LIBRARY Michigan State University PLACE IN RETURN BOX to remove this checkout from your record. To AVOID FINES return on or before date due. MAY BE RECALLED with earlier due date if requested. DATE DUE DATE DUE DATE DUE 2/05 mm.m15 —-—-— .::-‘_-'- mhg-w—G‘u.“ .L.~.'_ _ L ‘. -~ . a Plan B Paper _ "#3:: ,1 Wilson, Jada. 2004. "" The Study of Historic Homes: A proposal for the Re-development of the Malcolm X Homesite by Jada Wilson A33889138 Michigan State University October 31, 2004 Table of Contents Introduction Historic Preservation African-American Historic Preservation Sites &Homes Methodology Historic Homes Mary McLeod Bethune Council House Frederick Douglass Home Maggie L. Walker Home Archibald Smith Plantation Home Herndon Home Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthplace Home Martin Luther King, Jr. & Malcolm X: A comparison Importance of the Malcolm X Homesite Malcolm X Homesite Re-Development of The Malcolm X Homesite Conclusion Bibliography 16 17 18 22 23 24 Introduction This paper will evaluate historic homes in the Historic Preservation field and determine possible strategies to redevelop the Malcolm X Homesite. African-American historic preservation is currently an endangered entity in today’s society. Preservation, maintenance and awareness is needed in order to rescue many historical sites. The Malcolm X Homesite is in danger of extinction because there has been no further development. With the solution suggested in this paper to re-develop the Malcolm X Homesite, one of the most important African-American historical sites can be saved from the threat of extinction. Historic Preservation Historic preservation is an important endeavor in today’s society. It reflects upon thepastandgivesantmderstandingastowherepeoplearegoinginthefirtm'e. The nation’s character comes from all types of ethnic, racial and other national groups. The National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 gave the Secretary of Interior the authority to expand and maintain the National Register to assist in recognizing and preserving historic places as living parts of communities (African-American Historic Places 1994). African-American preservation is an important factor in society. These sites are important because of their rich history and importance of our remembrance of yesterday. An important part of historic preservation is to redevelop historic sites to reflect upon the history of our time and to make a more productive society with the study of the past. Preservation makes an important impact on development of land, housing and many functions in Urban and Regional Planning. For many reasons, Afiican—American Historic Preservation has gone unnoticed. A major reason is that there is knowledge of many historic sites. Many historic sites are present, but because of lack of interest fiom the African-American commtmity there is no awareness. Another reason is the availability of fimding for African-American Historic Preservation. lfthe Afiican-American community showed stronger interest in preservation, funding might be more available in their community. One important part of historic preservation is Afiican-American history. As a class of people, African-Americans tend to shy away from preserving their rich heritage. Some feel as though African-Americans have experienced a tragic past and ask the question why should there be a reflection? Others feel as though a more important method is to learn about our history through the schools where their children attend. Some techniques and implementation strategies exist that are saving African- American historic sites. The National Park Service is a national program that is saving some of the African-American site. The National Park Service is charged with preserving the nation’s natural and culnn'al heritage in America (National Park 1994). As the federal partner of the national historic preservation program with other federal agencies, state historic preservation oflices, local governments, and the public, the park service leads the National Register program (National Park 1994). The Park preserves this history by maintaining the monuments, lands, and historic sites designated to honor events and persons important in American history (National Park 1994). There are more than 62,000 properties listed in the National Register that convey the stories of Americans (National Park 1994). Following the American tradition, there has to be a reflection of the diversity of people in the nation. The National Park Service commemorates the history of African-Americans through several sites devoted to the preservation of African-American history (National Park 1994). The National Park Service has addressed African-American sites by dedicating websites, books, and lists of many African-American Historic Sites in the United States. Another implementation rationale for African-American historic preservation is self-preservation as a people. Self-preservation means that preserving the past of you. Many African-American institutions and other locations where African-American artists, leaders, and others lived and worked are listed in the National Register of Historic Places (Natiorml Park 1994). To demonstrate the contributions Afiican—Americans made to their communities and the society, owners of many of these sites have preserved