After Malcolm X left the Nation of Islam in 1964, he formed the Organization of Afro-American Unity (OAAU). The group held weekly meetings at the Audubon Ballroom until February 21, 1965, when Malcolm X was assassinated at this location by Nation of Islam member Talmadge Hayer (as well as two other accused shooters).
Since then, the ballroom and property was purchased by Columbia University and converted into a public/private biotech research park. Through a series of protests, the original façade was maintained and converted to the Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial and Educational Center.
