The Malcolm X Ella Little Collins house is more than just a building; it’s a living testament to American history, civil rights, and family legacy.
Malcolm X and Ella Little Collins are legendary figures in American history. Malcolm X, a powerful civil rights leader, and his sister Ella, a fierce activist and matriarch, profoundly shaped the fight for racial justice. Their home in Roxbury, Boston, known as the Malcolm X Ella Little Collins House, stands as a symbol of resilience, activism, and community strength.
By stepping inside this historic house, you’ll discover how it served as a nurturing ground for Malcolm X’s early years and a hub for civil rights activism led by Ella.
The Historical Context of the Malcolm X–Ella Little Collins House
The Roxbury Neighborhood: Then and Now
| Person | Personal Info | Net Worth | Current Residence |
|---|---|---|---|
| – Full name: Malcolm Little (later el-Hajj Malik el-Shabazz) – Born: May 19, 1925, Omaha, Nebraska – Died: February 21, 1965 (assassinated) – Civil rights activist, Muslim minister, Nation of Islam leader – Lived with sister Ella in Boston (1941-1944) – Spouse: Betty Shabazz (1958-1965) – Children: 6 | Not precisely documented; no significant personal fortune reported; family estate or exact net worth unknown | Deceased (1965) | |
| – Born: 1914, Butler, Georgia – Half-sister and guardian to Malcolm X during his teens – Civil rights activist and investor in Boston – Joined and later left Nation of Islam, became Sunni Muslim – Died: 1996 at her home in Boston – Managed grocery store and house investments – Worked as secretary to Congressman Adam Clayton Powell | Not publicly available; involved in investments in property as landlord | Deceased (1996); home at 72 Dale Street, Roxbury, Boston preserved as historic site owned by Collins family descendants |
Roxbury, Boston, has long been a vibrant cultural hub, especially for the African American community. Originally a rural area, Roxbury evolved into a bustling neighborhood rich with Black culture, activism, and entrepreneurship.
The Dale Street location of the Malcolm X–Ella Little Collins house is particularly important. It was situated in a community where African American families built strong social networks and fought for civil rights. This neighborhood was a backdrop for many pivotal moments in Black history in Boston.
Construction and Early Years of the House
The house itself was built in 1874, during a time when the area was transitioning from large estates to a lively residential neighborhood. Architecturally, it is a 2½-story wood-frame structure with Queen Anne style influences, which was popular in the late 19th century.
Over the years, the house witnessed the transformation of Roxbury from a quiet suburb to a center of African American life and activism.
Ella Little Collins: The Matriarch Behind the House
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Malcolm X–Ella Little-Collins House | |
| 72 Dale Street, Roxbury, Boston, Massachusetts | |
| 42°19′17.5″N 71°5′11″W (42.321528°N 71.08639°W) | |
| 1874 | |
| William Rumnil (local builder) | |
| Primarily Queen Anne (original exterior remnants); Art Deco style garage at the rear | |
| 2½-story wood-frame house on a Roxbury puddingstone foundation | |
| Approximately 0.16 acres (0.065 hectares) | |
| Gabled roof | |
| Childhood home of Malcolm X during his teenage years (1941–1944); home to his sister Ella Little-Collins, civil rights activist; site where Malcolm X was first exposed to Islam, influencing his conversion | |
| Originally built on former country estate and farm land; purchased by Ella Little-Johnson (Collins) in 1941; remains in the Collins family; currently owned by Rodnell Collins, Ella’s son and Malcolm X’s nephew | |
| – Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2021 (NRHP ref. No. 100005455) | |
| – Designated a Boston City Landmark by the Boston Landmarks Commission in 1998 | |
| Vacant for several decades; restoration estimated at $750,000 (Historic Boston Inc.); plans to restore and repurpose, potentially as student housing or cultural center | |
| Symbolizes Malcolm X’s formative years and civil rights legacy; Ella Collins was active in the Nation of Islam and community organizations | |
| – Archaeological digs recovered over 18,000 artifacts including from Malcolm X’s residency era | |
| – Home located near Malcolm X Park and Roxbury’s Nubian Square | |
| – Restoration efforts involve stabilization and preserving original interior features and exterior Queen Anne details | |
| – Ella bought house in 1941; Malcolm lived there until 1944 | |
| – Malcolm X helped establish a Nation of Islam temple nearby in the 1950s | |
| – Ella passed away in the house in 1996 | |
| – The home was named to the National Trust’s list of America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places in 2012 |
Life and Legacy of Ella Little Collins
Ella Little Collins was much more than Malcolm X’s sister. She was a strong-willed woman with deep roots in the struggle for Black empowerment. Born into a family that valued activism, Ella migrated to Boston and became a successful business owner and community leader.
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She took on many roles: legal guardian to Malcolm X, entrepreneur, and activist. Her influence on Malcolm was profound, shaping his early worldview and commitment to justice.
