What is the importance of Lansing, Michigan in X: A Novel?

Malcolm grows up in Lansing, Michigan, a relatively rural city that was very segregated at this time. The Littles first house was burned down by the Klu Klux Klan because Earl Little built on land in a white neighborhood. Earl is later murdered in Lansing, thrown in front of a streetcar by Klan members. Malcolm's light-skinned mother Louise was fired from her job when her employer realized she was, in fact, black. Malcolm and his siblings are frequently called the n-word by neighbors, and even friends. Malcolm is quick to leave Lansing behind when Ella invites him to Boston, and he cannot understand why his siblings would choose to stay.