Local, National, and International Artists Bring Lasting Pieces of Art To Basketball Courts At Roxbury’s Malcolm X Park

By Tiffany Williams –

Malcolm X Park, also known as Washington Park, is located in the Roxbury section of Boston between Dale Street and MLK Jr. Boulevard. It is the largest and most programmed recreational park in Roxbury, with a rich history dating back 157 years to its establishment in 1867. In 1971, the park underwent major renovations, and in October 2023, the City of Boston announced a $9.8 million project for further upgrades, focusing on accessibility, equity, art, and athletics at Malcolm X Park.

A groundbreaking ceremony took place on October 17, 2023, with Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, Rodnell Collins (Malcolm X’s nephew and president of the Malcolm X–Ella L. Little-Collins Family Foundation), the Friends and Stewards of Malcolm X Park, youth sports teams, and the Boston Parks and Recreation Department in attendance.

The renovation project includes new children’s play equipment, improved lighting and accessibility, renovated courts, and expanded community spaces. Notably, art is being integrated into this historical public space, with local, national, and international artists transforming the basketball courts as a major part of the project.

“A strong, dedicated team can help you achieve the dream,” reflected Rob ‘ProBlak’ Gibbs. “This isn’t the work of just one person; this piece reflects who we are, who cares, and how we were raised. Together, we’ve created something lasting—a heartfelt testament to our Love and commitment to a place we call home. We were raised to care deeply about our community, and we’re not just building something functional; we’re building something purposeful. Something that speaks to the heart of this area, something for the youth to inherit. This is Roxbury Love, Breathing Life into this destination for years to come.”

The theme for court one, “Give Them Their Flowers,” is a creative vision by Roxbury-native Rob ‘ProBlak’ Gibbs and his team of Boston artists. The mural celebrates the city and its people, paying homage to the contributions, achievements, struggles, and successes of individuals. The prominent “X” running across the court is a reference to both Malcolm X and Gibbs’ beloved neighborhood.

Court two’s theme, “Anything Under The Suns,” is inspired by Malcolm X’s powerful words about freedom. Artist Sydney G. James led an all-female team to create a striking mural celebrating the connection between Detroit and Roxbury while honoring Malcolm X’s teachings on freedom.

The theme for court three, “X-Legacy,” is a collaboration between a Boston-based team and international partners, creating a hybrid collage between the legacy of Malcolm X and the resilience and transformative power of the Roxbury community.

These murals derive their name from the historic house at 72 Dale Street, the former home of civil rights activist Ella Little-Collins, who was instrumental in founding a mosque and setting up its day-care center. Malcolm X, her younger brother and influential civil rights leader, also lived there during his teenage years and returned at various times later in life.

The Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture worked with mural consultant Street Theory to bring these murals to the park through the Percent for Art program, which sets aside one percent of the City’s annual capital borrowing budget for the commissioning of public art.

“Public art builds community around our city’s history, culture, and connections,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “The addition of these murals to the beloved Malcolm X Park in Roxbury serves as a reminder of how important it is to have art in all spaces and neighborhoods in our City. Community gathering spaces like Malcolm X Park encourage multi-generational connection, bring enjoyment for residents, and call to mind the ways in which our history was shaped by leaders of the past. I’m grateful for the many creative minds who worked to bring this project to life.”

To celebrate the new murals, the Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture and the Department of Parks and Recreation will host a community celebration at the courts on Saturday, October 19, 2024, featuring music, food, and family-friendly activities from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.