‘Our responsibility to carry the legacy forward’ — students react to historic visit from social justice icons

By Nick Masuda | nicholas.masuda31@mec.cuny.edu

On April 10, 2025, the Founders Auditorium was packed for the first time in nearly 15 years.

A “living history lesson,” courtesy of two social justice icons that brought together the student body, the college’s staff and the greater community.

It was a historical moment for Medgar Evers College, courtesy of Ms. Reena Evers-Everette (daughter of Medgar and Myrlie Evers) and Dr. Ilyasah Shabazz (daughter of Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz).

We coined the night as “Daughters of the Legacy.”

The night was sponsored by the Brooklyn Recovery Corps, a professional internship program that serves not only dozens upon dozens of students, but also the small businesses throughout the community.

It has also allowed the college’s Office of Communications to expand, with more than 20 interns in the department focused on telling the story of our past, present and future.

A handful of the Office of Communications interns were so inspired by the event that they put their own feelings into heartfelt words (and poetry).

Our students make us unique, and here is what they had to say:

Abijah George Williams

“I Am History”

Today I went to a function,

And I didn’t just attend I belonged.

Daughters of the Legacy they called it

But I’m writing my own legacy.

A Black woman, rooted in power.

History isn’t just in books

It’s in me.

I smile up at the sky,

Because today, God did His big one.

I’m not just part of Black history

I am the history

Still being written.

At Medgar Evers College, I sat in the presence of history. Ilyasah Shabazz and Reena Evers-Everette, daughters of icons but also women who turned grief into greatness. Listening to them, I felt like I was part of a living poem.

I’m not just here to study history. I’m here to rewrite it. For the little girl who grew up in a shelter. For the undocumented student who’s tired but determined. For the nurse in training who cries before exams and celebrates every single pass like it’s a trophy.

This little Black girl is rewriting her own name into the story of resilience. The page isn’t done. The ink is still wet. And the pen is still in my hand.

Nadisha Hall

From this little girl from a small district called David’s Hill, St. Andrew, Jamaica: Wow! My stomach was doing flips all day; it started the moment I woke up. I had gone over my speech a million times. I even fumbled over familiar words like strategize, but I was determined to show up, not just for myself, but for my peers, especially those for whom imposter syndrome feels like a constant companion. I’ve always prayed about everything, and this event was no different. From my speech to even my outfit, everything was covered in prayer.

When I walked into Founders Auditorium, I wasn’t just stepping into a room, I was stepping into answered prayers, courage, and purpose. Out of thousands of Medgar Evers College students, Mr. Peter Holoman had chosen me to speak and present an award to Dr. Ilyasah Shabazz, the daughter of Malcolm X.

She said, “I don’t usually cry, right? I appear to be tough, but I’m not so tough.” In that moment, I realized the power of vulnerability, legacy, and connection. And I knew then — my true potential is only beginning to unfold.

Shanea Grant

Ms. Reena Evers-Everette, daughter of civil rights activist Medgar Evers, and Dr. Ilyasah Shabazz, daughter of Malcolm X, share a unique bond shaped by legacy, loss, and resilience. 

Both women grew up in the shadows of tragedy, as their fathers were assassinated for their roles in the fighting for empowerment, freedom and dignity of Black people in America. Ms. Evers-Everette was just 8 years old when Medgar Evers was murdered in 1963, while Dr. Shabazz was born in 1962 and only 2 years old when Malcolm X was assassinated in 1965. 

Growing up, both women carried the weight of their fathers’ legacies while also coping with grief and public judgement. Ms. Evers-Everette has spoken about the trauma and confusion she experienced as a child, losing her father to racial violence, yet later using that pain to fuel her own activism and education work. Similarly, Dr. Shabazz has shared how she came to know her father through books, interviews, and the stories her mother told, eventually becoming an author and advocate herself. Together, they represent a powerful continuation of their fathers’ dreams — turning personal pain into purpose. Their voices are reminders of the human side of history and the strength it takes to preserve, protect, and expand on a legacy of justice. 

Ms. Evers-Everette and Dr. Shabazz have spoken about the vital role their mothers played in their lives after the tragic loss of their fathers. It was their mothers who stepped up to provide strength, stability, and love during chaos and grief. Ms. Myrlie Evers (Reena’s mother), was not only a source of emotional support but also continued her husband’s legacy through activism and public service. Dr. Betty Shabazz (Ilyasah’s mother) raised six daughters on her own after Malcolm X’s death. She became a powerful figure in education and advocacy, making sure her children knew who their father was and what he stood for. 

