Lincoln artist picked to create bust of Malcolm X for Nebraska Hall of Fame

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Malcolm X will be forever enshrined in the Nebraska Hall of Fame with a bust made by a Lincoln artist.

Last year, the Nebraska Hall of Fame Commission chose Malcolm X – an Omaha native – as the newest member.  He will be inducted in 2024.

Nathan Murray was tasked with creating the social activist’s bust, which will be housed in the State Capitol, History Nebraska said Tuesday.

Murray, who teaches at Lux Center for the Arts and Nebraska Wesleyan University, was picked by the commission and the Nebraska Arts Council.

“Malcolm X’s advocacy for human rights and his message of empowerment made him a pivotal figure not only for Nebraska but also on the world stage, inspiring generations to strive for equality and justice,” Murray said in a press release. “I am honored to have been selected to create a bronze for the Nebraska Hall of Fame.”

Joanna LeFlore-Ejike, executive director of the Malcolm X Memorial Foundation, said Murray was a fitting choice for the project.

“We recognize this as a significant point in history as the community supported the idea of choosing Malcolm X to be the next Hall of Fame inductee,” LeFlore-Ejike said in the release. “Nathan Murray is the right artist to help us make this installation a reality with his ongoing dedication to cultural preservation through art and activism.”