Malcolm X College: A Legacy of Education, Empowerment, and Healthcare Excellence
Malcolm X College (MXC), a public municipal community college on Chicago's Near West Side, boasts a rich history rooted in community activism and a commitment to providing career-oriented education. From its humble beginnings as Crane Junior College to its current status as a Center of Excellence in healthcare, MXC has evolved to meet the changing needs of its students and the surrounding community.
From Crane Junior College to Malcolm X College: A Historical Overview
The story of Malcolm X College begins in 1911 with the establishment of Crane Junior College, the first of the City Colleges of Chicago. Founded as a junior college for graduates of nearby Crane High School, it quickly grew to become the largest junior college in the nation by 1929. However, the Great Depression forced its closure in 1933.
In 1934, the college reopened as Theodor Herzl Junior College, named after the founder of the modern Zionism movement, and was located in the North Lawndale neighborhood. Clarence Darrow successfully argued for the school to remain open during the financially challenging times.
The late 1960s brought significant change. In 1968, driven by the demands of the local community, the school was renamed Malcolm X College, honoring the influential African American revolutionary, Muslim minister, and human rights activist. This renaming reflected the community's desire for a school that resonated with their aspirations and identity. Allen Hood, a student at Crane Junior College and member of Malcolm X College’s first graduating class, noted that the students identified more with the mindset of Malcolm X than with Dr. King. Students organized protests to ensure the college was named after Malcolm X. The college was relocated to its present site at 1900 W. Jackson Blvd. The Douglas Blvd. site now houses Theodor Herzl Elementary School, operated by Chicago Public Schools.
A Commitment to Modernist Design and State-of-the-Art Facilities
In 1971, a new campus building, designed by architect Gene Summers in a modernist style inspired by Mies van der Rohe, opened at 1900 West Van Buren. The sleek, three-story black building was considered an architectural marvel. Summers, an assistant to Mies Van Der Rohe, gave the campus a look similar to the IIT campus designed by Rohe. This building became a hub for the "black power movement" on the West Side in the 1970s, attracting idealistic young teachers and socially conscious students from across the country. Black political figures and entertainers frequented the school, drawn to the only institution in the nation bearing Malcolm X's name.
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The college attracted such notable blacks as Nikki Giovanni, Stokley Carmichael and Jesse Jackson. Entertainers such as Sammy Davis Jr. visited the school. Gospel singers Andre and Sandra Crouch and the R&B group Earth, Wind and Fire, would perform at the college. Chicago news reporter Harry Porterfield and radio personality Herb “Cool Gent” Kent also visited the school in the early days. NBC Channel 5 news anchor Warner Saunders and Cong. Danny Davis (7th Dist.) taught classes there in the 1970s. A former member of the Harlem Globetrotters, John Wilson, would coach the men’s basketball team in the late ’70s.
Recognizing the need for updated facilities to meet the demands of the 21st century, the City of Chicago invested $251 million in a new state-of-the-art facility that opened in 2016. Adjacent to the United Center, this 500,000 square-foot campus is designed to train students for careers in healthcare. The facility boasts healthcare and general education courses, a virtual hospital, simulated healthcare technology, a dental hygiene clinic, smart technology in every classroom, a conference center, a daycare center, and a 1,500-space parking garage.
Focus on Healthcare and Career-Oriented Education
Malcolm X College distinguishes itself through its strong focus on healthcare education. Through its Beacon College for Health Science Education, MXC offers the largest selection of health science career degrees and certificate programs in Cook County, helping to meet the healthcare needs of the community. The college works with healthcare and industry partners to provide students with career-oriented education in the healthcare field. As the Center of Excellence in healthcare for City Colleges of Chicago, Malcolm X College prepares students for success in various healthcare careers.
Specialized courses are available for students who intend to enter immediate employment or upgrade their professional and technical skills.
Academics and Programs
Malcolm X College provides open admissions, welcoming all prospective students. Classes are held at the main campus on Van Buren St. and at the West Side Learning Center. The college offers a range of degree choices, including associate degrees in arts, general studies, applied science, and science. The associate in arts degree offers five different majors: business administration, English, history, psychology, and theater arts.
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The college also offers a variety of history courses, including:
- History of American People To 1865
- History of American People From 1865
- United States Labor History
- The Afro-American In American History
- Afro-American History Since 1865
- History Of Chicago Metropolitan Area
- Women In American History
- History of World Civilization to 1500
- Hist World Civiliz Frm 1500
- The History of the Mexican People
- Problems In History
- History & Culture Of China
- American Civil Rights Movement
- History of Latin America
- Latinx History
- Modern Middle East History
- Ancient History
- Modern European History 1500-1830
- Modern European History Since 1830
- The Far East in the Modern World
- African History to Colonial Period
- African History - Modern Period
- Topics in American History
Malcolm X College has established transfer agreements with some of the top universities in the United States, facilitating students' transition to four-year institutions.
Student Life and Athletics
Malcolm X College offers a vibrant student life with both men's and women's collegiate sports. The college has men's and women's basketball and cross country teams, as well as a men's soccer team and a women's volleyball team.
A Legacy Celebrated
Malcolm X College continues to honor its namesake and his commitment to education, justice, and equality. On May 19, Malcolm X College commemorated the 100th birthday of Malcolm X with a day of reflection, celebration, and inspiration. The celebration included inspirational keynote speakers, engaging panel discussions, live entertainment, and opportunities for community collaboration.
President David Sanders stated, “It’s both an honor and a privilege to reflect on the visionary leadership of this incredible figure. Malcolm X’s dedication to uplifting marginalized communities remains a guiding principle at our institution and a core value that we share and hold dear at our college." Mayor Brandon Johnson added, “Malcolm X’s unwavering pursuit of truth and transformation through knowledge remains a guide for all who strive to build a stronger community. I commend Malcolm X College for leading this meaningful celebration and for uplifting his legacy."
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Walking by Van Buren and Ogden on the West Side, visitors looking closely at the entrance sign along the walkway to Malcolm X College will see the carving of a fist, one of the school’s main symbols “back in the day.”
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