On Sept. 21, Southeast Washington witnessed a historic moment as Malcolm X Elementary School @ Green reopened after a $67 million transformation funded by the District. The ceremony brought together students, parents, local officials and the late civil‑rights leader’s family, underscoring the community‑first spirit of the project.
Community leaders and families celebrate
Mayor Muriel Bowser, Ward 8 Councilmember Trayon White, D.C. Public Schools (DCPS) officials and DGS Director Delano Hunter addressed the crowd. Bowser called the new campus a fulfillment of a promise to the Ward 8 community, noting that the school now “breathes new life” into the neighborhood.
Ambassador Attallah Shabazz, the eldest daughter of Malcolm X, delivered heartfelt remarks, urging residents to view her father’s famous phrase “by any means necessary” as a call to purposeful action, personal responsibility and collective achievement rather than confrontation.
State‑of‑the‑art facilities for students and families
The renovated campus at 1500 Mississippi Avenue SE more than doubles its footprint, expanding from 42,000 to 85,000 square feet. New features include bright, technology‑rich classrooms, artistic murals, a demonstration kitchen, a child‑care center and energy‑efficient infrastructure. The child‑care center is part of DCPS’s broader effort to expand early‑childhood education within school buildings.
Principal Zara Berry‑Young emphasized that the modern environment is designed to help students “imagine possibilities beyond their immediate surroundings.” Fifth‑grader Jalea Leggett thanked city leaders for investing in the school’s future, while classmate Aiden Evans echoed Malcolm X’s belief that education opens doors to opportunity.
Art, history and community partnerships
Artist Jay F. Coleman unveiled a bronze sculpture titled “Malcolm the Educator,” portraying the civil‑rights icon as a father, educator and world traveler. Coleman hopes the piece will invite youth to explore Black history and the importance of reading.
DCPS Interim Chancellor Dr. Kim Jackson highlighted recent academic gains, noting significant improvements in mathematics proficiency and more than 35 community partnerships that provide families with resources beyond the classroom.
Looking ahead
Ward 8 residents recall that the school once faced possible closure due to structural problems, leaking ceilings and faulty announcement systems. Today, DGS Director Delano Hunter said the building stands as a testament to collaborative planning, public‑art integration and a commitment to honoring the campus’s rich legacy.
The celebration marked not only the completion of a construction project but also a reaffirmation of educational equity, family support and the enduring legacy of Malcolm X in a neighborhood that has long fought to preserve its local school.
Original reporting: The Washington Informer — read the source article.
