds of technology, literature, and sports.  In addition, Collins is the founding member along with his uncle Malcolm X of the Organization of Afro-American Unity (OAAU) Inc.  Malcolm’s sister, Ella Little-Collins is president and Professor James Small serves as the Executive Director.  Mr. Collins also collaborated in the production of the behind the scenes documentary development of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X; ”An overwhelming influence on the Black power movement” with Professor A. Peter Bailey, the renowned journalist and editor for Malcolm X for the magazine Blacklash.

Rodnell Collins, Nephew of Malcolm X

About the African American Research Library and Cultural Center 

The Broward County African American Research Library and Cultural Center (AARLCC) is located in the Sistrunk community, one of the oldest historically Black communities named for one of Fort Lauderdale’s first Black physicians. Opening to the public on October 26, 2002, AARLCC became the third public library of its kind in the United States dedicated to the study of Black history and culture. The 60,000 square-foot Center serves as a repository of materials related to the local, national, and international voices of the African diaspora with more than 85,000 books, manuscripts, artifacts, framed art, print, photography, audiovisual, and documents held in our Adult Services Section and Special Collections. The Youth Services Section features a special collection of Coretta Scott King Award books and the Ashley Bryan Art Collection from illustrators of African Descent. AARLCC also features a 5,000 sq. ft. museum, a 300-seat state-of-the-art theatre, and a Computer Training Center.

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