or restored them, and some sites are open for public viewing (National Park 1994). These places allow visitors to walk through the door of a building and experience the historic environment where African-American geniuses created beauty, style and art forms that future generations, can appreciate (National Park 1994). Private non-profit organizations also address preserving African-American historic preservation. A positive to African-American Historic Preservation is the creation and operation of non-profit organizations. The African-American Historic Preservation Foundation is a non-profit organization that began in 1994. The mission of this organization is to act as a resource center for community groups, preservationists, genealogical and historical societies, not-for-profit organizations and government entities, nationwide, needing assistance in the preservation of African American historical sites and history. This organization was created as a result of Ms. Renee Ingram’s effort to preserve her family’s cemetery, which is an endangered rural cemetery. Her efforts were rewarded with the cemetery being placed on the National Register of Places in 1994 (AAI-{P 1994). Afi'ican-Anrerican Historic Preservation Sites & Homes Many African-American historic sites exist in the United States. Many African- American historic sites exist in America (National Park 1994). There are approximately 200 Historic Homes within the 1,000 count of Afiican-American historic sites. They illustrate the events, people, designs, and information from the past that documents African-American history in 42 states and two territories (National Park 1994). These places reflect importance in such diverse areas as social history, community development, education, science and medicine, the arts and literature women’s history, military events, and civil rights (National Park 1994). Through these places all generations of people can learn African-American history firsthand as to what the Afiican-American experience means to America. Methodology This paper will explore African-American Historic Sites and Homes in order to understand how they began and operations in order to give an adequate proposal for the Redevelopment of the Malcolm X Homesite. Historic Homes The story of current African-American Historic Homes can provide a direction or suggestion in the process of designating and maintaining the Malcolm X’s childhood home as a historic site. There were several historic homes that were visited by the author and researched in order to discover how the site became a historical site, daily operations, attendance, descriptions and any future plans for renovations. One of the most prominent women in history is Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune. This woman was born May 18, 1955 in Mayseville, South Carolina (Cookman 2004). She was educated and taught school. She started a school in 1904 for girls called the Daytona Normal Institute for Girls. She later started a college in 1923 with Darnell Cookman in Daytona Beach, Florida. She was also active in many other organizations. Bethune also held capital stock in the Afro-American Life Insurance Company of Jacksonville and the Central Life Insurance Company of Tampa (Cookman 2004). She also started the National Council of Negro Women. She wanted to work to ensure that all women could work to develop a strong society. This organization consisted of women from all different organizations that included sororities, chmehes and civic organizations. Working in Washington DC. and Daytona Beach, Florida, Dr. Bethune needed a residence and office in DC. in order to conduct business. This was the beginning of The Mary McLeod Bethune Council House. \ OUTCC: “NV“ZHI [SgOV The Mary McLeod Bethune Council House is located in Washington, DC. and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982 and acquired by the National Park Service in 1994 (Joax 2003). The site has a mission statement and a 2-page history about the house. The house has 15 rooms, one kitchen, and two bathrooms. The house served as the headquarters of the National Council of Negro Women, home of Dr. Bethune and accommodations for out of town guests. There is a maintenance crew that maintains the home through the main ofiice of the National Park Service (Joax 2003). In order for the site to have any changes there has to be an act passed by Congress. There are five full-time employees, one part-time student employee and fifieen volunteers. The staff includes: a Site Manager, Archivist, Cultural Resource Manager, Curator of Interpretation, and two Park Rangers. There are approximately 55,000 visitors annually and they have an operating budget of $600,000 annually (Joax 2003). The site is frmded strictly through the National Park Service and there is no charge for admission. There is a General Business Plan that includes current issues that need to be addressed for future redevelopment. There is an annual survey and public program. Another example of an African-American Historic Home is the Frederick Douglass Home. Frederick Douglass was born in 1818 in Talbot County, Md. to a black mother and a white father. He was slave and amazingly learned to read and write from his owner’s wife. He attempted to escape fiom slavery in 1836 (National Park Service 1996). He escaped safely and became