5 Detroit sites recognized as historic for role in Civil Rights Movement
DETROIT โ Five places in Detroit have been officially deemed historic for their role in the Civil Rights Movement. The Civil Rights Movement sought to demand equality for African Americans in the North as much as in the South,โ said Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer Martha MacFarlane-Faes. โBy listing these sites, the National Register recognizes Detroitโs significant role in the growth of the movement. Officials say these five sites now join nearly 2,000 existing historic sites in Michigan that are listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The newly-selected sites were chosen by a 14-person Civil Rights advisory committee comprised of local historians familiar with Detroitโs Black history, as well as staff members from the State Historic Preservation Office and Detroitโs Historic Designation Advisory Board, officials said.
Classical musicians aim to motivate Detroit voters with virtual concert
DETROIT โ A group of classical musicians are using their talents to encourage Detroiters to vote in the presidential election on Tuesday. Musician Alycia Wilder-Mollison and her string quartet are partnering with Declare Detroit to hold a virtual concert on Sunday in an effort to inspire people to vote. Francis Grunow with Declare Detroit says the group has been working tirelessly to encourage Detroit residents to vote and make their voices heard in the 2020 General Election. Wilder-Mollison says she, her string quartet and a vocalist will play the gospel song โWe Shall Overcome," which became an anthem during the Civil Rights Movement. Related: Barack Obama, Stevie Wonder to campaign with Joe Biden in Detroit, Flint on Halloween
New interactive bike tour highlights Detroit landmarks in civil rights movement
DETROIT โ A new interactive bike tour launched by the Michigan State Historic Preservation Office highlights some of the most historically significant sites during the civil rights movement in Detroit. The bike tour is part of a larger project to identify and document historically significant sites in Detroit relating to the 20th Century African American Civil Rights movement. The project is funded through an African American Civil Rights program grant by the National Park Service (NPS). โThe places associated with the struggle for African American civil rights in the city of Detroit represent a particularly fragile class of resource. The bike tour will also be accessible from the SHPOโs website for the civil rights project.
John Lewis documentary to have special screenings in Detroit
DETROIT Many people may not be aware of the close ties, the late Congressman John Lewis had to Detroit, but theres a chance to learn more about that with a special screening of a documentary about the life of the Civil Rights Icon. READ: Remembering John Lewis: Michigan leaders pay tribute to civil rights iconThursday, many will gather at the Detroit Association of Black Organizations to honor John Lewis, through a documentary called Good Trouble. Reverend Horace Sheffield with the Detroit Association of Black Organizations said theyre showcasing the life of John Lewis in style. Thursday, they will debut the documentary Good Trouble at the centers parking lot, with actress Erika Alexander to present the film, Erika Alexander is a very good friend of mine. DABO Sheffield Center parking lot12048 Grand River (corner of Grand River and Wyoming)Detroit , MI 48204RELATED: Rights activists, political leaders mourn Rep. John Lewis
Remembering John Lewis: Michigan leaders pay tribute to iconic civil rights leader
DETROIT Congressman John Lewis, a civil rights icon, has died at the age of 80 on Friday after a six-month battle with stage four pancreatic cancer. The youngest and last surviving member of the Big Six civil rights activists, Lewis dedicated his life to fighting for equality. Leaders react to passing of civil rights iconMichigan Governor Gretchen WhitmerCongressman John Lewis was a civil rights legend who stood firmly on the front lines of our nations history. He touched the hearts of America as a Civil Rights icon in this country for decades. I will forever remember his stories of the Civil Rights movement, constant words of encouragement and the reminder to get into good trouble.
Detroit man uses own home to honor Black victims of violence
DETROIT A front yard on Detroits west side is filled with 42 Black faces placed on crosses. Behind them is the message Black Lives Matter.Its really a powerful image. Each picture is someone who died during the Black Lives Matter or Civil Rights Movement. People have come by in cars, and walking by, and stopped to pay respect, pay tribute and honor their lives Thorne said. I am just so overwhelmed and Im just so glad that Im smiling and Ill probably be smiling all day.