This week on American Black Journal: 

Malcolm X’s former Michigan home being restored with plans for museum

The former home of Malcolm X, previously on the City of Inkster’s demolition list, is now a focal point for community revitalization. A significant restoration project is underway at the former home of the civil rights leader thanks to a collaboration between Project We Hope Dream & Believe and Wayne State University’s Department of Anthropology. 

The initiative aims to restore the home, once owned by Malcolm’s brother Wilfred, to its original 1950s condition. Plans include transforming the residence into a museum dedicated to Malcolm X’s life as a Nation of Islam minister and civil rights leader, as well as his lasting impact on the community. The museum will also honor Wilfred, a crucial figure in Malcolm’s journey. 

The renovation is supported by a $380,850 African American Civil Rights grant from the Historic Preservation Fund, administered by the National Park Service. The nonprofit also plans to build a vocational tech center and community space next door to serve nearby residents.

BridgeDetroit reporter Micah Walker visits the home during the renovation and speaks with some of the people behind the preservation project. Walker talks with Project We Hope Dream & Believe Co-founder and Executive Director Aaron Sims about the importance of saving the home and the plans for the historical site.  

Plus, she learns about recent archaeological excavations at the house that were organized by the nonprofit’s project manager, Dr. Tareq Ramadan, an anthropology professor at Wayne State University.

History of Malcolm X’s life being preserved at former home in Inkster

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.