an abolitionist for the slave movement. He began giving speeches and launched a newspaper called the North Star (National Park Service 1996). He published several books including his autobiography. He was known as one of the most phenomenal African-American men in African-American History. Source: “unanpsnov J The Frederick Douglass Home is located in Washington, DC. Douglass purchased and moved into his home on September 1, 1877. When he purchased the home there were 14 rooms and 10 acres. At a later date Mr. Douglass added more rooms and bought more land. Today, there are presently 21 rooms and 15 acres. The home was entrusted to the National Park Service in 1962. There is a mission statement and short pamphlet about the home. The mission statements gives the purpose of the home. The home has a maintenance crew through the National Park Service (National Park Service 2003). There are seven full-time employees and two student interns. The site has a Curator, Site Manager and five Park Rangers. There are 64,000 visitors annually. The site is funded through the National Park Service and there is a two-dollar admission fee. The site has a long-term goal of installing an air conditioning system in the home, and a roof on the home (National Park Service 2003). There is no visitors’ service program or education programs. In the past there have been weddings at the site. Another example of a Historic Home is the Maggie L. Walker Home. Maggie L. Walker was born in 1867 in Richmond, VA (Bank 2003). She lived at home with her family until the tragic death of her father. She began working with her mother doing laundry and helping in house hold chores. At the age of 14 she joined a fraternal organization. In 1901 she established a newspaper the St. Luke Herald and in 1902 she charted the St. Luke Penny Savings Bank (Bank 2003). Opening this bank made her the first African-American woman to become president of a bank. She was president until 1931. This bank financed over 645 African-Americans homes (Bank 2003). Maggie L. Walker was the first African-American woman founder and president of a chartered bank in the United States. In 1904, Maggie L. Walker and her husband, Armstead Walker, Jr. purchased an 1883 two-story brick home in Richmond, VA in the Jackson Ward district (Bank 2003). After moving in they later added electricity, a fiance and radiators (Bank 2003). They also added rooms. She was known as the woman that tinned “nickels into dollars.” (Bank 2003). Source: W The Maggie L. Walker Home is located in Richmond, VA and was built in 1883 and was designated in 1978 as part of the National Park Service. The home has 28 rooms, which includes 8 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2—car garage and a basement. There is one maintenance worker that repairs any issues in the home. (Suggs 2003) 10 There are 5 full time employees, 1 part-time employee and 25 volunteers. There are approximately 10,000 visitors annually at the home and maintains an operating budget of $534,000. The Maggie L. Walker Home is funded through the National Park Service and there is a donation box for visitors. There is currently a Strategic Plan in the process of being implemented (Suggs 2003). The major goal of the home is to renovate the exterior of the home in order to have a more authentic look (Suggs 2003). .Irce: www.ciroswellqov The Archibald Smith Plantation home is an example of historic site and home that has been redeveloped. Archibald Smith moved to Roswell, Georgia in the late 1830’s and settled on over 300 acres of farmland (Douglas 2003). Mr. Smith was a very active man in the community. He was active in the Presbyterian Church, and devout Southern who was loyal to the Confederacy. Mr. Smith also was a prominent man in Roswell and maintained a strong voice in the community (Douglas 2003). The Archibald Smith Plantation Home is located in Roswell, Georgia. This home has been maintained for over 150 years and has been a part of the Smith family for five generations. Currently the home is maintained by the City of Roswell, Georgia but still partly owned by descendants (Douglas 2003). The site is not placed on the National Register of Historic Places or on the National Park Service. The site has a mission 11 statement and pamphlet that gives the history of the home. The home has 1 main house and 16 outbuildings, which included everything from a guest house to the servant house. The house maintenance is maintained by the City of Roswell’s maintenance department. (Douglas 2003). There is 1 firll-time employee, 7 part-time, 25 volunteers. There are 15,000 visitors annually with an operating budget of $150,000 (Douglas 2003). The site is funded through the city and donations and there is a $6.00 admission fee. The site has visitors’ services, educational programs and hosts receptions and meetings on an ongoing basis. The Smith home has a Long-Range Strategic Plan to make renovations to the home that includes, new ventilation system, redecoration and other designated plans by the Site Manager (Douglas 2003). One of the best examples of an African-American Historic Home is the Hemdon Home. Alonzo Franklin Hemdon was born a slave in 1858 near the town of Social Circle in Walton County, Georgia. He had only one year of formal education, but learned barbering in Jonesboro, Georgia, where in 1878 he opened his first barbershop. (Hemdon 2003). Having arrived in Atlanta in 1882, he worked his way to the top of the city's barbering trade, eventually owning and operating three barbershops He invested his barbering income in real estate, becoming by the early 1900's the largest Afiican-American property owner in Atlanta. His most significant business venture was when he acquired what would become Atlanta Life Insm'ance Company, today the largest Black-owned stockholder insurance company in America (Hemdon 2003). Alonzo Hemdon married Adrienne Hemdon and lived in his home after the construction in 1910. He later married Jessie Hemdon after the untimely death of 12 Adrienne. Hemdon had one son, Norris who was a resident and maintained the mansion after his father’s death. .