Malcolm X’s former Inkster, Michigan home is being restored to honor the civil rights icon’s legacy and enrich the historical narrative of the city. The restoration is part of the Malcolm X Archaeological Project, a collaboration between Project We Hope Dream & Believe and Wayne State University’s Department of Anthropology.

The two organizations are working together to preserve and restore the house, located at 4336 Williams Street in Inkster. The house was previously owned by Malcolm’s brother, Wilfred X. Little, an influential figure within the Nation of Islam’s Detroit Temple No. 1. The home was added to the National Register of Historic Places in November 2021, recognizing its cultural significance and marking it as Inkster’s first site to receive this honor.

Once fully restored, the home will serve as a museum dedicated to Malcolm’s life and contributions, encapsulating themes of civil rights, Black history, and local heritage. The project also aims to celebrate the life of Wilfred X. Little, whose influence was pivotal in his brother’s journey. 

Host Stephen Henderson talks with BridgeDetroit reporter Micah Walker and Dr. Tareq Ramadan, the Project We Hope Dream & Believe project manager and anthropology professor at Wayne State University, about the history of the house, Malcolm X’s legacy, and what visitors will experience at the future museum.  

Plus, Ramadan talks about the book manuscript he is writing about Malcolm X’s relationship to Detroit, the purpose of the archaeological excavation at the property, and the artifacts that were found. And, Walker reflects on what it meant to her to stand inside the home where the civil rights leader lived and what stood out most to her.