State Hall of Fame

[Coyote]

Malcolm X, Louise Pound and Howard Hanson
advanced as candidates for Nebraska Hall of Fame
Winner to be selected in September

LINCOLN — Civil rights leader Malcolm X survived the first cut to be inducted into the Nebraska Hall of Fame on Friday along with educator/author Louise Pound and Pulitzer Prize-winning composer/director Howard Hanson.

The seven-member State Hall of Fame Committee pared the list of eight nominees to the three finalists after a brief discussion on Friday. The commission took testimony about the candidates at public hearings held last month in each of the state’s three congressional districts, and considered written testimony.

Final pick next month

A final selection will be made Sept. 12 at a public meeting at the State Capitol. Pound, an English professor who was a pioneer in linguistic studies and the only woman in University of Nebraska history to letter in a men’s sport, received votes of six of the seven board members, with Malcolm X receiving five and Hanson four. Every five years the Hall of Fame Commission picks a new inductee into the state Hall, which is located in the State Capitol. A person must be deceased for at least 35 years to be inducted.

There are 26 members of the Hall, including Buffalo Bill, Ponca Chief Standing Bear and Boys Town founder Father Flanagan, but no African-American inductees. Fifteen years ago, Malcolm X was deemed too controversial to be inducted.

Omaha home burned

And there has been discussion that Malcolm X, born as Malcolm Little in Omaha in 1925, didn’t live long enough in Nebraska. His family fled the state when he was about 1 year old after being terrorized by the Klu Klux Klan, who burned down their house. The stated criteria for induction is that a person was born in Nebraska, gained prominence while living in Nebraska, or who lived in the state and “whose residence in Nebraska was an important influence on their lives and which contributed to their greatness.” One member of the Hall of Fame Commission, Sara Crook, a retired Peru State College history professor, said that while Malcolm X’s contributions as a civil rights leader are unquestioned, she didn’t think he considered himself “a Nebraskan.” Only once did he return to Nebraska, she said, and that was much later in his life.

‘Looking for a Nebraskan’

“I think we need more diversity in our Hall of Fame. I’m all on board with that,” Crook said. “I’m looking for a Nebraskan to put into the Nebraska Hall of Fame.” But two other commissioners, Jill Dolberg, the interim director of History Nebraska, and Tim Heller of Omaha, said they didn’t share the same concern. “He truly had a world-wide impact,” Heller said. Dolberg said he was one of the most influential civil rights leaders of the 20th Century. Both commissioners said that what happened to his family in Omaha likely influenced his entire life.

Former State Sen. Ernie Chambers of Omaha, who has advocated for Malcolm X in the past, attended Friday’s meeting but did not speak. After the meeting, Chambers said that “fame is notoriety” and there is no question that Malcolm X generated more of that than any of the other candidates. There is a movie, “Malcolm X,” and a book, “The Autobiography of Malcolm X,” about his life, as well as other writings and recordings of his speeches about Black empowerment and as a minister with the Nation of Islam. There is also a museum at the site of his birthplace in North Omaha.

Malcolm X set a standard

“Here was a man out in the open, saying things all of us were afraid to say,” Chambers said. Malcolm X, he added, “set a standard” for young black men.

Pound, who’s brother Roscoe, a famed botanist, is already in the Nebraska Hall of Fame, was promoted as an inspiration to women at a time when women were considered property of their husbands. At NU, she lettered in the men’s sport of tennis. She traveled to Germany to earn her doctorate degree because women weren’t able to obtain such a degree in the U.S. Hanson, who was from Wahoo, was the longtime director of the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York. He is probably the state’s most renowned musician, said Ron Hull, a long-time broadcaster with NETV and the chairman of the commission. The Rev. Hiram Hisanori Kano of Litchfield, a Japanese-American Episcopal priest who was said to be the only Nebraska interred during World War II, just missed the cut after receiving three votes.

