Malcolm X's Inkster home listed on the National Register of Historic Places

Wayne State's anthropology department has teamed up with Inkster-based non-profit organization Project We Hope, Dream, and Believe (PWHDAB) to conduct archaeological excavations at the one-time home of American Civil Rights icon, Malcolm X.

On Tuesday, the home at 4336 Williams St. in Inkster, Michigan was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. This distinction is a "validation" of the importance of the site, said Todd Walsh, the National Register coordinator for the state historic preservation office.

PWHDAB has received a $380,000 grant to restore the home, where Malcolm X lived (1952-53), from the National Park Service African American Civil Rights program. Aaron Sims, the CEO of PWHDAB, said he has plans to turn the house into a museum and intends to feature information about other notable Black Americans with connections to Inkster, including "Roots" author Alex Haley, NBC newscaster Lester Holt and baseball legend Hank Aaron.

He'd also like to build a community center on adjacent lots. With the recent recognition from the National Register of Historic Places, more money can be freed up through tax credits.