Audubon Ballroom in Manhattan, NY, is important in understanding the fight for civil rights because it is the assassination sight of one of the most famous civil rights leaders in american history. This leader would be Malcolm X. Malcolm spread the message that Blacks had to take their rights "by any means necessary" because they were not going to simply land in their laps. He stressed that Blacks were kept down through the force of racist violence and murder. The legacy of Malcolm X is militant action. boat rentals at Smith Mountain Lake
Audubon Ballroom
On February 21, 1965, in Manhattan's Audubon Ballroom, Malcolm X began his speech to a meeting of the Organization of Afro-American Unity. Then a disturbance came from the crowd. A man yelled "Nigger! Get your hand out of my pocket!" as bodyguards moved in to quiet the disturbance, a man rushed forward and shot Malcolm X in the chest with a sawed-off shotgun. Two other men charged the stage and fired handguns shortly after. Malcolm X had been hit with 16 shots. Angered audience members captured one of the assassins and beat him when the other two assassins fled the hectic scene. Malcolm X was pronounced dead shortly after he arrived at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital.
Statue of Liberty - An icon for democracy, Lady Liberty held up her torch to welcome immigrants to America over a century ago. Today, you can climb 354-steps to her crown. (on Ellis island)
Bronx Zoo - Though outside Manhattan, it's worth the trip to see this -- the largest urban zoo in the United States. The Bronx Zoo is home to more than 7,000 species of animals in exhibits like theCongo Gorilla Forest and Jungle World
Times Square - New Yorkers call this intersection of Broadway and 42nd Street the "Crossroads of the World." It is the most recognized intersection on earth -- millions of people see it on television every New Year's Eve. Some people say it's the best place in New York to people-watch. At night, the illuminated signs in Times Square make an amazing light show.
Empire State Building - Built in 1931 in just 410 days, this skyscraper was the tallest in the world for half a century. You'll get a great view of the city from the art deco tower's observation deck.
Central Park - Who would have thought that a city filled with people, traffic and skyscrapers, could offer visitors such an incredible natural oasis? The park is full of rolling meadows, trees, water bodies and stone bridges. The best part? It's all free. Sunbathe on Sheep's Meadow, stroll through the Shakespeare Garden, play softball on the Great Lawn or climb up to Summit Rock, the highest point in the park. For a fee, you can visit the park's zoo, rent a boat or take a carriage ride through the park.
boat rentals at Smith Mountain Lake
On February 21, 1965, in Manhattan's Audubon Ballroom, Malcolm X began his speech to a meeting of the Organization of Afro-American Unity. Then a disturbance came from the crowd. A man yelled "Nigger! Get your hand out of my pocket!" as bodyguards moved in to quiet the disturbance, a man rushed forward and shot Malcolm X in the chest with a sawed-off shotgun. Two other men charged the stage and fired handguns shortly after. Malcolm X had been hit with 16 shots. Angered audience members captured one of the assassins and beat him when the other two assassins fled the hectic scene. Malcolm X was pronounced dead shortly after he arrived at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital.
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