Four others got votes

Receiving one vote were Grover Cleveland Alexander, the third winningest baseball pitcher of all time; Ernst Herminghaus, a landscape architect whose work included Lincoln’s Pioneers Park and the State Capitol; and Calvin Chapman, a former mayor of Nebraska City who participated in the Underground Railroad. Also nominated was Elzada Urseba Clover, the first botanist to catalog plants in the Grand Canyon.

[Coyote]

Malcolm X edges NU educator Louise Pound for induction into the Nebraska Hall of Fame
‘It says a lot about what Nebraska is becoming,’ says one advocate for Malcolm X

LINCOLN — Applause broke out, and some tears were even shed Monday, as Malcolm X was voted in as the next inductee to the Nebraska Hall of Fame. It was the third time the civil rights leader — who was born in Omaha — had been nominated, and he was inducted on a 4-3 vote. Ron Hull, the chairman of the committee and a longtime public television broadcaster, cast the deciding vote, saying that Malcolm X continues to have influence worldwide with his story of transformation and reformation. “All men are created equal, but we have to be reminded of that, because people have to fight for these rights all their lives … and that’s one reason my vote goes for Malcolm X,” Hull said.



Ron Hull, standing, cast the fourth and deciding vote in favor of Malcolm X’s induction into the Nebraska Hall of Fame. (Paul Hammel/Nebraska Examiner)

Applause, tears

Applause broke out among most of the 30 people attending the commission meeting at the State History Museum in Lincoln. Yshall Davis, a volunteer with the Malcolm X Memorial Foundation, pumped her fist in the air and wiped away tears as Hull stated his vote, which gave Malcolm X a majority of the seven-member commission. “It says a lot about what Nebraska is becoming,” Davis said of the vote by the commission, which has no members of color.



Yshall Davis, a volunteer at the Malcolm X Foundation, wiped tears after Malcolm X was voted into the Nebraska Hall of Fame. (Paul Hammel/Nebraska Examiner)

Davis, 39, said that reading the “Autobiography of Malcolm X” changed her life from that of a gang member who was “on the wrong path” to a community activist working for the Heartland Workers Center and an advocate during the more than decade-long campaign to get Malcolm X the state recognition.

‘People change’

The T-shirt she wore, featuring a picture of Malcolm X in prison and one as an Islamic preacher, stated “People Change. Don’t give up on our youth.” Malcolm X will become the first African-American to be inducted into the Nebraska Hall of Fame. The hall currently has 26 members, of which five are female and three are Native American.The initial vote by the commission was four votes for Malcolm X and three votes for Louise Pound, an educator, folklorist and author at the University of Nebraska — and the only woman in NU history to earn a letter in a men’s sport (tennis). Howard Hanson, the third finalist and a Pulitzer Prize-winning composer, did not receive a vote.

Vote changed to unanimous

Later, one of the commission members who had voted for Pound, retired Peru State history professor Sara Crook, moved that the nomination of Malcolm X be made unanimous. Crook said she had initially voted for Pound because Pound had spent her entire professional life in Nebraska and considered herself “a Nebraskan.” That was unlike Malcolm X, whose family fled harassment in Omaha from the Klu Klux Klan when their son, then Malcolm Little, was just over a year old. When Hull cast his deciding vote, he said that “where you are born is where you are from,” noting that he had voted to induct Malcolm X a decade ago, when Alvin Saunders Johnson, an educator and co-founder of the New School in New York City was chosen. “There are a lot of disenfranchised people in this country,” Hull said. “Malcolm X turned his life around and was pivotal in the civil rights movement in our country. And he still has impact around the world.”“He was such an example. I think other people can say, ‘We don’t have to stay in this rut,’ “ he added. Commission member Aaron Wyatt of Lincoln said he voted for Malcolm X because his story of “change, transformation, reformation” is an important one to convey to schoolchildren who visit the State Capitol. Jill Dolberg, the interim director of History Nebraska, made similar comments in casting her vote. Tim Heller of Omaha, another commission member, cast his vote for Malcolm X via an internet hookup from a pub in Dublin, where he was vacationing with his son. Heller said he talked to “friends and other folks” about his vote, and even asked around in Ireland and found “overwhelming support” for Malcolm X.

