Malcolm X College

In 1911, a seed was planted. Crane Junior College, the first of the City Colleges of Chicago, opened its doors. This was the very first sprout of what would eventually blossom into Malcolm X College. Malcolm X College stands as a testament to the power of education and community. It’s a place where dreams are nurtured and futures are forged. Originally named Crane Junior College, this institution has weathered storms, faced closures, and risen from the ashes, much like the phoenix. During the Great Depression, financial hardship threatened to extinguish its flame. But thanks to the impassioned pleas of Clarence Darrow, the college survived, reborn as Theodor Herzl Junior College. The college found a new home in North Lawndale, on Chicago’s West Side. It played a crucial role during World War II, training thousands of Navy personnel in the Electronics Training Program. But the story doesn’t end there. The community voiced a desire for change, a reflection of the changing times. In 1968, the college was renamed Malcolm X College, honoring the civil rights leader and orator. The college moved to its current location on West Jackson Boulevard. A sleek, modernist-inspired campus designed by Gene Summers, an associate of Mies van der Rohe, was erected at 1900 West Van Buren in 1971. This building echoed the architectural style of the nearby Illinois Institute of Technology campus, also designed by van der Rohe. Fast forward to 2016. A gleaming, state-of-the-art facility arose next to the United Center. This $251 million project, complete with a 1,500-space parking garage, marked a new era for Malcolm X College. Today, Malcolm X College is a beacon of opportunity, focusing on healthcare education and career pathways. Partnering with institutions like Rush University Medical Center, it provides students with real-world experience and job placement assistance. The college’s legacy continues. From its humble beginnings as Crane Junior College to its current incarnation as a leading healthcare educator, Malcolm X College has always adapted, evolved, and served the needs of its community. It stands as a symbol of perseverance, transformation, and the enduring power of education.