2 Equals 12

2 Equals 12

Topic: Detroit MI

Detroit, Michigan has a rich history of African American culture, activism, and achievement. Here are some key points in Black history related to Detroit:

1. Great Migration: Like many cities in the northern United States, Detroit experienced a significant influx of African Americans during the Great Migration, a period from the early 20th century to the 1970s when millions of Black Americans moved from the rural South to urban areas in the North. This migration played a crucial role in shaping Detroit's African American community and culture.

2. Motown Records: Detroit is known as the birthplace of Motown Records, the legendary record label founded by Berry Gordy Jr. in 1959. Motown became a powerhouse in the music industry, launching the careers of iconic artists such as Diana Ross and The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, and The Temptations. The Motown sound had a profound influence on American popular music and continues to be celebrated around the world.

3. Civil Rights Movement: Detroit was a significant hub for the Civil Rights Movement, with activists like Rosa Parks and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. making appearances and organizing protests in the city. In 1963, Dr. King delivered his famous "I Have A Dream" speech for the first time in Detroit, setting the stage for the historic March on Washington later that year.

4. Coleman A. Young: In 1974, Coleman A. Young was elected as Detroit's first African American mayor, becoming a trailblazer in the city's political history. Young served as mayor for an unprecedented five terms, from 1974 to 1994, and was known for his commitment to civil rights, urban renewal, and social justice.

5. Detroit's Black business community: Over the years, Detroit has been home to a thriving Black business community, with entrepreneurs like Ossian Sweet, Madam C.J. Walker, and Berry Gordy Jr. making significant contributions to the city's economy and culture. Today, Detroit continues to be a hub for Black entrepreneurship and innovation.

Overall, Detroit's Black history is a testament to the resilience, creativity, and achievements of African Americans in the face of challenges and adversity. The city's vibrant cultural heritage and legacy of activism continue to inspire future generations.