\.m.. My”... //.,....\- Source: vm wthehemdon.org The Hemdon Home is located in Atlanta, GA and is currently listed as a National Historic Landmark. There is a mission statement and a pamphlet about the history of the home. The mansion has 15 rooms, 2 bathrooms, and a gift shop. The home has a housekeeper and a contracted yard maintenance department (Merritt 2003). There are 4 full-time employees, 7 part-time and 2 volunteers. There are 12,000 visitors annually with an operating budget of $350,000 (Merritt 2003). The home is funded through the Hemdon Foundation, and any federal funding that is available. The home has a strategic plan and a goal to change the mechanical system (Merritt 2003).The Hemdon Home does not have any visitor services program or educational programs. The mansion host receptions, weddings and luncheons. The Hemdon Home is located in the center of one of the oldest historically black colleges in the country. One of the most well-known examples of an Afiican-American Historic Home is the Martin Luther King, Jr. Home. Martin Luther King, Jr. was born on January 15, 1929 in Atlanta, Georgia. His father was a Baptist Minister and his mother was a musician. He 13 was the second of three children and he grew up in an all black-neighborhood (National Historic Site — Georgia 2003). He attended all black schools. At 15 he graduated from high school and at the age of 19 he graduated fiom Morehouse College. Before he turned 27, he gained two other degrees. He obtained a PhD as one of these degrees (National Historic Site — Georgia 2003). He married Coretta Scott and moved to Alabama. He became pastor of the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in 1954 and this is where he began to play an important part of the Civil Rights Movement. He was a strong leader in the Afiican-American community and led a non-violent life. Dr. King led the March on Washington which was one of the most historic events in the Civil Rights Movement. He died a tragic death on April 4, 1968. Dr. King was assassinated at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee which is currently the Civil Rights Movement Museum. The Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthplace Home is located in Atlanta, Georgia at 501 Auburn Avenue. This home was built in 1895, and housed King’s grandparents, parents, siblings and other relatives at one time or another. This lasted for the first twelve 14 years of his life. In 1941, the family moved into a new home (National Historic Site — Georgia 2003 ). The home now serves as a National Historic Landmark along with other sites in the area known as the King Center. The home has been restored to reflect the original appearance. The home was developed by the National Park Service in 1980. This site is unique because not only is the home a site but a part of a bigger site which is the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site. In its entirety it includes: The Birthplace Home The Fire Station No. 6 Ebenezer Baptist Chmch Gravesite of Dr. King Freedom Hall (Contains exhibits of personal artifacts of Dr. King) 0 Historic commercial buildings, parks and homes All of these sites are maintained by the National Park Service. The site has a mission and a pamphlet about the site. Because the site is owned by the National Park Service, there is a contracted maintenance service (Business Plan 2000). The home has 4 bedrooms, a parlor, kitchen, laundry, study and one bathroom. There are 44 full-time employees, 60 voltmteers and approximately 600,000 visitors annually (Business Plan 2000). The site also has an annual operating budget of over $2 million dollars. They are funded through the National Park Service and donations. Within the next five years the park will expand and also develop the property where the birthplace home is located and will have over 2,000 artifacts. The above described historic homes all contain a rich history and maintain a full service historical facility for tourist every year. The majority of these homes are owned by the government through the National Park Service. The homes all maintain a strong sense ofhistory and have all been in existence since they were first built. None ofthe 15 homes have been rebuilt for view for visitors and/or tourists. Each home generally had a mission statement. The mission statement states what the purpose of the site is, what they believe and why they are in existence. These homes gives a overview as to how African-American homes are maintained over time, how they began, what it takes to operate