I was born and raised in the city of Detroit, Michigan. During the 2010 census, the population of Detroit declined as did the population of many urban cities. This decline in population has spurred a great deal of attention locally, nationally, and internationally. I believe this is a wonderful time to be a Detroiter. There is no doubt Detroit is in the midst of a reformation, but this period of transition brings with it a great deal of opportunity for those of us willing to reinvent ourselves, our communities, and our economic base.
I travel across the United States 3-4 times a year, and have had the opportunity to visit many different cities with diverse populations and cultures. When individuals ask me where I am from I always enthusiastically proclaim Detroit, Michigan! I was amazed when I recently learned there are three other cities in the United States that carry Detroit in their name. When I conducted research on the cities name Detroit I learned they are each very unique; the other cities named Detroit are located in the states of Minnesota, Illinois, and Oregon. While I have been to each of these states, I have never been to their Detroit.
I like to share with you my personal experiences growing up in Detroit, Michigan. My Detroit taught me the importance of family, hard work, commitment, and how to have fun and enjoy life. I grew up in Detroit in the 1970s, and my Detroit was marked by incredible experiences I will never forget. I remember pony rides and the Giant Slide on Belle Isle, riding the Boblo Boat on the Detroit River, shopping during Downtown Detroit Days, eating tasty submarine sandwiches at the counter in Kresge, sitting on Santa's lap during Christmas season at Hudson's. I remember the spirit of '76 when everyone in the neighborhoods across the city of Detroit would help clean the city, block by block. I remember go-kart racing with my brother and sister on a go-kart we built by hand. I remember going to the movies downtown and drinking Faygo Red Pop (not soda, in Detroit we call it pop) and eating Better Made potato chips. I remember my oldest sister taking my younger siblings and me to the Bellaire Drive-In to see our first drive-in movie. I remember when real fruit trucks would drive up from the south and find their way to our neighborhood where my parents would purchase fresh fruit each week–this was the sweetest fruit I have ever had, even as an adult! I remember Detroit Tigers games and being able to see the glow of the Stadium lights and hear the roar of the crowd from my front porch. I remember listening to the Tigers games on the radio on my front porch with my dad, I even remember waiting outside Tiger Stadium following a game to meet Dave Winfield, he was a New York Yankee at the time. I also remember during the summer having the City of Detroit's Swimmobile (an open top giant truck that had an actual swimming pool inside with a lifeguard) in my neighborhood and the Detroit Public Library's Bookmobile (a large truck that would arrive in the neighborhoods biweekly with books that residents could check-out and return to the neighborhood library or to the Bookmobile). I remember when the Detroit Police Department's Blue Pigs Band would perform at our neighborhood school, I also remember block club parties and playing all day with other neighborhood children until I passed out at night. I remember when all neighborhood children had to be home before the street lights came on, this signified the day was over and it was time for dinner with the family.
While my Detroit is best know for innovations in the automobile industry, and the incredible Motown sound, many people do not know Detroit was one of the final stops along the Underground Railroad, a historical route slaves took to escape slavery in the southern United States. The Underground Railroad is located in Second Baptist Church (located in Detroit's Greektown area) and the First Congregational Church of Detroit (located in Midtown Detroit). Today, each church offers tours for those interested in African American history and the pursuit of freedom.
I have many incredible memories of my Detroit and know what Detroit can become again. I love my Detroit and I am proud to be a part of its history and future! As you plan your next vacation, consider visiting my Detroit. I am sure you will love it and will return home with fantastic memories of your experiences.
