Artist Planned Detroit Statue of Malcolm X
Mario Moore intends to install a 14-foot monument of the civil rights leader within the city's Dexter/Linwood neighborhood.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in African-American
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Detroit artist Mario Moore has proposed a 14-foot statue of Malcolm X for the Dexter/Linwood community. The project aims to establish a dedicated park to house the monument as a permanent fixture of local historical preservation.
Why it matters
Moore views Detroit as the most fitting location to honor the legacy of Malcolm X, who famously practiced at the city's Temple No. 1. The initiative serves as a physical commitment to documenting the history of the civil rights movement.
The proposed monument stands 14 feet tall and is currently supported by one-quarter of the necessary total funding. Capital is being collected for the site development through the Canfield Consortium.
The players
Mario Moore
He is a Detroit-based artist who seeks to memorialize civil rights figures through public sculpture.
Malcolm X
He was a prominent civil rights leader who spent significant time in Detroit while practicing at Temple No. 1.
Canfield Consortium
This organization is responsible for managing the collection of funds for the monument project.
President Donald Trump
He is the current President of the United States who signed an executive order in March 2025 regarding American history.
The details
Mario Moore is leading the effort to transform a plot in the Dexter/Linwood area into a park centered around the Malcolm X monument. The artist uses his work to engage with local history, drawing on personal connections from his time as a student at Malcolm X Academy.
Timeline
Mario Moore attended the Malcolm X Academy during the 1990s.
President Donald Trump signed an executive order regarding American history in March 2025.
Culture Shift
The push to install public monuments reflects a broader societal movement toward localized historical preservation and the reclaiming of neighborhood narratives. This trend highlights a shift away from nationalized commemorative standards in favor of hyper-local community tributes.
Residents of the Dexter/Linwood community may see a shift in local land use as the proposed park development moves forward. Donors interested in the project can contribute through the Canfield Consortium as fundraising efforts continue.
The takeaway
The project underscores the power of local artists to shape the physical landscape of their neighborhoods through personal historical connections. It highlights the importance of sustained community financial support for public art initiatives in city centers.
Further reading
For more on local historical initiatives, explore the African-American section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WDET 101.9 FM.
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