and gives a detailed description of each home. The interviews conducted allowed for the true and factual sense of what it takes to maintain and operate a historic site and/or home at a first-hand basis. This information will give a foundation to the possible redevelopment of the Malcolm X Homesite. Malcolm X and Martin Luther King, Jr.: A comparison Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X were two leaders in the Civil Rights Movement. From history we know that Martin Luther King, Jr. was known as a non- violent leader. However, Malcolm was known as the most controversial leader in the movement. Some saw Malcolm as a trouble maker who did not make it better for Afiican-Americans during the Civil Rights Movement. Because of these views, Martin Luther King has been honored at a higher degree than Martin. King has been honored with a national holiday, almost every major city has a street named in honor of him and he has a National Historic Site. Malcolm X does not have a national holiday, he has a street named in his honor in New York and he does not have a National Historic Site. However, Malcolm lived a life and influenced the Afiican- American community as much as Martin Luther King, Jr. Martin Luther King, Jr. only has his childhood home in existence it is one of six different sites in one park. Malcolm on the other hand has only a historical marker 16 located at the original site of one of his homes, which is not noticeable to anyone unless you are within 100 feet of the marker. Malcolm’s marker is located on Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. in Lansing, Michigan. These above comparisons show how Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X are not seen equally. King is seen as a martyr whereas, Malcolm is seen as a controversial man with automatic caution is raised when there is a mention ofhis name. Why is Malcolm’s site just as important as Martin Luther King, Jr. site? The following chapter will answer why the Malcolm X Homesite is important. Importance of the Malcolm X Homesite The events experienced by Malcolm X in this house reflect the experiences of many Afiican American families at that time and ultimately, led to an approach to inequalities that was vastly different than that of Martin Luther King Jr. By understanding these influences, we can better understand and appreciate and evaluate their different approaches. The Malcolm X homesite in Lansing, Michigan is a very important site. The reason for this is the significant events that took place at this site. According to Yvonne Woodward (Malcolm X’s younger sister), this site is where Malcolm’s father bought and built the home by himself (Woodward 2003). Given the time period, many Afiican—Americans did not own property they usually rented fiom some individual. The accomplishment of his father to buy and build this property holds a strong significance. The home was also significant to the family of Malcolm X. Their mother maintained the home after a tragic death of their father. Besides the family and 17 their history what is more important is that the leader that spent a substantial amount of time and a critical time of Malcolm X’s life. Malcolm X grew up and attended schools in the Lansing area tmtil the age of 15. He experienced his first encounters with whites in this area and at this home. Malcolm experienced racism fiom a local mailman (Woodward 2003). Malcolm also spent his later years in life visiting Lansing and his family in the area. After Malcolm converted to Islam he was engaged and was married in Lansing, Michigan (Woodward 2003). Finally, this home was alleged taken fiom the family after Malcolm’s mother was placed in a mental hospital in Kalamazoo, Michigan (Woodward 2003). Shortly before Malcolm’s death, he hired a local attorney in Lansing to pursue the possible allegation of the home being illegally taken (Woodward 2003). Malcolm died before any actual transaction was pursed for the case. Malcolm X experienced racism, hatred and discrimination fiom whites while living in this house. These factors give reasons why this area should be developed. Malcolm X Home Site In 1925 MalcolmeasbomtoEaflandLouiseLitfleinOmahaNebraska. In 1929, Earl Little moved his family to Lansing, Michigan to a home near the current Lansing Capital City Airport. Within that same year, the house was set fire by a mob and was destroyed (Benson 2002). In the same year the Little Family moved to 401 S. Charles Street in East Lansing. Frandor Shopping Center currently occupies the former Charles Street area. After experiencing racism at this location, Earl Little purchased 4 acresofproperty about4miles outsideofthe Lansingcity limit. Thisiswherethe official Malcolm X Home site marker is currently standing. The address was 4905 S. 18 Logan Street. Mr. Cyril McGuire, a childhood friend recalls, “My brother and I would go and guard about an acre of the Little’s property. On this property were plants, corn, and beans (McGuire 2002). The Little Family lived in the home tmtil 1937, alter Earl Little was killed in 1931. The family was separated and their mother was sent to 3 Mental Hospital in Kalamazoo, Michigan (Moore 1975).The children were sent to various homes in Lansing. Mrs. Jennie Washington recalls, “Malcolm’s two older siblings lived in the house after the family separated” (Washington 