Anthony Morgan

The Daughters of Legacy at Medgar Evers College exemplifies the rich heritage and commitment to social justice that the institution embodies. This program honored the legacy of Ms. Reena Evers Everette and Dr. IIyasah Shabazz who have significantly impacted the community and continue to inspire young women to pursue academic and personal excellence. 

Engaging with the Daughters of Legacy allowed participants to reflect on the importance of leadership, perseverance, and the responsibility to advocate for equity and justice in today’s society. The Daughters of Legacy event often focused on core themes such as identity, empowerment, and community. 

Ms. Evers-Everette and Dr. Shabazz examined their personal journeys and how they relate to the broader historical narratives represented by figures like Medgar Evers and others. This engagement fosters a deep understanding of the struggles faced by past leaders, encouraging young women to draw strength and inspiration from these legacies while also acknowledging the challenges that persist in the quest for equality.

Additionally, the program served as a powerful platform for fostering connections among students, faculty, and community members. These relationships are crucial in building a support network that promotes collaboration and inspires collective action. Through workshops, discussions, and community service initiatives, participants not only honor the legacy of their role models, but also cultivate their own paths toward becoming impactful leaders. Overall, the Daughters of the Legacy program at Medgar Evers College played a vital role in shaping the next generation of changemakers.

Sheray Goday

As a Black woman, mother of two, and Medgar Evers College student, I found it incredibly touching and inspiring to attend “Daughters of the Legacy,” a BRC tailored discussion with the daughters of Medgar Wiley Evers and Malcolm X. 

I was reminded by hearing their experiences of perseverance, resilience, and purpose that Black women have always possessed despite unspeakable tragedy and structural injustice. Being a mother, I couldn’t help but think about the kind of world I want to help establish for my own kids — one based on honesty, justice, and compassion, which was highlighted throughout this event. 

As a student walking the halls of an institution named after Medgar Evers, it felt incredibly personal and motivating. It was more than just a conversation; it served as a reminder that I am also descended from culture and history.

Hearing these women speak about their fathers’ sacrifices, their mothers’ strength, all of their contributions to society, plus their own journeys through grief, advocacy, and healing, made me reflect deeply on my own path in life. 

As a Black woman, I felt both seen and heard. 

So often in life, we carry so much responsibility, pain, and hope, and their personal stories of grief and admiration for their childhoods reminded me that our stories are important and that our strength is not only inherited but is constantly being built. It made me proud of who I am and what I represent in my community and beyond.

Heaven Barnes

Over the past few days, I’ve gained valuable insights that have helped me grow both personally and academically. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is the value of time management. Balancing assignments, responsibilities, and personal time can be overwhelming, but planning ahead and staying organized has made a big difference in how productive and confident I feel. 

Another key takeaway has been the importance of asking questions. Whether in class, during group work, or while working independently, reaching out for clarification has helped me understand topics more deeply. It also reminded me that learning is a continuous process and that curiosity is a strength, not a weakness. The Daughters of the Legacy day opened my eyes to see that I don’t have to feel as if I’m all alone. 

Lastly, I’ve learned the importance of resilience. Not every attempt will be perfect, but learning from mistakes and staying motivated is what really matters. Progress doesn’t always happen overnight, but staying consistent makes it possible. 

Overall, these lessons have not only improved my approach to learning, but have also given me skills that I can carry into the future. 

Kandy Pierre

The evening hummed with anticipation as daughters of legendary civil rights figures gathered to honor their extraordinary heritage. Among them stood Ms. Reena Evers-Everette and Dr. Ilyasah Shabazz, living connections to pivotal American history. The auditorium was filled with faces full of purpose, as I contemplated the profound weight of their inherited legacies.

Ms. Evers-Everette, daughter of civil rights heroes Medgar and Myrlie Evers, spoke with conviction about transforming her parents’ fight for justice into contemporary action. “We are not just bearers of history,” she declared, her voice resonating through the space, “we are the architects of the future.”

Dr. Shabazz, daughter of Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz, detailed her path as both author and educator, highlighting education as the cornerstone of empowerment. “To stand in our truth is to honor those who paved the way,” she affirmed, igniting inspiration throughout the gathering.

