Wayne State Anthropology's Malcolm X House Project honored with Governor's Awards for Historic Preservation
The Wayne State University Department of Anthropology's commitment to preserving local history has been acknowledged as one of four standout projects in Michigan, earning the prestigious Governor's Awards for Historic Preservation.
Since 2021, in collaboration with local nonprofit Project We Hope Dream & Believe (PWHDAB), WSU's Department of Anthropology has been working to restore the once-home of social revolutionary and civil rights leader, Malcolm X.
Located in Inkster, the historic home was once owned by Malcolm's brother, Wilfred, where Malcolm resided in the early 1950s. It was during this transformative period that Malcolm Little adopted the name Malcolm 'X', marking the inception of his journey into the public eye.
“This recognition not only emphasizes Wayne State's longtime commitment to preserving Michigan's great history but also highlights the vital role our students play in this important work."
WSU President Dr. Kimberly Andrews Espy
In 2021, WSU Anthropology Professor Tareq Ramadan secured a grant to restore this historic structure. The funding will play a pivotal role in renovating and transforming the home into a museum, commemorating Malcolm's life and invaluable contributions to the civil rights movement.
The highest honor for preservation projects, the Governor’s Awards for Historic Preservation recognizes standout projects across both peninsulas, exemplifying the collaboration and deep impact preservation can have in Michigan communities. Recipients are meticulously selected by Michigan's State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and the State Historic Preservation Review Board.
Ramadan and Department of Anthropology Chairperson Krysta Ryzewski were on hand at the May 2 award ceremony hosted by SHPO. They accepted the award alongside Aaron Sims, co-founder and executive director of PWHDAB.
"We are incredibly grateful for receiving the Governor's Awards for Historic Preservation for the restoration work carried out by Project We Hope Dream & Believe and the archaeological work conducted by Wayne State Anthropology," said Ramadan. "This was a collaborative effort aimed at preserving Inkster history for future generations and included the participation of community members who worked alongside us with great pride and purpose. We are thankful for the collective efforts of everyone involved and we are truly appreciative of the recognition this award brings to these projects and the community."
Moreover, this project allows WSU students to engage in the type of experiential learning the university is known for.
“This recognition not only emphasizes Wayne State's longtime commitment to preserving Michigan's great history but also highlights the vital role our students play in this important work," said WSU President Dr. Kimberly Andrews Espy. "This hands-on learning approach by Drs. Ramadan and Ryzewski, two outstanding WSU faculty members, enhances our students' academic experience, while simultaneously preparing them for prosperous careers in heritage conservation, anthropology and other history-related fields."
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WDET's The Metro interviews Tareq Ramadan about Malcolm X’s Inkster home receiving the Governor’s Award for Historic Preservation.