2002). The next official document is a probate court record that transfers the property to Mr. and Mrs. Van Walker in July 1963. This document states that Louise Little was deceased. However, Mrs. Little did not die until 1989 (Woodward 2003). The Little family suffered great harassment after the death of their father. There was constant harassment fiom the state welfare department, mailman, and other white people in the city of Lansing (Woodward 2003). This harassment is what led to the separation of the Little Family and alleged taking of the property. This also drew Malcolm X and several of his siblings to the Nation of Islam and a dislike of white people. After several years the house was demolished and town homes (apartments) were erected on the site. In the late 1990’s a group called the Organization for the Commemoration of Malcolm X tried to redevelop the site. The key members of the organization included Mr. Jethro Harris, Dr. Willie Davis, and Mr. Lewis Sirnms (Davis 2002). The Organization for the Commemoration of Malcolm X decided in 1993 that something more than a plaque should be placed on the site. These individuals are cm'rently community residents whom saw a need for the redevelopment of the home site. 19 The goal of this group was to bring a more visible memorial of Malcolm X. The technique used was raising money from the community in order to place a picture, brick wall,andplaqueonthesite. Thiswasunsuccessfirlduetothelackoffimdingandlittle interest fi'om the community of Lansing. “Lack of funding, an official agreement of what to do, and the recent opening of the Shabazz Academy prevented the redevelopment of the site” states Dr. Willie Davis. The site sits on the corner of Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. and Vincent Court. The marker is next to a sign bearing the name “Regency Town homes.” A letter was sent to Ms. Pat Lane, Manager of the Regency Town homes, by the committee asking for a more recognizable site to be developed. The committee also sought support from filmmaker, Mr. Spike Lee. Mr. Lee produced a movie about Malcolm X in 1994. Their attemptstohaveMr. Ieepremierethefilminlansingwereunsuccessfirl. The goal of the committee is to have people acknowledge that this is the home site of Malcolm X and that the majority of his childhood was spent in the Lansing community. The committee’s plan included a 50”x 36” poster of Malcolm X with a 3/4' plexi glass cover. Spotlights will highlight the picture in a sandstone or limestone frame that would be six inches shorter than the marker width beside the current marker. Additionally, a brick wall approximately 6’ x 6’ would be erected around the plaque. Shrubbery would be relocated to the sides and rear of the plaque to give greater visibility and accessibility to the site. The committee never had intentions on developing the site more than the above plan. The committee planned to have the site redeveloped in the late spring of 1994. The committee also began raising funds to have the plan implemented. 20 One potential explanation for the failm'e of the plans was lack of national help. If the committee had sought after the help of the National Park Service, Afiican-American Historic Preservation Organizations, community groups, and planners the goal could have possibly been met. These efiorts would have involved more individuals with ideas and better planning. Another possible strategy would have been for the organization to talk to the owners ofthe property instead ofthe manager. The owners would have made better decisions and had more input than the manager of the town homes. Malcolm X Homesite Malcolm X Homesite Street View (Source: www.michmarkerscom ) 21 lie-development of the Malcolm X Homesite A potential solution to this problem of under-development of an Afiican-American Historic Preservation site is to redevelop and build a replica of the Little Family residence. First, because of allegation of takings, a possible legal action against the city, state or entity that is in charge of property taxes is possible. The siblings of Malcolm X are currently working with an attorney to address the potential taking issue ofthe property. This strategy could possibly regain ownership for the Little Family. A second factor would be to begin a foundation in honor of Malcolm X and the Little Family. These funds would raise funds for the re-development of the site. A replica of the Little home would be placed at the site. This home would include photographs, artifacts, and any history of the Little Family. This home would of course, be placed on the National Historical Site listing. Also potential assistance from many Afiican-American Historic Preservation organizations, National Park Service and many other governmental resources could contribute to the redevelopment. The house would include input fiom Malcolm X’s living sisters, fiiends of the Little children that are still in the area today and any key players in the development of the site. An alternative to this solution to redevelopment is needed because of the problems of the possible legal allegations. The property may not be able to be regained for this pmpose or otherwise. Thus, a smaller scale plan could be implemented. A discussion with the owners of the property to allow a memorial added to the site of the marker. A gazebo