Malcolm X Day is observed in various cities across the United States, including California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia. It recurs on May 19, which is Malcolm X's birthday, or on the third Sunday of May. The holiday honors Malcolm X, an influential African-American human rights activist and Muslim minister, recognized for his passionate advocacy for the rights of African Americans. First celebrated in Berkeley, California, in 1979, the day acknowledges his contributions to the civil rights movement despite the controversies surrounding his views and affiliations, particularly with the Nation of Islam. While it has legal status in some locations, Malcolm X Day is not officially recognized at the federal level.