LINCOLN- The effort to establish a state holiday in honor of Omaha-born Malcolm X has been derailed amid concerns over cost, but an annual state recognition of the slain human rights leader on his birthday appears to be on track. This compromise, spearheaded by Sen. Terrell McKinney, is moving its way through the Legislature and is expected to meet no resistance.

An amendment recognizing Malcolm X was attached to a bill introduced by Sen. Danielle Conrad that seeks to declare October 17th as Nebraska Missing Persons Day, which passed to its final step of date and is awaiting adoption by the Legislature. McKinney's amendment calls for the day to be "set apart for holding suitable exercises in the schools of the state in recognition of the sacrifices of the late Nebraska Hall of Fame inductee...and his contributions to the betterment of society."

JoAnna LeFlore-Ejike, executive director of the Malcolm X Memorial Foundation, said supporters stand proud at the thought of a Nebraska law creating a day of recognition for the "iconic native Nebraskan," and highlighted how pleased she was that this was a bipartisan endeavor.

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