Each year, the Muslim Studies Program hosts three signature events in addition to the multitude of trainings, book talks, webinars and more.

We have two major lecture series: The Malcolm X Community Forum and the Malcolm and Ann Kerr Lecture.

Malcolm X Community Forum

The Malcolm X Community Forum is held in late January in the Erickson Kiva to commemorate the late Malcolm X’s visit to Michigan State when he spoke to the community in January 1963.

This year’s keynote speaker will be Dr. Ilyasah Shabazz. Dr. Shabazz is an acclaimed author and activist. She is also the third daughter of Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz.

Malcolm and Ann Kerr Lecture

The Malcolm and Ann Kerr Lecture is an annual lecture established in 2022 and named after scholars Malcolm and Ann Kerr who committed their professional lives to educating people to recognize our humanity is rooted in understanding others. As faculty members at the University of California, Los Angeles, the American University of Beirut (AUB), and the American University in Cairo, the Kerrs were committed to promoting international understanding through teaching and research that contributed to the common good.

Born and raised in Beirut, Lebanon, Malcolm Kerr was a renowned scholar of Middle Eastern politics and history. He was president of AUB from 1982-84, and was assassinated there while on his way to work in 1984. 

This year’s keynote speaker will soon be announced.

The Annual Muslim Studies Conference

Each year, the Muslim Studies Program hosts a conference that varies in theme and format. The 2025 conference will be held in April and will focus on artists from the Middle East and Northern Africa. Check the conference page for more details.