Annual Governor’s Awards recognizes historic preservation achievements in Michigan
If you’re from Inkster, you know that for the better part of the past decade, Aaron Simms and Dawon Lynn have been on a quest to turn Malcolm X’s Williams Street home into a national museum.
The home is where Malcolm lived for nearly two years in the early 1950s with his brother and sister-in-law after he was released from a Massachusetts prison.
“Detroit Red: This is where he laid his head and the foundation for the leader he became. He converted to Islam while he was living here with his brother. So it’s time for Inkster to hold its head high and say we had one of America’s greatest,” Simms told the Michigan Chronicle earlier this year.
On May 2, 2024, Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) awarded Simms and three other Michigan preservation projects for the Governor’s Awards for Historic Preservation during a ceremony hosted by the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). Communities outside of Inkster represented by the projects include the Hiawatha National Forest region, the Keweenaw Peninsula, and Ludington.
Now in its 21st year, the Governor’s Awards for Historic Preservation program, held annually during National Historic Preservation Month, was created by SHPO to celebrate outstanding historic preservation achievements that reflect a commitment to the preservation of Michigan’s unique character and the many archaeological sites and historic places that represent our rich past. This year’s event took place in Heritage Hall at the Michigan State Capitol.
“The Malcolm X House is a reminder of Michigan’s special role in the movements for civil rights and freedom,” said Governor Whitmer. “Since our state’s founding, Michigan has played host to so much history, and we have a responsibility to keep telling those stories to inspire future generations. Together, we can protect and expand our fundamental rights and keep moving Michigan forward.”
Over the decades, the house fell on hard times, leading it to be marked for demolition. After a multi-year effort, the house was removed from the demolition list, listed in the National Register of Historic Places, and a substantial rehabilitation project is now underway. Led by the non-profit Project We Hope, Dream, and Believe, the house is being transformed into a museum that will focus on the life and significance of Malcolm X, advocacy, and as a youth learning center.
A partnership with the Wayne State University Anthropology Program was established to conduct archaeological studies on the Inkster property, yielding hundreds of 20th century artifacts. The project has been embraced by the community who support the effort and have been getting involved every step of the way. Despite his transient life, few of the places Malcolm resided remain standing today. Although vacant for several years, the form and structure of the modest house are largely intact as it was when the Littles lived here. The rehabilitation project is expected to be completed in 2024 as an important Inkster destination and place of learning in the community.
“The preservation of the Malcom X home is a source of pride for city residents. I am pleased it was chosen to restore this important piece of the Inkster’s history,” said Sen. Dayna Polehanki (5th District).
The house is expected to be completed this summer, and Simms said other than turning the physical house into a museum, there are plans to convert adjacent properties into community spaces and urban agriculture plots for sustainable community food growing.
“This project has been a labor of love, but the community deserves to see this rich history. Inkster has a rich history and Malcolm X is a part of that, so we’re not going to stop until we see that through,” Simms said.