Guardian of a Civil Rights Legacy
When Malcolm’s father passed away, Ella became his legal guardian. She provided him with stability and guidance during his formative years. Beyond family, Ella was instrumental in founding the Organization of Afro-American Unity and establishing a mosque with a daycare center in Roxbury, blending religious faith with community service.
Her home was not just a residence but a center for activism and education.
Malcolm X: Formative Years in the Roxbury Home
Arrival in Boston
Malcolm X, born Malcolm Little, moved to Roxbury to live with Ella after difficult early years. This move was pivotal. It placed him in a nurturing environment where he could grow intellectually and spiritually.
Teenage Life Inside the Walls
Life in the house was disciplined but loving. Ella instilled strong values of self-respect, education, and pride in their heritage. Malcolm often spoke about the warmth and strength he found in the home, which contrasted with the hardships he faced elsewhere.
Seeds of Activism
The Roxbury community and the religious atmosphere of the house exposed Malcolm to ideas of Black pride and Islam. These early experiences planted the seeds for his later activism and leadership in the civil rights movement.
Architectural and Cultural Features
Exterior and Interior Overview
The house is a beautiful example of Queen Anne architecture, featuring a wood-frame structure with intricate details. One unique aspect is its Art Deco garage, which stands out as a rare architectural feature in the neighborhood.
Inside, many original period features remain, preserving the 19th-century charm and offering a glimpse into the past.
Preserved Artifacts and Family Heirlooms
Archaeological digs around the property uncovered 18,207 artifacts spanning several generations. These include everyday items, family possessions, and historical pieces linked directly to Malcolm X and Ella Collins.
These artifacts help tell the story of the family’s life and the broader African American experience in Roxbury.
The House as a Cradle of Civil Rights Activity
A Hub of Community and Religious Life
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Ella’s home was more than a family residence; it was a community center. The founding of a local mosque and the introduction of social programs, such as daycare services, occurred here, making the house a beacon of empowerment and education.
Stories from the Home
Family members, especially Rodnell Collins, the current owner, share rich oral histories about the house. These stories reveal the house’s role as a place of strength, learning, and activism.
The Decline, Rediscovery, and Preservation Efforts
From Private Residence to Endangered Landmark
After Malcolm X moved to New York, the house gradually fell out of public attention. Over time, it became endangered due to neglect and urban changes.
Recognizing its importance, preservation groups listed it as an endangered site, sparking efforts to save it.
Restoration Projects and Current Ownership
Today, restoration efforts are underway, led by Rodnell Collins and supported by community organizations. The goal is to preserve the house’s legacy and transform it into an educational and cultural space for future generations.
The Malcolm X–Ella Little Collins House Today
Official Landmarks and Recognitions
The house has been designated a Boston Landmark and added to the National Register of Historic Places. Recent archaeological surveys have deepened understanding of its historical significance.
Visiting and Honoring the Legacy
While the house remains a private residence, visitors can honor its legacy by respecting the boundaries and exploring nearby sites, such as Malcolm X Park, which celebrates the family’s impact.
Why the Malcolm X–Ella Little Collins House Still Matters
A Living Link to American History
This house preserves powerful stories of civil rights, migration, and community strength. It connects us to Malcolm X’s life and Ella’s leadership, inspiring new generations to continue the fight for justice.
Continuing the Legacy
Community initiatives use the house’s legacy to engage youth and promote African American history. Readers can support these efforts by learning more, visiting related sites, or contributing to preservation campaigns.
Summary Table: Key Facts About the Malcolm X–Ella Little Collins House
Aspect Details
Location Roxbury, Boston, Massachusetts
Built 1874
Architectural Style: Queen Anne with Art Deco garage
Key Residents Malcolm X (Malcolm Little), Ella Little Collins
Historical Significance: Childhood home of Malcolm X; center for civil rights activism and community programs
Preservation Status: Boston Landmark, National Register of Historic Places; ongoing restoration efforts
Current Owner Rodnell Collins (family descendant)
Notable Features: 18,207 artifacts found; original period details preserved
Community Role: Mosque founding, daycare center, and Organization of Afro-American Unity involvement
Where Does Malcolm X and Ella Collins Currently Live?
Malcolm X and Ella Collins no longer live, as they are historical figures from the mid-20th century. Malcolm X, born in 1925, died in 1965, and his half-sister Ella Little-Collins, born in 1914, passed away in 1996.
Their historic childhood home, known as the Malcolm X—Ella Little-Collins House, is located at 72 Dale Street in the Roxbury neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts. Malcolm X lived there during his teenage years (1941-1944), under the guardianship of Ella, who was a civil rights activist involved with the Nation of Islam and later Sunni Islam. The house is a preserved historic landmark owned by the Collins family and serves as a site to honor Malcolm X’s legacy. Plans are underway to restore it and transform it into a cultural and educational space for graduate students studying Black history and civil rights.
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