Audubon Ballroom is a significant site in Black history as it was where activist Malcolm X was assassinated on February 21, 1965. Malcolm X was a prominent civil rights leader and advocate for Black empowerment, who had a profound impact on the African American community during the 1960s. His assassination at Audubon Ballroom was a tragic event that deeply affected the civil rights movement.

The ballroom, located in the Washington Heights neighborhood of Manhattan, was a popular venue for public events and gatherings in the 1960s. Malcolm X was preparing to address a crowd of his followers when he was shot multiple times by members of the Nation of Islam, a group he had previously been associated with. His assassination marked a significant loss for the Black community and sparked widespread outrage and mourning.

Today, Audubon Ballroom is home to the Malcolm X & Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial and Educational Center, which serves as a tribute to Malcolm X and his contributions to the struggle for racial equality. The center offers educational programs, exhibits, and events that honor the legacies of Malcolm X and his wife, Dr. Betty Shabazz, who dedicated her life to continuing his work after his death. Audubon Ballroom stands as a reminder of the ongoing fight for civil rights and social justice in America.