Beyond the Mosque: Radical Preservation and the Social Fabric of Masjid Malcolm Shabazz

Title: Beyond the Mosque: Radical Preservation and the Social Fabric of Masjid Malcolm Shabazz
Creator: Abid, Nabiha; Magueta, Alice
Date: 2024-12-09
Description: Final Assignment for ARCH 73100 (Fall 2024)
Language: English
Temporal Coverage: Maysles Documentary Center; Masjid Malcolm Shabazz; Lenox Avenue; Lenox Casino; Culture
Abstract: Located at the heart of Harlem, the building now known as Masjid Malcolm Shabazz boasts a rich and multifaceted history that reflects the neighborhood’s dynamic cultural and political landscape. Originally constructed at 1 East 117th Street by Rosenblum, the four-story brick and stone structure was completed in the early 20th century at an initial cost of $100,000. Its earliest recorded use was as the Lenox Casino, a venue shrouded in intrigue and historical significance. In its prime, the Lenox Casino served as a theatrical performance space and a frequent meeting place for the Socialist Party during the 1920s. Its colorful past also includes a 1912 police raid for screening “illegal films,” as reported by The New York Times. This event drew notable politicians to the audience, further cementing the building’s position as a site of cultural and political importance in Harlem’s rich history.