with a plaque reflecting the names ofthe deceased family members, pictures ofMalcolmX, apond,andbenchesplacednexttothemarkertoreflecta memorial. There could be funds raised and help fi'om the National Park Service and other African-American Historic Preservation organizations could help implement this smaller plan to redevelop the site. Conclusion In conclusion, the above research looks at the potential redevelopment of an Afiican-American Historic Site. Afiican-American Historic Preservation is an important entity in today’s society. The development of a site could enhance and enlighten many individuals in Lansing, Michigan, and even the society’s view of Afiican-American Historic Preservation. The redevelopment of this site is important not only to the African-American race, but to the planning profession also. The job of a planner is to redevelop or develop and maintain om cities, towns and society in order to have a more organized and sufficient society for day-to-day living. Historic sites are a part of this duty. The Malcolm X Homesite is a part of history for society and especially important to the Afiican- American community. Malcolm X maintained a very hard and controversial life which left a legacy of harshness to society. Some individuals feel that he does not deserve a strong presence in society because of his controversial views. Others will say that he does not have suflicient standards and to place his marker on the street honored to Martin Luther King, Jr. is an insult. This paper was written in defense of the Malcolm X Homesite to be redeveloped for planning purposes, for homage to a strong leader and to make aware that this is an important part of not only African-American history, but American history as well. Bibliography Books: The Afiican-American Library, Malcolm X Journey to Freedom. Chanhassen: The Child’s World, Inc., 2002. Benson, Michael, Malcolm X Minneapolis: Lerner Publications Company, 2002. Bill Goodrich, “Malcolm X honored with Marker,” Michigan Press Reading Service, State News, October 14, 1975. Bradley Moore, “Committee Seeks Funds For Malcolm X Marker,” The Lookout Lansing Commmrity College, May 8, 1975. Collins, Rodnell, Seventh Child Secaucus: Carol Publishing Group, 1998. Draper, Allison Stark, The Assassination of Malcolm X. New York: The Rosen Publishing Group Inc., 2002. Dobby, Alan Conservation and planning. London: Hutchinson, 978. Faragasso, Frank, “Afiican-American History and Culture: A Remembering,” Cultural Resource Management Washington, D.C.: National Park Service 1997 Haley, Alex, The Autobiography of Malcolm X New York: Ballentine Books 1964. Jenkins, Robert L., The Malcolm X Encyclopedia Westport: Greenwood Press, 2002. National Park Service, “Historic Preservation and the Civil Rights Movement,” Cultural Resource Management Washington D.C.: National Park Service 1998:26-28. National Park Service, “Interpreting Afiican-American History in the National Parks,” Cultural Resource Management Washington, D.C.: National Park Service 1998: 21-25. National Park Service Martin Luther King, Jr. Business Plan 2000, 2002 National Park Service National Historic Site -— Georgia, 2003 National Register of Historic Places, African-A merican Historic Places. New York: Preservation Press, 1994 24 National Trust for Historic Preservation, Basic preservation procedures. Washington D.C.: National Trust for Historic Preservation, 1995. Perry, Bruce, Malcolm. New York: Station Hill Press, Inc. 1991. Strickland, William, Make It Plain: Malcolm X. New York: Penguin Group, 1994. Tyler, Norman, Issues of Historic Preservation Columbus: Greyden Press, 1994. Websites: African-American Historic Preservation Foundation. www.aahpf.com AAHPF August 10, 2002. Bethune-COOkman College, Our Founder’s History www.cookmzm.edu. August 10, 2003. Carter G. Woodson House, National Historical Landmark Program “WVTN.NHL.COITT August 10, 2003. Frederick Douglass Home, National Park Service wwwnpsgov. August 10, 2003. Heritage Preservation Services, Public Participation In Historic Preservation Flaming. vnmxnpsgov August 10, 2003. The Hemdon Home, www.thcherndonlmme.org. August 10, 2003 Michigan Historical Markers, Malcolm X Homesite www.michm ark ersco m January 20, 2004. Walker Lasting Legacy, Federal Reserve Bank wwwrich.t‘rborg August 10, 2003. Interviews Mrs. Carole Merritt, Atlanta, Georgia, Interview by Jada Wilson, August 19, 2003. Mrs. Celia Suggs, Richmond, VA Interview by Jada Wilson, August 15, 2003. Mr. Chuck Douglas, Roswell, Georgia Interview by Jada Wilson, August 18, 2003. Mr. Cyril McGuire, Lansing, Michigan, Interview by Jada Wilson, September 14, 2002. Mrs. Diann Joax, Washington, DC, Interview by Jada Wilson, August 14, 2003. Mrs. Jennie Washington, Lansing, Michigan, Interview by Jada Wilson, September 17, 25 2002. Dr. Willie Davis, Lansing, Michigan, Interview by Jada Wilson, September 16, 2002. Mrs. Yvonne Woodward, Lansing, Michigan, Interview by Jada Wilson, January 8, 2003. Mrs. Yvonne Woodward, Lansing, Michigan, Interview by Jada Wilson, January 10, 2003. Mrs. Yvonne Woodward, Bitely, Michigan, Interview by Jada Wilson, February 22, 2003. 26 ,.-J€MHWWV§°3"O’P“Pf-rum: o n. q.....a. .50 o Ir.t..L-\o IIHININIWIIIIIIHIUHIIIlllllllUllUlllllllllHlllHllHl 31293 02656 8729 i . 7 , .. — i. 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