“I had never been so impressed with anybody.” This is what Malcolm X said about his half-sister, teacher, and mentor Ella Collins. Ella played a role of great importance not just in Malcolm’s life, but in the history of Islam in America. Were it not for Ella, the development of the American Muslim community would have been much slower, and Malcolm would likely never have found Islam.
Ella was born in Georgia in 1914. As a young woman, she moved to New York, where she worked for Black congressman Adam Clayton Powell. She eventually moved to Boston, where she became a successful businesswoman. She also got involved in civil rights initiatives and community projects. Ella invited then-teenager Malcolm to come live with her in Boston. Recalling this time, Malcolm would later write: “No physical move in my life has been more pivotal or profound in its repercussions. All praise is due to Allah that I went to Boston when I did.”
Ella’s strength, intelligence, and character made a powerful impression on Malcolm. Even during his time on the streets, Ella’s words always held weight in his mind. After Malcolm’s release from prison, both he and Ella joined the Nation of Islam. In 1959, five years before Malcolm would do so, Ella found orthodox Islam. Using the wealth she acquired through her business acumen, Ella funded Malcolm’s life-changing pilgrimage to Mecca in 1964. She also established the Sarah A. Little School of Preparatory Arts in Boston, one of the first Islamic schools of its kind in America. Students at the school were taught the Quran, the Arabic and Swahili languages, and other subjects.
Ella Collins was an American Muslim trailblazer. Her dedication to supporting and advancing the Muslim community through activism and education inspires us to do the work we do.