Detroit, Michigan has a rich history in the African American experience. One significant aspect of Detroit's Black history is its role in the Great Migration, the mass movement of African Americans from the rural South to the urban North during the 20th century. Detroit was a major destination for many Black migrants seeking better economic opportunities and escape from racial segregation.

In the early 20th century, Detroit's Black population grew significantly, with many African Americans finding work in the city's booming auto industry. Despite facing discrimination and segregation, Black Detroiters established vibrant communities and cultural institutions, contributing to the city's diverse cultural landscape.

During the Civil Rights Movement, Detroit was a key battleground for racial justice. In 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech at Detroit's Cobo Hall. The city also experienced one of the deadliest and most destructive race riots in American history in 1967, known as the Detroit Rebellion, which exposed deep racial tensions and inequalities in the city.

Throughout the decades, Detroit has been home to influential Black leaders, activists, artists, and musicians who have left a lasting impact on the city and the broader African American community. Notable figures from Detroit's Black history include legendary Motown founder Berry Gordy, civil rights activist Rosa Parks, labor leader Coleman Young (Detroit's first African American mayor), and musical icons like Aretha Franklin and Diana Ross.

Today, Detroit continues to be an important center of Black culture and heritage, with vibrant neighborhoods, cultural institutions, and events that celebrate the city's diverse and resilient African American community.