The evening transcended a mere event, becoming instead a sanctuary of shared experience and collective memory. It stood as powerful testimony that these voices matter — a profound recommitment to legacies of courage and resilience, ensuring the sacrifices and wisdom of ancestors continue to guide future generations.

Jahmarley Irving

When the daughters of Malcolm X and Medgar Evers walked on to that stage, I felt the air shift. It was as if the room inhaled and held its breath, recognizing that we were witnessing something far greater than ourselves. These women — born from the lineage of men who spoke truth to power, who died for freedom, who dared to love Black people audaciously — stood before us not as relics of the past, but as living bridges between what was and what could be. 

At that moment, I realized history is not some distant, untouchable thing. It lives within us. It walks into rooms in the form of daughters and sons, it speaks through trembling voices and unwavering eyes, and it stirs in the hearts of students like me, a young, Black man majoring in biology carrying the weight of the past and the urgency of the present. 

Leaving that auditorium, I didn’t walk out alone. I carried those 10,000 spirits with me, and I promised myself I would keep standing, keep speaking, keep fighting. 

Because when you see living history, you are reminded that you are living history too. 

Maritza Argueta

Daughters of a legacy. The legacy will live on. Before the event I knew this was true and after the event I knew I will be a part of continuing that legacy. I knew there was something special in the air every time I walked through each hall and into a classroom. Medgar Evers College always feels like home. After hearing from both Ms. Reena Evers Everette and Dr. Illyasah Shabazz, I now understand that their fathers’ love is surrounding each campus building. It is easy to read about their fathers’ hard work on the internet, but hearing about what kind of people they actually were was breathtaking. I’ve bragged about my college with a lot of pride, but now it’ll be on a whole different level. Hearing from both daughters speak about the kind of fathers that raised them makes everything make sense. Dedication was not the only thing that made their fathers successful, but it was their pure souls, to be children of God, to live up to what it means to be human. 

Hearing from both Ms. Evers-Everette and Dr. Shabazz also made me realize what it means to be a woman. I love how they gave so much credit to their own mothers for molding them into the people they are today. Listening to both women speak about their journeys fueled the desire for me to continue their families’ legacy. I already knew my school was special because of this feeling I could never really describe, it’s almost like the faith I have in God or the fact that I know he’s always at work in my life without even being seen in the flesh. As the future Student Government President, it is clear that my campaign priorities are meant to be. Reviving school spirit, education on the voting system, and social justice events throughout the whole year. Medgar Wiley Evers and Malcom X fought for basic rights while also educating the world on what it means to be human. Whether religious or not, to be human means to be loving, caring, fair, respectful, honest, open minded, humble, and always willing to learn.

Fatima Ndiaye

Attending the Daughters of the Legacy event was an unforgettable experience. Listening to two remarkable trailblazers, Ms. Reena Evers-Everett and Dr. Ilyasah Shabazz, completely reshaped my understanding of what it means to be an activist. As I sat in the audience, I felt deeply empowered by their words — encouraged to stand in my authentic power and push forward through adversity.

Both women spoke passionately about their fathers — Medgar Evers and Malcolm X — two iconic leaders who fearlessly fought for our rights and dedicated their lives to uplifting people of color. Hearing them reflect on their fathers’ legacies reminded me that the fight for justice, equality, and liberation is far from over—and it’s up to us to carry that torch forward.

Ms. Evers-Everette and Dr. Shabazz have endured profound loss and trauma, yet their strength and vulnerability in continuing their parents’ legacies moved me deeply. Their stories are powerful reminders that healing and purpose can coexist — and that courage is often born from pain.

The greatest lesson I took away from this event is that we are already destined for greatness. I’ve also realized that I have the power to shape my own reality — and I can’t lead with fear. Instead, I must lead with purpose, just like those who came before me.

Thenica Thompson

At an evening gathering during a civil rights conference, I found myself sitting in the crowd looking at two  women whose lives are living bridges to history, the daughters of Medgar Wiley Evers and Malcolm X. They weren’t just names in textbooks or symbols of struggle; they were beautiful, warm, and thoughtful. We listened, laughed, empathized over stories about their childhoods. The night had simple moments, such as Dr. Shabazz being held by her dad at the airport in a picture was shown on the big screen. She had mentioned that he had just returned from South Africa. 