‘Shocked’ he wasn’t in hall already

“They were shocked that he wasn’t already in the Hall of Fame,” Heller said. Born in 1925 in Omaha, Malcolm Little spent his early life in foster homes and living with relatives after his father died and his mother was hospitalized. He was a street hustler and a criminal, who landed in prison for theft in 1946. But that is where he began reading and converted to the Nation of Islam. He became a minister and was a major figure in the civil rights movement during the 1960s, preaching black empowerment, and was a spokesman for the Nation of Islam. After completing a pilgrimage to Mecca, Malcolm X adopted the name el-Hajj Malik el-Shabazz and denounced the Nation of Islam, which led to death threats against him. He was assassinated in 1965 in New York City, and three Nation members were charged.

Criticized by some

He was criticized by some for preaching that white people were “devils” and for calling Martin Luther King “a chump.” But advocates for Malcolm X’s induction, during a public hearing in Omaha in July, said he sought “peaceful change” and emphasized that African Americans needed to empower themselves, become educated and seek freedom, justice and equality “by any means necessary.”

That phrase was widely shared after the 1992 movie “Malcolm X,” directed by Spike Lee and starring Denzel Washington. The movie was based on the Alex Haley book, “The Autobiography of Malcolm X,” which was named as one of the 10 most important nonfiction books of the 20th century by Time magazine.

Birthplace museum

Several cities across the U.S. celebrate “Malcolm X Day,” and the Malcolm X Foundation has established a museum at his birthsite in North Omaha. Hull said the next step is to commission a bronze bust of Malcolm X to be installed in the State Hall of Fame, which is in the second-floor hallways of the State Capitol. He said some state funds, perhaps as much as $20,000, had been set aside for the bust, which would be unveiled in 2024. Former State Sen. Ernie Chambers, a longtime advocate for Malcolm X, shouted from the audience that even though he wasn’t a man of means, he would donate $1,000 to the sculpture.



Former State Sen. Ernie Chambers of Omaha was among those attending Monday’s meeting in support of Malcolm X. (Paul Hammel/Nebraska Examiner)

Later, Chambers said that sometimes people can’t hear what he says and that he really meant to pledge $2,000 to the Malcolm X bust. “I’ll give $500,” said someone else in the audience. “I’ll give $50,” said another. JoAnna LeFlore-Ejike, the executive director of the Malcolm X Memorial Foundation, said her first step will be to notify Malcolm X’s family of the honor. “It’s overdue,” she said.

[ita]

Malcolm X edges NU educator Louise Pound for induction into the Nebraska Hall of Fame

Applause broke out, and some tears were even shed Monday, as Malcolm X was voted in as the next inductee to the Nebraska Hall of Fame.

It was the third time the civil rights leader — who was born in Omaha — had been nominated, and he was inducted on a 4-3 vote.

‘It says a lot about what Nebraska is becoming,’ says one advocate for Malcolm X

Ron Hull, the chairman of the committee and a longtime public television broadcaster, cast the deciding vote, saying that Malcolm X continues to have influence worldwide with his story of transformation and reformation.

“All men are created equal, but we have to be reminded of that, because people have to fight for these rights all their lives … and that’s one reason my vote goes for Malcolm X,” Hull said.
...
Malcolm X will become the first African-American to be inducted into the Nebraska Hall of Fame. The hall currently has 26 members, of which five are female and three are Native American.

The initial vote by the commission was four votes for Malcolm X and three votes for Louise Pound, an educator, folklorist and author at the University of Nebraska — and the only woman in NU history to earn a letter in a men’s sport (tennis). Howard Hanson, the third finalist and a Pulitzer Prize-winning composer, did not receive a vote.

Vote changed to unanimous
Later, one of the commission members who had voted for Pound, retired Peru State history professor Sara Crook, moved that the nomination of Malcolm X be made unanimous.

