The Audubon Ballroom holds significant historical importance in Black history as the site where civil rights leader Malcolm X was assassinated on February 21, 1965. Malcolm X, a prominent figure in the civil rights movement and a vocal advocate for Black empowerment, was delivering a speech to a crowd of about 400 people when he was shot multiple times by assailants.

The assassination of Malcolm X at the Audubon Ballroom marked a tragic moment in the struggle for racial equality and social justice in America. It sparked widespread grief and outrage within the Black community and beyond, and led to renewed discussions about the struggle for civil rights and the impact of systemic racism.

Following Malcolm X's assassination, the Audubon Ballroom went through several changes in ownership and usage. In 1989, the building was renovated and reopened as The Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial and Educational Center, dedicated to the memory of Malcolm X and his wife, Dr. Betty Shabazz. Today, the center serves as a historical and cultural site that honors the legacy of Malcolm X and promotes education, social justice, and community empowerment.