And Ms. Evers-Everette also spoke on the picture shown of her and her dad, reflecting on her childhood, mentioning guns being in each room in the house she grew up in and more.There was pain, too, as they each spoke of grief, and how strong their mothers were, Dr. Shabazz even mentioned not knowing her dad personally because he was always doing the work for his people and she was also very young when he was killed. Living under the weight of her father’s legacy, people had high expectations of her in college, already appointing her to committees without her knowledge. Still, there was no bitterness, only strength, grace, and a love for justice. Hearing them reflect on their fathers not just as leaders, but as dads, made everything real. That night didn’t feel like history — it felt like family, warm, courageous, and beautifully alive. 

I left feeling inspired, and incredibly honored to be in their presence.

Mali Gibbs

My name is Mali Gibbs, I am a junior at MEC — a BFA major who is blessed to be a part of the BRC internship partnered with the Office of Communications. 

This past week I had the opportunity to be a part of the “Daughters of the Legacy” event as an intern working the event and listening in the front rows. I felt truly humbled and inspired by the event, because these great men who I used to look up to growing up were in front of me in the forms of their daughters. Both of these women have been through hell and back with the FBI targeting their families because of their determination to have justice in this country. Having seen their fathers killed in front of you would probably kill the soul of most people. The resilience of them is very inspirational, the way they are able to continue their parents’ legacy and kick the knowledge to the young people so we can continue the legacy in our own way makes me feel good. I feel honored being seen as a vessel for change and social justice. This event makes me realize that it’s bigger than me and that I am willing to sacrifice a lot in order to make it easier for my people. Ms. Reena Evers-Everette and Dr. Ilyasah Shabbaz both have been on the front lines and are seen as huge activists in our communities putting their lives on the line. That’s really needed in today’s age especially with the lack of empathy and respect, we need to take charge and not just sit back and be comfortable with hate being normalized in this world. 

I’m so glad I decided to step out of my shell because I am finally able to do something that is rewarding — doing fulfilling work that is not just about money, I’ll trade it all if I’m able to save the next generation.

Xavier Colon

My reaction to hearing Ms. Reena Evers-Everette and Dr. Ilyasah Shabazz talk about their experiences and challenges they have faced when losing their fathers, was less about that and the choice they’ve made to make a big impact on the world. Ms. Evers-Everette and Dr. Shabazz are exceptional in defying the odds, and their accomplishments showcase that they are “bosses,” as we say nowadays. I enjoyed the bluntness of Ms. Evers-Everette, as she told us all that we can make change in this world with self-determination — truly believing in oneself. Ms. Evers-Everette continued her straightforward approach by reminding the room that if you aren’t satisfied with your local politicians, you can fight back by voting them out and challenging you I would say there is a moment when Mrs. Reena Evers bluntly you can fight back by voting back and becoming educated and owning your power.

Awa Diallo

The “Daughters of the Legacy” event in the Founders Auditorium was a powerful experience. Welcoming Ms. Reena Evers-Everette and Dr. Ilyasah Shabazz offered a rare and intimate glimpse into the personal sides of two civil rights giants, Medgar Evers and Malcolm X, through the voices of their daughters. What stood out most was how deeply connected they remain — not just to their fathers, but to each other. It was inspiring to hear them speak with pride, strength, and vulnerability about continuing their fathers’ work. I especially loved capturing moments of laughter, blackness, and pride through my camera lens. Ms. Evers-Everette’s story about her parents’ first encounter was both humorous and insightful, showing a different side of Medgar Evers. The way she emphasized her last name resonated with me — it reminded me of how, in my own culture, our last names carry legacy, identity, and pride.

The room overflowed with positive energy and unity. Important figures like President Dr. Patricia Ramsey, CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez, and Senator Zellnor Myrie added to the evening’s weight. Being in that space felt like witnessing living history. This event not only honored the past but also reignited our responsibility to carry the legacy forward.

Kinnik Timothy

The Daughters of the Legacy event at Medgar Evers College was truly something I’ll never forget. Hearing Ms. Reena Evers-Everette and Dr. Ilyasah Shabazz share their stories gave me a new perspective on legacy. When a student asked “How do daughters or sons address continuing a legacy that started from nothing?” and Ms. Evers-Everette replied, “You are already a legacy,” that response really hit home for me. It genuinely made me think differently about my own path and the impact I can make. 

The way they spoke about their fathers made them feel more personal, not just names in a textbook or from the internet. I really loved the honesty and emotion behind their words. The poem “The Power of a Black Woman” also added to the atmosphere. It was powerful and reminded me how strong we are as Black women. That night pushed me to think about how I can carry my own legacy forward, even in small ways.