Crook said she had initially voted for Pound because Pound had spent her entire professional life in Nebraska and considered herself “a Nebraskan.” That was unlike Malcolm X, whose family fled harassment in Omaha from the Klu Klux Klan when their son, then Malcolm Little, was just over a year old.

[Coyote]

Malcolm X's Nebraska Hall of Fame selection decades in the making

The Malcolm X Memorial Foundation in Omaha worked to make Malcolm's induction in the Nebraska Hall of Fame happen. Leaders said it's a relief to see him finally get this recognition.

[Coyote]

Malcolm X Hall of Fame induction inspires book donation to inmates
Nebraska corrections leaders think it has the power to change lives.

Long ago, “The Autobiography of Malcolm X” wouldn’t have been allowed in Nebraska’s prison libraries. But now, corrections leaders think it has the power to change lives. “People still probably view him as a controversial figure, but that means they haven’t taken the time to actually view Malcolm through a holistic perspective and see that where he started is not where he ended,” said Sen. Terrell McKinney. The autobiography, which was published after he was assassinated in 1965, highlights the change that Malcolm X underwent in prison and chronicles his evolving philosophy on civil rights activism. The Nebraska Department of Correctional Services is ideally about reformation. That’s what the director believes Malcolm X’s autobiography can inspire. “There isn’t anything in that book that is going to lead to anything except reflection, hope, and an opportunity to see how somebody overcame some very difficult circumstances. And with each part of his journey, [he] turned it into a learning experience,” said Scott Frakes, director of the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services. Frakes said he read the book when he was twelve. It was gifted to him by a friend to help him “see the world differently.” “And it did,” said Frakes. Inmates will have access to the book thanks to community activist and mental health advocate, Paul Feilmann. He partnered with NDCS and the Malcolm X Foundation to make the delivery possible.

[Coyote]

Lincoln artist creates Malcom X Hall of Fame Bust



Nathan Murray was selected amongst national artists to convey the Omaha native who will become the first African American in the Nebraska Hall of Fame.

[Coyote]

'Engage with this depiction of Malcom X':
Local artist chosen to create bust for Nebraska Hall of Fame



LINCOLN, Neb. — For Nathan Murray, it's all about the details, and each one on his latest project is meticulously planned. "I looked at dozens and dozens of photos, studied his features, studied all the anatomical stuff that I would run into," Murray said. After a nationwide search, the Nebraska Hall of Fame Commission and the Nebraska Arts Council chose Murray to create a bust of Malcolm X for his induction into the Nebraska Hall of Fame.

"Malcolm is the first Black Nebraskan to be inducted into the Nebraska Hall of Fame," Murray said. "Which is a humongous historical, historical thing." And a humongous honor for Murray.

[Coyote]

Malcolm X celebrations to mark 99th birthday and Hall of Fame induction

OMAHA — Omaha-born human rights leader Malcolm X, who would have turned 99 years old on May 19, is being commemorated at two upcoming events. On Sunday, a celebration at the University of Nebraska at Omaha Milo Bail Student Center is to mark the slain leader’s actual birthday with a soul food dinner, Black heritage program and awards. The collaboration between the Malcolm X Foundation and the UNO Black Studies Department is to include live performances, speakers and presentation of “X Awards” to community members.

On Wednesday, May 22, the Nebraska Hall of Fame is scheduled to formally induct Malcolm X as its 27th member. A 1 p.m. ceremony in the State Capitol Rotunda is to be followed by a reception in the Nebraska History Museum. Special guests will include family members of Malcolm X and his foundation’s executive director, JoAnna LeFlore-Ejike, who was also the inductee’s nominator. LeFlore-Ejike called the induction an opportunity for not only the state but the nation to recognize the historic figure and his contributions as a human rights activist.

[Coyote]

Nebraska Hall of Fame
Induction of Malcolm X



Nebraska Hall of Fame Commission's Induction Ceremony of Malcolm X as the 27th member of the Nebraska Hall of Fame. Video and audio courtesy of Nebraska Public Media.