The Detroit Historical Society is launching the second round of The Hustle, its award-winning initiative honoring minority entrepreneurs and capturing Detroit’s business story as it unfolds.
The 30-month project will pair a new exhibition with panels, two Resource Summits, and celebratory events, including an Oscar-style announcement of honorees in June and the return of the Hustle Gala - complete with a dance floor.
“It’s part of our mission to collect current history, history that’s happening right now,” said Rebecca Salminen Witt, the society’s chief strategy and marketing officer. “People think about historical museums as the old, dusty stuff, but we want future generations to know how we lived and how the life they’re living came to be.”
Organizers are seeking a wide range of nominees - from barbers, stylists and makeup artists to caregivers, lawn crews, dog walkers and student side-hustlers - to reflect the neighborhood businesses that shape daily life in the city.
“These are the people who make life worth living here in the city,” Witt said. “Detroiters, we got hustle!”
Nominations are open through April 26 at detroithistorical.org/hustle, or in person via paper ballot at the Detroit Historical Museum.
To watch the segment, click on the video above.