During the vibrant celebrations of the 51st Harlem Week festival, New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed two historic bills that pay tribute to Harlem’s cultural and civil rights legacy. The first renames the 110th Street–Central Park North subway station to 110th Street–Malcolm X Plaza, commemorating the life and impact of the iconic civil rights leader who lived in Harlem for over a decade.

The second bill officially designates the Harlem Renaissance Cultural District, stretching from 110th to 155th Street and from Fifth Avenue to the Hudson River, as a region of cultural significance. This move enshrines Harlem’s role as a cradle of Black art, music, literature, and thought—echoing the spirit of the 1920s Harlem Renaissance.

Governor Hochul emphasized the importance of honoring Harlem’s enduring contributions to American culture and civil rights, calling the district “sacred ground.” The ceremony was attended by community leaders, lawmakers, and Malcolm X’s daughter, Ilyasah Shabazz, who joined in celebrating the renaming and the district’s recognition.