The Audubon Ballroom holds significant historical importance in Black history as the site where Malcolm X, an influential African American civil rights leader, was assassinated on February 21, 1965. Malcolm X was delivering a speech to a packed audience when he was shot multiple times by assassins. The tragic event shocked the nation and had a profound impact on the Civil Rights Movement.

The Audubon Ballroom, located in the Washington Heights neighborhood of Manhattan in New York City, was a popular venue for cultural events and political gatherings in the 1960s. Following Malcolm X's assassination, the ballroom closed down and remained vacant for several years. In 1989, the building was renovated and reopened as the Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial and Educational Center, honoring the legacies of Malcolm X and his widow, Dr. Betty Shabazz.

Today, the Audubon Ballroom serves as a museum and cultural center dedicated to promoting civil rights, social justice, and community empowerment. It stands as a reminder of the struggles and sacrifices made by Black leaders like Malcolm X in the fight for equality and justice.